Hoxton Councillors

London Prepares International Diving Event

2012-01-26T10:18:00.001Z

If you are one of the many people who have been unable to get tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games don't despair. Tickets for the London Prepares diving event at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park from 20 to 26 February. Full price tickets cost £10-30, £5-15 for young people and seniors.

Tickets are available at Ticket Master.

New Tenant Participation Newsletter for Hackney Homes Residents

2011-11-25T11:30:00.000Z

Hackney Homes has launched a new newsletter dedicated to resident participation. Whether it is getting involved in scrutiny, signing up to the Hackney Homes Community of Enterprise website or starting a community project, you can read about it all here.

Statement from Meg Hillier MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch

2011-08-09T17:42:00.001+01:00

"I am shocked and horrified by the events in Hackney.

"The thugs behind this need to be dealt with by the police.

"Hackney has seen such progress in the last decade. We must condemn the violence. Hackney is a commnunity of diversity and tolerance and we need to make sure that these are the characteristics Hackney is known by, not the actions of some mindless, violent thugs.

"If people have grievances we must use the democratic process to resolve them."

"I have spoken to the Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Bending who I will be meeting urgently. I will also be meeting community leaders and business representatives later today to discuss the clean up and how we rebuild the community"

If you have any thoughts and suggestions about where we go from here after such awful events please let me know

Meg

Statement from Jennette Arnold AM

2011-08-09T17:41:00.000+01:00

Over the past two nights, following similar disturbances in Tottenham and Enfield, Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest have all borne witness to devastating looting and violence.

Last Thursday in Tottenham, Mark Duggan, a father of four, lost his life during a police operation. Mr Duggan’s family subsequently organised a peaceful protest on Saturday only for it to be hijacked by a few thugs leading to widespread violence in the Tottenham constituency. I added my voice and support to David Lammy MP in Tottenham who condemned the opportunistic violence.

As the violence extended across London into Sunday and Monday, we moved well beyond any relationship between this violence and the death of Mark Duggan as a minority of opportunistic people used the unrest as an excuse to riot in their own communities, wreaking havoc on the streets of Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest.We have all been deeply shocked and angered by these events.

I have also been moved by the stories of heroism that are emerging and the work, foresight and sense of community of those taking part in local clean-up operations. But what action should we take to deal with the immediacy of the crisis and to consider preventing a repetition?

I have had discussions with police and community leaders in Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest. I have raised a number of concerns, witnessed Metropolitan Police senior staff willing to accept outside help, and was inspired by the commitment from all parties to moving forward together. Some had seen it all before and thought they would never witness it again; others were shocked to see for the first time scenes more redolent of an urban war zone.

It is easy to assume we have quick fixes. There has been much criminal activity and the police will, quite rightly, investigate that thoroughly.

But there are broader and more complex issues here. My position is this:

Enforce the law -- people I have spoken to do not want any 'no-go' areas for the police in London; criminal behaviour must be dealt with using the full force of the law.

Let the Independent Police Complaints Commission do it's job -- we argued for this body to exist as an alternative to the police service investigating itself. They need time to assemble the facts surrounding the death of Mark Duggan and to make recommendations.

Adopt economic policies that support local people -- the recession has left some people facing real hardship and there are concerns about social dislocation. We need policies that will enable investment and growth, rather than a focus on what will be the next area to be cut.

And we the community must continue with our message that we will not stand for this. We will work to bring the perpetrators to justice – they do not speak for us. We live in wonderful communities with strong senses of solidarity- we will not allow this to drag us down.

Jennette Arnold OBE AM

Hackney Mayor Jules Pipe responds to last night's events.

2011-08-09T14:54:00.001+01:00

Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney, said: "I am appalled by the events of last night. These were people bent on violence who attacked not just property and local businesses but put residents in fear of their lives. The Council has cleared away all the debris from last night and Hackney is going about its business, but if we are to avoid a repeat of last night, I am urging families across London to make sure they know where their children are and to support the police in identifying perpetrators.

