News in Brief July to September 2011
New entrance for London Fields Station unveiled
A new second entrance to London Fields Station has been opened to ease access.
A range of improvement works have been carried out at the station in recent months, including creating a second entrance into Martello Terrace, E8.
The aim of the works, which also include installation of internal and external CCTV, new information boards and signage, electronic departure boards, and new platform seating, is to boost the numbers of people using the station, which has already increased 10-fold over the last 15 years.
The new facilities have also resolved access issues on the park side of the station, removing the need to pass under the railway arches. For more info about public transport and travel in Hackney, visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/movegreener
5 September 2011
Hoxton Market goes vintage
Hoxton Street Market has added antiques and collectables to its stalls - and is offering reduced trading rates for students.
The Antique Forum Group will have a number of vintage stalls at the N1 market on the last Friday of every month. To attract younger traders, the forum will subsidise student stalls by 50 per cent, so the first month's rent is only £7.50 (on presentation of a student ID card).
The Council invited residents to have their say on the future of the market earlier this year. The consultation revealed strong support for setting up an antiques market as a new attraction for Hoxton Street.
The market is open 7.30am-6pm Monday to Saturday.
Anyone interested in setting up a stall selling antiques or vintage wares should contact the Council for more information. Call: 020 8356 3367; email: info@hackney.gov.uk; or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/markets
5 September 2011
Carry the torch for 2012 games
There is still time to become a torchbearer at next year's London 2012 Games. Eight thousand people will carry the Olympic flame through the UK over its 70-day journey next summer. However, the nomination deadline is this September.
Bearers of the torch, which was created by Shoreditch-based designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby (pictured right with Olympic triple jump gold medallist Jonathan Edwards), must be 12 years or older and will carry the torch for about 300 metres.
There are three opportunities available: for young people spreading good will in
local communities; inspirational people making a difference where they live; and local heroes who go the extra mile. Each has a deadline of 5, 12 and 30 September, respectively.
For more info, visit: www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay
8 August 2011
Hackney Homes heroes search
HACKNEY Homes is asking residents to nominate staff for its annual recognition scheme.
Whether a friendly face around the estate or someone who goes beyond the call of duty, the Hackney Homes Heroes Awards celebrates the efforts of staff from the organisation that manages Council housing in the borough. Appreciation can be shown for gardeners, cleaners, repair operatives or any other staff member that shows outstanding commitment to residents, is a role model to colleagues and receives positive feedback from residents. Nominations close on 9 September.
For more information, pick up a form in your neighbourhood office; call 020 8356 3527; or visit: www.hackneyhomes.org.uk
8 August 2011
Joint operation to crack down on suspected gangs
Dawn raids across Hackney and North East London resulted in the arrest of 23 people in a joint police and Council operation to target gang activity in the borough.
The arrests were the culmination of an 18-month long investigation run by Hackney Police with significant funding from the Council, 'focused on dismantling middle and higher tier gang members'.
The raids on 3 August were supported by 300 Met police officers and the Council's CCTV unit. Seizures included quantities of Class A drugs, mobile phones, cash and one suspected imitation firearm.
The operation forms part of a three-pronged strategy to tackle the issue of gangs, which also encompasses the work of Hackney's Integrated Gangs Intervention Project - a partnership between the police, Council, London Probation Trust and Hackney Homes - and the Met's Operation Trident.
Chief Superintendent Steve Bending, Hackney Police's Borough Commander, said: "I would like to thank the 300 officers from across London who were involved in this operation. It is also important that we acknowledge the role of Hackney Council, which has provided long-term support for this operation and a clear commitment to tackle gang-related criminality. Our joint work to combat gang violence will continue."
Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney, added: "Although crime in Hackney is at its lowest level for 12 years, we know residents remain concerned by the small minority of individuals who involve themselves in serious, violent and gang-related crime. Our significant financial investment in this operation, coupled with our ongoing, long-term support, demonstrates how serious we are about tackling organised crime and gangs in Hackney."
At the time of going to press, 18 people had appeared in court and been charged with a total of 170 offences following the raids.
8 August 2011
Warning: Council Tax scam in operation across the borough
Hackney's trading standards team is warning residents of a Council Tax scam currently operating in the borough.
