News in Brief November 2009
Find your family history
A new project is hoping to document residents’ ancestry by exploring the relationship between local people, the borough and the wider world.
Hackney Routes is a free scheme that will work with individuals and families of all backgrounds with a strong connection to the borough. The project aims to document memories, which can include early recollections of the borough, stories passed down through generations, or even first travels back to the ‘homeland’ by descendants.
The project will culminate with the publication of these case studies online, with the possible development of a local family history network. The first workshop, on 26 November, will focus on people from African and Caribbean descent.
To register, email: cheryl.bowen@hackney.gov.uk; or call: 020 8356 3500
16 November 2009
A boost for the future
A sport and mentoring scheme has been launched aimed at boosting the prospects of unemployed adults from Woodberry Down estate.
‘Adventures in Learning’ will combine activities such as sailing, rock climbing and canoeing with wider work and teaching advice for people aged 19-plus who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or those suffering or recovering from mild mental illnesses.
It is hoped the increased activity will lead to improved physical and mental wellbeing and boost confidence. The project will also raise awareness of opportunities in further learning, qualifications and employment. Martin Bloomfield, one of the first people to sign up, said: “I’m learning new things all the time and really getting into climbing.” For details or bookings, call: 020 8356 2230, email: leisuresports@hackney.gov.uk; or visit the Sports and Leisure page.
16 November 2009
Hackney icon for 2012
The Hackney Empire has been chosen by residents as a landmark to represent the area in the run-up to the London 2012 Games.
The Empire will feature on one of 33 ‘Landmark London’ pin badges that will represent Hackney as one of the five Olympic and Paralympic boroughs. During the summer, the Council teamed up with the London 2012 Organising Committee and London Councils to ask residents to vote for their favourite local landmark. Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney, said: “The Empire is a much loved icon. Its return to full programming later next year should place it centre stage in London's Cultural Olympiad.”
16 November 2009
Go-ahead for development
A new development at Bishop’s Place in Shoreditch has been approved by Hackney’s planning subcommittee, after changes to the original plans.
The scheme will include offices, a hotel, affordable and open market homes, shops and public spaces on the 1.3 hectare-site, which at the moment is mostly inaccessible to the public.
It also incorporates The Light Bar and Restaurant, which was threatened with demolition in the original plans.
In response to objections, the planning sub-committee asked developers Hammerson to submit new plans that incorporated the building.
Planning permission was granted on 4 November, subject to final approval from the Greater London Authority and a Section 106 legal agreement, meaning the developers will make a contribution to community facilities in the borough.
An artist’s impression of what the development could look like Residents capturing footage of the changing face of Dalston
16 November 2009
Learn about Islam
An exhibition that hopes to offer an overview of the Islamic faith is set to go on display at Hackney Central Library.
Exhibition Islam aims to give visitors the chance to explore some of the origins of the religion and explain how the faith has helped shape the modern world.
The display forms part of the 15th Islam Awareness Week, 16-22 November. The week was originally set up to provide a platform for British Muslims to help remove misconceptions about Islam. It now goes further to celebrate art and culture, such as architecture, in Islam.
Exhibition Islam takes place at Hackney Central Library, 1 Reading Lane, Hackney E8. For info call: 020 8356 5239
16 November 2009
£100k for parks
Mabley Green and Hackney Marshes are set to receive a £100,000 injection, thanks to a London Development Agency (LDA) decision to target east London’s green spaces.
As part of the LDA’s East London Grid scheme, £800,000 has been awarded to boroughs to help connect recreational areas such as parks with town and public transport centres. A second strand of the scheme aims to respond to environmental issues such as flooding.
The money will go towards a larger multi-million pound scheme to redevelop the two parks. Plans for the parks include improved grassland to support biodiversity, enhanced sporting facilities on the Marshes, and the creation of two themed parks on Mabley Green.
16 November 2009
Shop with trusted traders
A new ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme aims to give trusted traders a seal of approval to advise customers that they are buying from a reliable firm.
The Council is encouraging traders to sign up to the scheme, which will place a quality mark on the business’s website and inform potential customers that they are a Hackney approved company.
The scheme was launched in response to demands from consumers for lists of high-quality local traders. In 2008, the National Consumer Council – the information and advice service for consumers, now called Consumer Direct – received an overwhelming 1,800 complaints from Hackney residents regarding problems with home improvements and rogue traders. The second highest rated problem was used cars, receiving 45 complaints.
Businesses and consumers wanting more information on the Buy with Confidence scheme should call: 0207 8356 4929; or visit the Buy with Confidence page.
02 November 2009
Robbers caught by CCTV
Two violent robbers who had been separately targeting lone women in the borough have been caught, thanks to the work of Hackney retailers.
Paul Hydes, 35, and Selmani Muboyayi, 29, were caught on CCTV, but the video did not get a clear shot of their faces.
Hackney shopkeepers were asked to support the investigation by allowing Police to access their private camera footage, giving the officers the opportunity to identify and catch the perpetrators and press charges.
Hydes and Muboyayi both received indeterminate public protection sentences last month.
Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “All those who have been robbed by these violent men have shown enormous bravery in speaking out. Thanks to them as well as to the work of the CCTV and Police teams working together, these criminals have been caught and have been given sentences that reflect the severity of their crimes.”
02 November 2009
Domestic violence help
Times and venues for the Council's domestic violence and hate crime drop-in surgeries are changing.
Instead of taking place at Neighbourhood Housing Offices, the sessions will now happen every Monday at an office near the Town Hall. People who need specialist advocacy, advice or counselling in complete confidence should phone ahead to let the advisors know they are coming.
The exact location will be kept anonymous for safety reasons.
The service is run by case workers fluent in English, Bengali and Turkish. However, interpreters for other languages can be found if an appointment is booked in advance. For more information call free: 0800 056 0905.
02 November 2009
Baby on board
A single decker bus turned into an unlikely ward when a baby was born during rush hour last month.
Emiloju Fatimah Lawal went into labour but never made it to Homerton Hospital as her new son Olacidebe Dennis Agbwla arrived on the 394 bus.
The driver and a passenger were on hand to provide assistance and an ambulance arrived shortly afterwards to find mother and baby doing well.
Having been advised the 394 bus is constructed by Alexander Dennis, Emiloju felt Dennis would make an apt middle name. “I really want to show my appreciation and think it is quite nice for him to have a link with where he was born,” she added.
02 November 2009
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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