“The Council's cleaners were on the streets throughout the night and had cleared away all the debris, apart from a few burnt out cars, by 7.30am and I would like to pay tribute to them for their hard work. I would also like to thank the several hundred residents and volunteers who turned up at Hackney Town Hall this morning offering to help clean up the borough. This shows overwhelming generosity and community spirit and many were keen to go and help in other parts of London when it was clear the clean up in Hackney was already complete.”

Hoxton Hall Wins Heritage Lottery

2011-06-22T11:59:00.000+01:00

Hoxton Hall theatre has been awarded £207,000 Heritage Lottery Funding to help restore and preserve its Grade II listed building.

Hoxton Councillors are delighted for Hoxton Hall as this money will now be used to help retain this much loved venue. it will also mean the management will be able to seek further funding to improve community engagement activities.

You can read more about Hoxton Hall's successful bid here.

Referendum - 5 May Election

2011-04-07T19:45:00.004+01:00

There will be a nation-wide referendum on the parliamentary voting system on 5 May and every registered voter will have the opportunity decided whether changes should be made or if it should remain the same.

A referendum asks you to vote yes or no to a proposal. For this referendum, you will receive a ballot paper with this question: At present, the UK uses the 'first past the post' system to elect MPs to the House of Commons. Should the 'alternative vote' system be used instead?

To find our about the reasons to vote 'No' visit the No Campaign website for detail of why they think we should continue using the first past the post system.

The campaigners for a 'Yes' vote have set out their reason they think we should change to the AV system on their website here.

If more people vote 'yes' than 'no' in the referendum, then the 'alternative vote', or AV, system will be used for future parliamentary elections.

There will be no elections for councillors in Hackney on this day however, it is still important that everyone registered to vote does so.

If you are unsure if you are eligible to vote, you can find out here.

If you are eligible, but are not registered to vote, you need to register to vote by 14 April.
If you are registered, but would like to apply for a postal or proxy vote, please see the ways to vote page on the council's website.

You can read more about the referendum on the About My Vote website or watch the video from their website.

Have Your Say on Scrutiny

2011-04-06T16:43:00.000+01:00

Scrutiny plays an important role in the development of better policies and improving performance, and can hold the Council and outside agencies to account, including police and the health service.

Last year's survey found that making the borough safer was the top priority, so one of the Scrutiny Commissions completed a review of how the council and police are working together to address gun and knife crime. Residents also said that education services were important, so a Commission reviewed local achievement at Key Stage 2.

What matters to you most locally? Fill in the short survey online and help to influence the work of Hackney Council's scrutiny commissions.

You can follow the work of the Community Safety and Social Inclusion Panel chaired by Councillors Carole Williams here and the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Panel chaired by Councillor Philip Glanville here.

Hackney Council Budget 2001/12

2011-03-07T17:13:00.000Z

This week Hackney Council passed its budget amid protests against cuts.

There has been a great deal of publicity about council passing on government cuts and, on Wednesday 2 March, Hackney was among 17 Council to set their budget for 2011/12 financial year. It was with heavy hearts that we voted for cuts. However, we are also pleased that we were able to set a budget that protects frontline service. We are also pleased with what we have been able to achieve as a council over the past eight years.

Over those eight years, there were no protests about the council's proposals for the budget. On the contrary. For eight years running Hackney Council, under the leadership of Jules Pipe, has set a budget without any service cuts. In short, as a council we have invested in the future of this borough. Previous budgets have invested in schools, housing, parks and borough roads and millions of pounds of savings have been ploughed back into improving services and making Hackney a better place to live.

It has been because of this council's prudent management of the budget in the last eight years that we were able to support the 2011/12 budget which, although makes £44m of cuts, delivers front line services in a seamless way. Libraries will not be closed, children's centres and leisure services will remain open and youth facilities will remain unaffected.