The scam involves calls from individuals claiming to be from the Council or the Treasury. They then ask for bank details in order to collect a payment or issue a refund. In addition, some residents are being asked to make a 'charitable donation' through Western Union.
In most cases however, the Council Tax office only notifies residents of refunds in writing. If Council officers do ever contact residents by phone, they will already have the necessary information to issue a refund and will not ask residents to confirm their bank details.
If in any doubt, residents are asked to take the caller's name and extension number and check they are genuine by calling the Council on: 020 8356 3000, then asking to be put through to the extension.
If someone claims they are from the Council and you are due for a refund, it will be a scam. If this happens, call: 020 8356 4929; or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/council-tax-scam
8 August 2011
OAP manslaughter verdict
A man has been found guilty of the manslaughter of a pensioner in her Stamford Hill home.
Kuba Dlugosz, 33, was found guilty at the Old Bailey on 23 June of manslaughter and burglary. He will be sentenced at a later date.
Eveline Kelmenson, 83, was left bound and gagged on the bedroom floor in her nightclothes after her home in Leweston Place was burgled on 27 November 2008.
Her wedding ring, a gold necklace and key pendant were taken, and her property ransacked, before she was abandoned. She died of hypothermia and her body lay undiscovered for five weeks.
Police were called to the property on 1 January 2009, after concerns were raised for Miss Kelmenson's safety. Dlugosz was arrested and subsequently charged on 28 July 2010.
Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Hill, who led the investigation, said: "Miss Kelmenson must have been absolutely terrified the night Dlugosz entered her home and restrained her on the floor. As he left her property, carrying her valued possessions, he didn't spare one single thought for her welfare. The determination and tenacity of all those involved in the investigation has helped to secure the conviction of a ruthless and wicked individual. I can only hope that this result today brings some solace to Eveline's family."
4 July 2011
Love London Fields
A series of awareness days have been taking place as part of a Council campaign to encourage residents to 'Love London Fields' this summer.
Council staff, police and safer neighbourhoods teams will next be patrolling on 6 August to encourage people to use recycling and waste bins, and ensure any barbecues are on stands in a designated area - which is being trialled at the Broadway Market end of the park. People barbecuing outside the area will be asked to move. Action will also be taken to tackle any anti-social behaviour or illegal trading
in London Fields.
The Council is conducting a survey on the barbecue area trial. For Love London Fields info and to respond to the consultation, visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/londonfields; call: 020 8356 4899; or email: consultation@hackney.gov.uk
4 July 2011
Young apprentice?
Three Hackney Homes apprentices have been making the most of an opportunity to work on the Woodberry Down regeneration programme.
Nathaniel Gordon, Jack Johnson and Ricky Walker are in their third year of a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). They have been learning a number of trades and putting their new skills into practice.
The Woodberry Works partnership, led by Manor House Development Trust, helped the apprentices link up with developer Berkeley Homes, which is carrying out the 20-year regeneration programme of the estate in partnership with the Council and Genesis Housing Group. Nathaniel said: "This is a fantastic opportunity. We have learnt so much and each day we work, we pick up a different skill."
Hackney Homes is currently recruiting to three positions for apprentices in the electrical, carpentry and gas trades. If you are aged 16 to 18 and would like to apply, call: 020 8356 6935 for more info about eligibility.
4 July 2011
Newshound?
Eight places are up for grabs on a course for aspiring adult journalists.
The seven-week 'Mapping the Change' journalism training programme takes place in early Autumn. With help from experienced journalists, participants will learn to identify and shape a story. Applicants must be over 18 and live, work, study or receive services in Hackney. They need computer skills and an interest in journalism and local history.
Mapping the Change is the Council's history project about the impact of the 2012 Games. The course will be based at Hackney Museum, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and run by Words of Colour Productions.
Deadline for applications is 2pm on 25 July. For full details and to apply, visit: www.wordsofcolour.co.uk; alternatively call: 020 7288 6255; or email: info@wordsofcolour.co.uk; for Mapping The Change info visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/mapping-the-change
4 July 2011
Page updated: 11 Oct 2011
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