News in Brief
Stark warning for illegal traders
Rogue traders selling counterfeit goods in Hackney have had their illegal profits confiscated and ploughed back into services for the community.
The Council's trading standards team has been working with the police to crack down on dodgy dealers.
Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, any money made from illegal trading can be seized by the authorities. This could be confiscated directly from bank accounts or through the sale of assets including property.
Over the past year, the Council has recouped large sums of money under the law. The biggest case involved an order for £1.1million against a seller of fake clothes. A £13,000 order was also made against a counterfeit DVD seller on e-Bay, and £40,000 against a seller of counterfeit designer goods at Ridley Road Market.
All the money seized is fed back into providing Council services. Cllr Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: "Those who carry out crime for economic advantage will pay for it, and these cases act as a warning to others tempted to break the law in our borough."
9 January 2011
Holocaust Memorial Day 2012
Residents are being asked to help mark Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January.
This year's event theme is choices - and the implications of both speaking and not speaking out against injustice. Holocaust Memorial Day is a national event dedicated to the remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides.
The ceremony takes place at 10.30am in the Council Chambers, Hackney Town Hall, Mare St, E8 1EA.
To reserve a place, call: 020 8356 3350; or e-mail: speaker@hackney.gov.uk.
9 January 2011
More test tickets go on sale
Tickets to the London Prepares International Gymnastics test event from 10 to 18 January are now available, with tickets to FINA World Cup Diving on sale from 17 January.
The gymnastics test event in Greenwich is vital for the British men's team who have yet to qualify for the 2012 Games.
All three disciplines for men and women - artistic, trampoline and rhythmic - will be on display, and tickets range from £10-20, and £5-10 for youths and seniors.
The diving event at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park from 20 to 26 February will be the last opportunity to qualify for individual and synchronised diving, and gives spectators to chance to watch Britain's best divers compete against an international field. Full price tickets cost £10-30, £5-15 for young people
and seniors.
Tickets are available at: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/londonpreparesseriesa
9 January 2011
Carry the Paralympic flame
Residents have the chance to carry the Paralympic flame during the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay.
It will begin at Stoke Mandeville, the spiritual home of the Paralympic movement, on 28 August. Over the next 24 hours, torchbearers will carry the flame to the Olympic Stadium to light the cauldron and officially open the London 2012 Paralympic Games on 29 August.
Successful nominees may have adopted the Paralympic values; pushed boundaries; or helped others achieve. To nominate a team of five, visit: www.bt.com/London2012 or call: 080 0023 2399. Nominators and torchbearers must be at least 12. The deadline for submissions is midnight on 20 January.
9 January 2011
Page updated: 18 Jan 2012
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