In any other circumstances we would not have chosen to make any cuts in the council budget, however, when the coalition government announced the borough's grant settlement just prior to Christmas, we learned of the devasting impact that an 8.9% reduction in our funding would have across the borough. We were even more devastated to learn that, in real terms, that meant Hackney's budget would be reduced by 14%.

As publicly elected officials we had two choices. The first was to balance the budget and ensure that the impact on the residents of Hackney was minimised. So, we worked with the Mayor to ensure a budget that would do no further harm to Hackney residents and which would protect front line services.

The second option that we were faced with was to set an illegal budget. However, that would have resulted in the council being unable to borrow and unable collect council tax. In addition, instead of having to find savings of £44m, we would be faced with having to find savings of £114m. Meaning that there would be £114m less to spend on services. The implications of such a decision for service delivery are evident.

We therefore supported the mayor's budget in order to protect front line services which included a decision to make cuts to senior officer roles, not to fill current vacancies and to cut agency staff.

Full details of the budget are available on the council's website here.

Five Facts about the 2011 Census

2011-02-11T09:10:00.001Z

The 2011 Census is taking place in March and Royal Mail will begin sending out forms from 7 March. They will arrive in our letter boxes about a week later.
Forms should be completed on or as soon after the 27 March (Census Day) but they can in fact be completed and returned in advance.
If you have access to the internet, remember that you can complete the census online.
If there are more than 6 people in your household, you will need to order extra forms. The national helpline number will be printed on the first page of the census. They will be the first port of call for help.
If we don't get a very good response rate in Hackney, it could cost the borough hundreds of millions over the coming decade. The population figures are used as a basic factor in calculating the Revenue Support Grant, health and education funding and for other services.

London Cycle Hire Scheme

2011-02-10T14:52:00.000Z

The London Cycle Hire scheme has been a great success with many of the cycles stations in Hoxton out of bikes during the morning rush hour and full again by early evening.

Because of that success Transport for London have approved plans to intensify the number of sites in the existing area of the scheme.

TfL have recently agreed funding for 10-12 sites. Some of these will be within the existing area and others will be in the extended phase 2 of the scheme. More news on phase two will be posted as soon as we have an update.

It is proposed that a number of these will be in Hoxton around Eaglewharf Road, near Fanshaw Street and on Pitfield Street. Sites will be shortlisted soon. As with the original scheme each site will need to go through the formal planning application process. As soon as we have any more information, we will update this blog.

Education Maintenance Allowance

2011-01-25T11:35:00.000Z

The EMA started in 2004/05 academic year to help students from lower income backgrounds to stay on in education post 16. Thirty pounds per week has been paid making a difference to support them while studying.

London has one of the highest percentages (54%) of 16-18 year receiving EMA in England and Hackney has one of the highest percentages in London. Fifty-eight percent of students at BSix college and 41% of students at Hackney Community College are in receipt of EMA. Take up has also been calculated in Hackney Schools. Those with the biggest take up are Cardinal Pole (73%) and Clapton Girls Technology College (76%).

The government proposed to cut that support to students and we believe that this will have a serious impact for students in Hackney, not only for 16-18’s but also for adults, many of whom will have to pay fees for the first time. Hardship funds will be increased but only at about 10% of current EMA spending.

Hackney Councillors are not the only one's concerned about the abolition of the grant. While take up rates are important for understanding the impact of the cut, the Institute for Fiscal Studies recently reported that showed there are other benefits too. For example, those who receive EMA have more study time as a result of not having to take on a part-time job.

Despite last week's vote in parliament to abolish the EMA, we are heartened to learn that students will be attending the Council meeting on Wednesday 26 January to express their concerns about this impact cuts will have on young people in the borough

Full minutes of that meeting will be available on the councils' website.

The Blue Hut Re-opens

2011-01-24T21:34:00.000Z

After campaigning alongside the community to ensure the future of the Blue Hut youth club, we are delighted to learn that SkyWay will be reopening the Blue Hut from 24 January.

