News in Brief February 2010
Sand of God?
With the South Africa 2010 World Cup now only four months away, football fever of a different nature is set to take hold closer to home.
In June, Shoreditch Park is set to host a televised international beach soccer tournament, with fixtures scheduled to coincide with World Cup matches and shown on a 30sq ft screen. The tournament will be played in a temporary stadium holding 1,000 tons of sand, 4,000 spectator seats and a range of interactive games and exhibitions. There will be beach soccer coaching, with introductory sessions for all ages and abilities.
Cllr Nargis Khan, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “The timing means the local community can enjoy a true shared party atmosphere not just for the international fixtures happening here on the sand, but also those being contested at the same time in South Africa.”
22 February 2010
Dalston traffic congestion eased
Traffic diversions around Dalston Lane between Graham Road and Kingsland Road are set to be removed at the end of this month.
Major works to extend the East London Line to Highbury & Islington started in March 2009, closing Dalston Lane to westbound traffic. Vehicles were diverted to allow engineers to complete the second of four phases of bridge works outside the new Dalston Junction station between Ashwin Street and Kingsland High Street.
Late last month, all traffic was diverted from the same section of Dalston Lane when it was closed for emergency utility works to repair a collapsed sewer.
These works are now complete and Dalston Lane eastbound is open to traffic. The westbound lane is expected to re-open by the end of this month.
For more travel news, including info about the Hackney section of the North London Line – which closed this month for major engineering works, expected to last until June – and tips for alternative routes, see the Transport News page.
22 February 2010
Hackney Empire public meeting
A public meeting about future plans for the Hackney Empire, due to take place this month, has been rescheduled for 11 March.
The meeting will be an opportunity to ask questions of a panel made up of Empire senior staff and its Board of Trustees, together with officers from the Arts Council and Hackney Council.
It will be independently chaired by leading arts professional, Jodi Myers, and will take place in the Empire’s main auditorium, Mare Street, E8, from 6.30-8pm. Admission is free.
If you can’t attend, email questions for possible inclusion to: info@hackneyempire.co.uk
22 February 2010
Join up for a business boost
More than 150 businesses attended the launch of a network that offers help and advice to increase their competitiveness.
Hackney Enterprise Network (HEN) gives support designed to help local entrepreneurs make new contacts, enter new markets, grow and fund their businesses. It is run by HBV Enterprise, on behalf of the Council.
Speakers at the Shoreditch Town Hall launch included Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe, who said: “I am pleased that the Council is able to offer this extra support to the small and medium sized businesses, which are at the heart of Hackney’s local economy.”
Richard Abbott, Chief Executive of HBV Enterprise, added:
“We aim to make Hackney Enterprise Network the gateway to all the right connections for Hackney’s businesses.”
To register an interest in joining HEN call: 020 7241 7066; email: hen@hbv.org.uk; or visit: www.hbv.org.uk
22 February 2010
Sign the rainbow pledge
Take time to sign a rainbow pledge as part of the Hackney and Tower Hamlets’ celebrations for Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month. The event on 25 February will be an opportunity to meet local people who stand up for their neighbours; and enjoy a performance from Stoke Newington School students; as well as signing the pledge to show support for members of the LGBT community who live, work and socialise in the area. Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney, and Joshua Peck, Deputy Leader of Tower Hamlets Council, will join the residents, students, and representatives of community and faith groups from 3-5pm at St Leonards Church, Shoreditch High Street, E1.
For info visit the LGBT page.
22 February 2010
Scrutinising issues that matter
Who holds Hackney decision-makers to account, and suggests ways of improving public services in the borough? This is the role of Hackney’s Scrutiny Commissions, committees of Councillors who work across party political lines to put the issues that matter under the spotlight.
Each year the five Scrutiny Commissions carry out reviews of issues suggested by residents through an annual survey.
Anyone can get involved, either by attending meetings, registering their opinions or recommending topics for future work. The Scrutiny Commissions are: Health in Hackney; Children and Young People; Governance and Resources; Living in Hackney; and Community Safety and Social Inclusion Scrutiny.
Last year’s survey showed crime was among the top priorities for residents, so two commissions jointly investigated anti-social behaviour on housing estates, and recommended improved means to tackle the issue.
To take part in the anonymous survey, visit the Scrutiny Residents Survey page.
22 February 2010
Masterplans for regeneration
Central Hackney and Dalston will receive another regenerative boost after masterplans to transform both town centres were adopted by the Council last month.
Following consultation with residents, community groups and businesses, the plans will guide growth and investment over the next 15 years, while protecting the distinctive character of both areas.
The Council is also now in the preliminary stages of drawing up a strategy to improve the north-west area of the borough and is inviting residents’ views on plans for Manor House, which include redeveloping the area around the Tube station.
Consultation events will take place on 9 February, 6-8pm, at Woodberry Down Primary School, N4; and 11 February, 6-8pm, at Stoke Newington West Reservoir Centre, N4.
For info, call: 020 8356 8047; email: strategic.delivery@hackney.gov.uk (including Manor House in the subject line); or visit the Manor House page.
8 February 2010
Services are on the move
Council services are on the move during the next few months, as part of a modernisation programme to make it easier for residents to access the help and information they need.
Council services including Housing Needs and Adults and Older People’s Services will be moving into Hackney Service Centre, at 1 Hillman Street.
The new, £48million development allows residents to do all their Council business in one central location, instead of traipsing between different offices, spread across the borough.
As part of the project local charity Disability Backup was asked to help make the building more accessible for people with disabilities. Co-ordinator, Catherine Love, said: “Disability Backup has really valued its involvement on this project. We are very impressed by the building.
The accessibility features are innovative and we’re pleased with the measures that have been put in place.”
Cllr Sophie Linden, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: “The Council is committed to providing high quality services for residents that are readily accessible, and the new service centre is part of a wider drive to improve customer service.”
8 February 2010
Archbishop’s blessing for 2012
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has backed the 2012 Games as a celebration of communities in London and throughout the world.
During a visit to the Olympic Park in East London on 4 February, the Archbishop met with site workers, plus children and residents from the five Olympic host boroughs.
He said: “It is very exciting today to see how the Games are a catalyst for change in this part of London and how they will deliver a lasting social, economic and sporting legacy.
“As a South African, I know how much sport can help bring different people and nations together.”
Awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his role in campaigning for the end of apartheid in South Africa, the Archbishop was in London to take part in the inaugural London 2012 Diversity and Inclusion speaker series.
8 February 2010
Fairtrade to a tea
A tea producer will speak about the benefits of fair wages to workers in developing countries as part of Fairtrade Fortnight from 22 February to 7 March.
Vinay Devaiah, from Thiashola Tea Estate in India, will be helping promote a nationwide drive to get one million people to swap to Fairtrade products this year.
He will also meet children from Jubilee Primary School, N16, which recently achieved Fairtrade status.
Councillor Ian Rathbone, Hackney’s Fairtrade co-ordinator, added that swapping everyday items for those with the Fairtrade mark can make a difference to lives in developing countries.
The talk is scheduled to take place at Hackney Library, E8, from 10.30am to 12noon, and includes a Fairtrade product tasting session.
Councillor Muttalip Unluer, the Speaker of Hackney, will also be in attendance to welcome visitors.
More info about Hackney Fairtrade
8 February 2010
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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