News in Brief January 2010
Fines for Blue Badge fraudsters
Three people pleaded guilty on 20 January to charges of misusing Blue Badges, following proceedings brought by Hackney Council.
The prosecutions, at Thames Magistrates Court in Bow, were the first made by the Council since the establishment of an anti-fraud team to crack down on people who abuse the Blue Badge disabled parking scheme.
Elaine Folivi, 61, of Victoria Park Road, E9, pleaded guilty to three charges of misuse of a Blue Badge and received a conditional discharge of 12 months as well as being ordered to pay costs of £504.
Anna Luckhurst, 36, of Cranbrook Road, IG1, also pleaded guilty to three charges of Blue Badge misuse and was given a 12-month conditional discharge and costs of £504 to pay.
Peter Smith, 72, of Thorne Close, E11, pleaded guilty to one offence of using a photocopied Blue Badge. He was fined a total of £120 plus £15 surcharge and costs of £336.
Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
“The Council takes the abuse of Blue Badges extremely seriously. The prosecutions, brought to court by our dedicated team of Blue Badge fraud investigators, send out a clear message that those abusing blue badges will not get away with it.”
To find out about the rules of Blue Badge use; or to report suspicions of fraud, call: 020 8356 8866; or email: bluebadgefraud@hackney.gov.uk
25 January 2010
High on gay friendly index
Hackney is one of the top-10 gay-friendly councils in the country, according to Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index.
The 2010 Index, which showcases Britain’s top-100 employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, ranks Hackney at number 43, the third highest rating for a London authority, and 10th highest of all councils.
Hackney is one of only five London boroughs to make it into the Index, and one of 24 nationwide.
Deputy Mayor of Hackney, Cllr Karen Alcock, whose portfolio covers Equalities, said: “The Council is committed to ensuring a workplace environment free from discrimination, and where all staff can reach their potential.
We know that Hackney is a diverse borough, and being recognised within Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index is a clear demonstration of the Council’s commitment to promoting equality for all.”
Rankings in the index are based on a survey from Stonewall covering policy and practice, which is designed to provide an accurate sample of workplace culture.
The Council also participates in Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, which aims to promote LGB equality in the workplace and eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Hackney will be celebrating LGBT History Month with a series of events in February.
25 January 2010
North London Line closure
Residents are invited to attend information sessions about the temporary closure of Hackney’s North London Line (NLL) stations from 20 February to 1 June.
Staff from the NLL will be on hand to answer questions at Dalston Kingsland Station on 28 January; at Hackney Central and Homerton stations on 1 February; and at Hackney Wick Station on 2 February.
All sessions take place from 4.30-7.30pm.
During the closure rail replacement bus service are due to run every 20 minutes, six days a week, serving all NLL stations in Hackney. On Sundays this will be reduced to two buses an hour. Transport for London (TfL) said the closure from Gospel Oak to Stratford is necessary so it can carry out major engineering works ahead of the introduction of longer trains and more frequent services.
For info call 0845 601 4867; email: overground@tfl.gov.uk; or visit: www.tfl.gov.uk/overground
25 January 2010
Shoreditch high line proposal
A new lease of life is being planned for the historic Bishopsgate Goods Yard, which has been disused for 40 years.
Up to 2,000 new homes, including family and affordable housing, along with a health centre, community facilities and employment space, are part of the vision for the site’s future regeneration in new planning guidance.
An exciting feature of proposed development will be the creation of a high-level public park above the Grade II listed Braithwaite Viaduct, with links to existing green spaces such as Allen Gardens. This would create a Shoreditch version of the famous New York High Line park, with up to 1.7 hectares of open space created for the community.
The 4.7 hectare site will be home to the new Shoreditch High Street Station on the extended East London line when it reopens in the summer.
Hackney and Tower Hamlets Councils and the Mayor of London approved the planning guidance to ensure future development is of high quality and enhances the area.
25 January 2010
Protecting history
The Council has taken the unusual step of designating a new conservation area ahead of consulting residents – so that it can safeguard the unique character and architecture of Hackney Wick.
The implementation of the area, which lies immediately north of Hackney Wick Station, is a result of concerns that its proximity to the 2012 Olympic Park could see it come under significant pressure from developers.
This is only the second time the Council has taken such a step, and means it can prevent historic buildings being demolished or inappropriate new development in an area that is characterised by a cluster of historic industrial buildings.
The new conservation area is part of the Council’s effort to guide future developments in the area. A public consultation on a draft masterplan for Hackney Wick is running until 9 Feb. The final version will sit alongside the Hackney Wick Conservation Area Appraisal. The two documents combined will set out clear planning guidance for any proposed development.
For the survey and more info call: 020 8356 8150; or visit the Hackney Wick page.
11 January 2010
Bill in the box
Should you spot a shipping container in the middle of Shoreditch, take a closer look.
‘Caveman Bill’ in Hackney Recreational Ground is an art exhibition about a man who has lived in a cave in the Yukon, Canada, for 15 years. Bill became an inspiration for artist Tom Wolseley who met him while working abroad.
Tom has made a video of Caveman Bill’s life from a unique 360 degree angle. The footage moves round and round the cave, while Bill narrates over the top if it.
Bill is never actually seen, but visitors to the installation can hear him tell stories about the cave.
Tom said: “To me he represents a romantic, almost fictional figure. In reality his life is both romantic and quite everyday. This combination questions the way we stereotype people and objects.”
The project has been developed with local organisation the ROOM Gallery, with support from the Council.
Caveman Bill remains on show at Hackney Recreational Ground, off Hackney Road, until February 21.
11 January 2010
Puppy plea
The Council’s animal warden is reminding residents that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.
Hackney’s Stray Dogs Service expects to have picked up 150 dogs by the end of March, up from 126 last year, and 19 in 2007/08.
The number of abandoned and stray dogs normally increases around Christmas and Bonfire Night, and in the school summer holidays, with Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dogs the most likely to be abandoned.
Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Looking after a dog can be very hard work, making demands on your time, finances and patience. I would ask people to think very carefully before entering into this commitment. If you feel you are unable to cope, the Council can provide advice on dog training or rehousing.”
The Council aims to reunite strays with their owners within seven days, after which they are sent to Battersea Dogs Home. To report strays, call the Animal Warden on: 020 8985 5930; for out-of-hours requests call: 08444 828 337.
11 January 2010
Live your dream on stage
The borough’s talented youngsters will be taking to the stage at the Hackney Empire to launch Discover Young Hackney 2010 this month.
Live competition ‘I’m In 3: Live the Dream’ on 22 January is set to be the first diary event for the annual youth arts and culture festival.
Discover Young Hackney, which runs until the end of February, is a chance for local 12 to 18-year-olds to take part in artistic and cultural activities for free: from filmmaking and graphic design to writing and performing drama.
For more information, call: 020 8356 4261; or visit: www.discoveryounghackney.com, and the Discover Young Hackney page.
11 January 2010
Transforming Clissold House
As work starts on the Council’s multi-million pound redevelopment of Clissold Park and House, some changes to services are taking place.
In preparation for the restoration of the 19th century Clissold House, the cafe will close and be replaced by a temporary facility offering hot and cold refreshments in the bandstand area by the playground. Also in January, new temporary accommodation for the tennis club and Park Rangers will be created.
Find out more about the scheme via park noticeboards or visit the Clissold Restoration Project page.
11 January 2010
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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