The club, run by Skyway, is part funded by Hackney Council and is one of the few local facilities dedicated to young people in this part of the borough. That is why Hoxton Councillors were so disappointed to learn of its closure following a decision taken by Skyway.

The club has been a valuable and much loved local resource, and the four day a week programme that they will be running alongside Arsenal in the Community, will ensure that we once again have activities for young people in this part of the borough.

The club will reopen on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2010-12-22T22:02:00.003Z

It's hard to believe that it's been twelve months since the last Christmas message that we posted on this blog. As another Christmas comes around, we reflect on the past year.

Not only were we re-elected in the May local elections, we also successfully campaigned for the reopening of Murray Grove Post Office.

Councillor Phil Glanville became the chair of the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission. Councillor Carole Williams became the chair of the Community Safety and Social Inclusion Panel. We have attended estate committee meetings across the ward, the community action panel and meetings to discuss the rebuilding of Thomas Fairchild school. We have lobbied for to extend the Decent Homes Programmes to even more blocks in Hoxton and have worked with police to address a number of community safety concerns.

In the past year we have found even more ways to keep in contact to inform you off all the work that we are doing on your behalf. Over the next year it will be even more important to keep you up to date with changing government policy and how these will affect you.

In light of those changes, we will continue to work hard for you in 2011.

Do let us have your thoughts and write to us about what Hoxton means to you. Also let us know the impact that government changes are having for you and your family and, in the meantime, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Question to Full Council

2010-12-01T17:13:00.000Z

At the meeting of the full council on Wednesday 24 November, Hoxton Councillors asked the Mayor and his cabinet the following questions:

From Cllr Philip Glanville to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the 2012 Olympic Games:

Do you agree with me that the re-opening of Murray Grove Post Office is a vital investment in ensuring that local people have access to Post Office and financial services in one of the most deprived wards in the Borough?

From Cllr Clayeon McKenzie to the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services:

‘What actions have Hackney Youth Services taken in response to the closure of Blue Hut Youth Club in the summer?’

From Cllr Carole Williams to the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods:

‘In light of the recent publicity around the ROA Rabbit mural on Hackney Road, could the Cabinet member outline what steps were taken to deal with this case, and what the Council's policy is on street art?’

A full list of decisions made at the meeting of the full council are available on the council's website here. This includes a motion that was agreed calling on the council to condemn the coalition government for the cuts that they are expected to make to the council's budget and their lack of clarity about the extent of their cuts. We are very concerned about the impact that these cuts may have on vital public services and will update this blog as soon as more information is forthcoming.

Murray Grove Post Office Official Re-opening

2010-12-01T17:04:00.000Z

Tuesday 30 November is a date to remember as that is when local residents, councillors, business owners, the Member of Parliament and the Mayor of Hackney came along to Murray Grove to mark the reopening of the post office.

We want to say a big thank you to everyone who signed our petition and who campaigned to make this day a reality.

But it doesn't end here. Please, please use the post office as, without you, the business will be unsustainable.

Murray Grove Post Office has Re-opened

2010-11-11T15:36:00.000Z

After a long fought campaign by Hoxton Councillors and the local community, Murray Grove Post Office opened today.

Hackney Council are working in partnership with Chandrakant Patel of Murray's Chemist to deliver services you would expect to find in any other post office including postage stamps, stationery, paying bills, cash deposits as well as cash withdrawals.

Although the chemist has been operating for a few weeks now, the post office opened for the business this morning. There was a swift trade from local residents who have supported the campaign to reopen Murray Grove post office since it was launched by ward councillors Clayeon McKenzie, Philip Glanville and Carole Williams.

Councillor Clayeon McKenzie said, "It has been clear watching the first customers using the reopened post office services why our campaign had the community behind it. There were many senior citizens who choose to use Murray Grove Post Office this morning because the on at Old Street is too far and has queues of people which mean they have to wait for up to 60 minutes."

"The reopened services will make a huge difference and we are proud that this is one of the few post offices in the country to reopen after the Post Office's closure plan."

Councillor Carole Williams said, "It's great to see the Mayor of Hackney making a commitment to Hackney residents at a time that we are heaing of deep cuts from central government. This is a very good day for Hackney and a great day for Hoxton residents."

Councillor Philip Glanville said, "We couldn't have achieved this without the Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe. It will now take the entire community to ensure that this is a successful and sustainable business so would urge the entire community, including local businesses, to use these new post office services".

For more information on the campaign by ward councillors, read previous blog posts here.

Councillor's Charity Skydive

2010-10-06T12:09:00.001+01:00

Later this month Councillor Carole Williams will take part in a fundraising skydive for the charity, Crisis.

Along with other volunteers Carole will jump out of a plane at 10,000 above the Oxfordshire skies in a bid to raise a minimum of £1000 for the homelessness charity which she has supported for many years. To date she has raised nearly £600. If you would like to support the work that Crisis do and help her to reach her target, you can make a donation via the secure website here.

All money raised will go toward the costs of running the winter shelters across London which Crisis run each year.

Coalition Cuts to Bus Routes 349 and 149

2010-10-05T18:49:00.001+01:00

We have been very disappointment to learn that despite vigerous objections to the Boris Johnson's proposals to reduce bus services along routes 349 and 149 through Hackney, that he has ruled against Hackney residents.

From Saturday 16 October there will be changes to bus routes affecting the way that Hackney residents get around the borough for work and leisure.

Buses along route 149 will change from the articulated 'bendy' buses to conventional double-deckers. Although a few more buses will run in the weekday peak hours, at all other times the service will be less frequent, resulting in lower passenger capacity on the new service.

Route 349 from Ponders End (through Seven Sisters) will be cut back from Stoke Newington Common to Stamford Hill, removing the service between Stamford Hill Broadway and Stoke Newington town centre. The service on the new shorter route will also run less frequently.

We are disappointed that the Mayor of London has taken this regressive step, putting in place a service that is not fit for purpose.

Murray Grove Post Office Update

2010-10-05T11:51:00.001+01:00

The post office on Murray Grove closed last year following a hard fought campaign by Hoxton Councillors. You can read the details of our campaign in previous blog posts here.

Hoxton Councillors are pleased that our long campaign has finally resulted in an announcement by Hackney Council that the post office is scheduled to reopen in November 2010.

After a tendering process, Hackney Council has decided that they will go into partnership with Chandrakant Patel of Murray’s Chemist, Murray Grove, which will move from its current location.

Local businesses on Murray Grove have taken a hard knock following the closure of the post office and we hope that this will make a positive contribution toward supporting local trade.

We would like to thank everyone that responded to the consultation on reopening the post office and ask that you support the new post office when it re-opens.

You can read more on this story on the Hackney Council website here.

Thomas Fairchild School Update

2010-10-04T21:30:00.003+01:00

Hoxton Councillors have recently met with the Learning Trust to ensure that the voices of all local residents are heard when considering the re-provision of Thomas Fairchild School, which was destroyed in a fire in July 2009.

We have not underestimated the vital importance of a school that generations of Hoxton residents have attended and that is why we have worked hard to ensure the concerns of local residents about the re-provisions of the school have been heard at the highest levels. We have asked the Learning Trust go further than consulting with teachers, parents and school children. We want to ensure that all local residents have an opportunity to have their say.

We expect the school to reopen in September 2012 and it will become an important local resource for the entire community and we believe that the entire community must have the opportunity to have their voices heard.

Consultation on the re-provision of the school will start soon and we will keep you posted of developments on our blog, on our twitter account as well as via our newsletter.

Facebook Page

2010-05-31T10:51:00.000+01:00

We have used social media for some time now to tell Hoxton residents about the work that we have been doing both locally and on the council itself.

Now, instead of having a Facebook group which needs to be administered through a personal Facebook account, we have set up a Facebook page which you can join to get all up to date information, links to our blog, news and views.

If you're already on Facebook, why not join here.

Controlled Parking Zone F Review

2010-05-28T19:34:00.002+01:00

Hackney Parking Services will be reviewing Controlled Parking Zone F which is bounded by the canal, New North Road, Hackney Road, Goldsmiths Row, Teale Street and Pritchard Road. The Zone crosses three wards in Hackney South and Shoreditch, Hoxton, Haggerston and Queensbridge.

The current hours of operation for parking restrictions are:

Monday to Friday 7:30am - 6:30pm and
Saturday 7:30am - 1:30pm

Parking Services are proposing changes to the number of bays in the zone. There are also proposals install double yellow lines on sections of narrow road to increase access and visibility.

If you own a business or if you live within Zone F, you will have received a consultation pack so that you can feed back your comment and concerns as parking controls will affect you whether you drive or not and it will also affect your visitors.

If you want a say on how traffic should be managed, how road safety is improved, long term commuter parking, even non-essential traffic or even parking space allocation, complete the consultation questionnaire and return it in the envelope that accompanies your questionnaire.

Alternatively, you can complete the questionnaire online.

Two drop in sessions will also be held where you can speak to a member of the parking team. The dates and times are:

Monday 7 June 5pm - 7pm
Tuesday 8 June 5pm - 7pm

Both sessions will be held at St Mary's Community Hall, Kent Street, E2 8NU.

You can also send your comments by email.

If you have not received a questionnaire or know anyone who has not, you can call 020 835 8877 and request one. Alternatively, you can visit the parking service's website.

Council AGM

2010-05-28T19:29:00.002+01:00

The Annual General Meeting of the council was held on Wednesday 26 May. It was the first meeting since the elections on 6 May 2010 and was more a time for celebration as well as business.

Hackney Speaker

Sally Mulready, Councillor in Chatham Ward, was unanimously elected as the Speaker of Hackney for the 2010/11 municipal year. Not only will Sally be the 110th first citizen of the borough, she will also preside over meetings of the council. You can read more about Sally here.

Hackney Cabinet Members

The Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe, also announced his choice of Councillors to work with him on the Cabinet to deliver his manifesto for the next year. They are:

Cllr Karen Alcock, Deputy Mayor

Clr Feryal Dermici, Neighbourhoods

Cllr Rita Krishna, Children's Services

Cllr Sophie Linden, Crime, Sustainability and Customer Services

Cllr Samantha Lloyd, Finance

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Community Services

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Regeneration and 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Hackney Scrutiny Commissions

Scrutiny Commissions were also established and the chairs and vice chairs agreed.

Scrutiny ensures that the executive (made up of the Mayor and his cabinet) and its partners does their jobs and improve the services for the people of Hackney. Scrutiny does this by investigating policy areas and making recommendations to the Mayor and his executive for changes.

The Council agreed the following commissions along with their chairs and vice chairs:

Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission

Chair - Cllr Luke Akehurst

Vice Chair - Daniel Kemp

Community Safety and Social Inclusion

Chair - Cllr Carole Williams

Vice Chair - Cllr Angus Mulready-Jones

Governance and Resources Scrutiny Commission

Chair - Cllr Rob Chapman

Living in Hackney

Chair - Cllr Phil Glanville

Vice Chair - Cllr Ian Rathbone

Children and Young People

Chair - Cllr Gulay Icoz

Vice Chair - Geoff Taylor

Overview and Scrutiny

Chair - Simche Steinberger

Vice Chair - Cllr Dan Kemp

Each Commission will determine their individual work programme at their first meeting. We will post further information on our blog as these details emerge.

Team Hackney Community Grant

2010-05-19T20:03:00.002+01:00

There is still time to submit and application for a Team Hackney's Community Grant before the deadline of 28 May 2010.

Each grant is worth either £1,000-£5,000; £6,000-£15,000 or £16,000-£30,000.

If you run a community group and offer services to vulnerable people, you may be eligible. For more information and to apply for a grant, contact HCVS on 020 7923 1962 or email elizabeth@hcvs.org.uk or download a pack from their website.

Travel for Free on the New East London LIne

2010-05-19T20:00:00.001+01:00

The East London Line has been running trains between Dalston and New Cross/New Cross Gate five days a week from 7am to 8pm since 24 May 2010.

From this weekend, the service will run seven days a week from 5:40am to 11:40pm and will run between Dalston and West Croydon/Crystal Palace. To celebrate, London Rail are giving away 10,000 free tickets for the first customers that turn up to any of the 21 stations along the route. All you have to do is to ask a member of the station staff (terms and conditions apply).

If you take a ride, why not upload your pictures of your first ride on twitter using the hashtag #eastlondonline?

Hoxton Election Results

2010-05-10T15:49:00.000+01:00

We'd like to thank everyone who came out to vote on Thursday 6 May to vote for us to continue representing them as all Labour councillors. More of you came than did in previous elections and in record numbers.

We are also proud that you voted to re-elected Jules Pipe as Labour Mayor of Hackney. The result of the mayoral election can be found here. You also voted to return Meg Hillier as your MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch. Her results are available here.

We're honoured by the responsibility and confidence that you have shown in so convincingly re-electing us. Carole has been returned for a third term and Phil and Clayeon have been returned for a second term. There has been so much progress made since we became councillors for the ward in 2002 and 2006 and there's lots more still to do.

You can see the full results for Hoxton here.

The result for the election of MP for Hackney South & Shoreditch can be found here.

5 Reasons to Vote Labour on 6 May 2010

2010-04-25T19:29:00.001+01:00

Hackney's Labour Council has frozen the council tax for FIVE years running - the only council in the country to do so.
Crime in Hackney has fallen by 39% over the last six years under labour - the biggest drop in London.
£225 million unlocked fro Decent Homes works providing new windows, roofs, kitchens or bathrooms for 14,000 residents so far.
27% of Hackney's rubbish is now recycled, collecting an average of FIFTY tonnes a day.
FIVE brand new secondary schools have been built and last year Hackney's pupils got the best GCSE results EVER in the borough.

Our Pledges for Hoxton

2010-04-21T20:31:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we wrote about Hackney Labour's election manifesto. Today, we want to let you know about the 5 elections pledges that we are making to our electors Hoxton. They are:

To invest in green spaces in Hoxton - the next phase of Shoreditch Park's renewal, more allotments and growing spaces on estates.
Ensure Thomas Fairchild School is rebuilt
Tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Hoxton, particularly street drinking and dog fouling
Support the local economy, including local shops, the market and re-opening Murray Grove Post Office
Continue to improve estates in Hoxton with residents' priorities at the heart of our housing service

We believe that our pledges build on the work that we've been doing in Hoxton over the last council term and we want to build on them.

Thomas Fairchild School

2010-04-21T14:09:00.000+01:00

On 30 July 2009 a fire ripped through Thomas Fairchild school. Over 100 fire fighters using 20 fire engines fought to bring the fire under control. Sadly, however, the school could not be saved.

Since then Hoxton Councillors pushed the Mayor of Hackney and the Learning Trust to ensure that the school is re-provided on the same site because it is our priority to have a school where pupils in Hoxton and De Beauvoir can continue their education.
The Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe has assured us that his will happen.

We have learned that the building has only recently been released back to the Council from the insurance company and, due to the size of the site and nature of the damage to the building, the site will need to be cleared by hand. The rebuilding work will therefore be a time consuming task but it will ensure the safety of the Children's Centre that was undamaged during the fire, local residents and properties that are in close proximity to the site as well as the safety of those working on the site.

The re-building should be completed by the summer 2012.

Hackney Labour's Election Manifesto

2010-04-20T12:52:00.001+01:00

The election manifesto for the 2010 local elections has been launched by Hackney labour.

Highlights of our commitments are:

make it easier for people to report anti social behaviour and noise nuisance
launch a campaign for responsible dog ownership
commit to further support for victims of domestic violence
increase drug and alcohol treatment places by 10%
we will plant at least another 1,000 street trees
we will look to expand our recycling service further
all residential streets will be covered by a 20mph speed limit by 2014
we will look to support those residents who want to grow more of their own food
continue to provide free swimming for children and the elderly
continue to work with the Hackney Empire to ensure it reopens
we will complete the rebuilding or refurbishment of all our secondary schools
six primary schools will be rebuilt or refurbished to the highest standards
we will open five new youth centres
we will complete Decent Homes on our estates by 2013
we will use all our powers to bring empty properties back into use
by 2013 - we will have created 100 council apprenticeships
we'll increase the number of council services available online

You can read the full document here.

2010-04-19T19:05:00.000+01:00

Your labour team for the 2010 local elections on 6 May 2010 are:

Cllr Phil Glanville
Cllr Clayeon McKenzie and
Cllr Carole Williams

If you have any questions about our work for Hoxton please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can keep in touch with us throughout the election period by visiting this blog.

Register to Vote in the 2010 Elections

2010-04-19T12:31:00.000+01:00

On 6 May 2010 you will have your chance to have your say in council elections, a Mayoral election and the parliamentary elections.

If you have not yet registered to vote, you still have time to do so. Click here for details.

You will have five votes on 6 May: 3 for your local ward councillors, 1 for the Mayor of Hackney and one for your Member of Parliament.

We will be asking you to vote for:

Carole Williams, Philip Glanville and Clayeon McKenzie as your ward councillors
Jules Pipe for Mayor of Hackney
Meg Hillier as your Member of Parliament.

2010 Local Elections

2010-04-01T09:32:00.000+01:00

Local Elections will be held on 6 May and if you haven't yet registered to vote, you can do so here. You have until Tuesday 20 April 2010.

Hoxton Safer Neighourhood Team

2010-03-02T11:44:00.015Z

The next meeting of Hoxton Ward's Safer Neighbourhoods Panel will take place on 22 March at 6.30pm in the Carol Young Community Hall on Cranston Estate.

The Safer Neighbourhoods Panel is made up of local Hoxton representatives, councillors, and the Hoxton Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team. It mets three months to discuss local policing issues that matter local residents and, with the help of residents, it sets the policing targets.

The Hoxton Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team are all based at the Safer Neighbourhood Office on Orsman Road and the team leader is Sergeant Matt Devereau.

The Team is a permanent fixture in Hoxton, not a 'quick fix' brought in to respond to local changes in crime and disorder. They have been working in Hoxton since 2006 and resident's voices are important on the panel.

The three current priorities for the Team - set at the last meeting are:

Anti social behaviour - drugs
Dangerous cycling
Theft of pedal cycles

You can read the current Hoxton Safer Neighbourhood Team newsletter there.

Hackney Homes Newsletter

2010-02-18T14:35:00.000Z

The latest edition of the Hackney Homes newsletter is now available. In it, yo can find information on the upcoming Hackney Homes open day; ways to pay bills; how to get involved in the review of the Tenants Levy; what to do if you are affected by antisocial behaviour and more.

You can download the newsletter here.

AudoBoo with Cllr Phil Glanville on Drinking Exclusion Zone

2010-02-17T13:06:00.002Z

Councillor Philip Glanville has recently recorded an AudioBoo on the outcome of the council's consultation on a borough-wide drinking exclusion zone and what it means for Hoxton. You can listen in here.

Listen!

East London Line Update

2010-02-15T12:43:00.001Z

The new East London Line' Hoxton station, may not be in the ward but, its close geographical proximity will mean that anyone living in the east of the ward will benefit from this new transport link.

There will be three new stations in Hackney, Dalston Junction, Haggerston, Hoxton.

Currently there are daily test runs of trans, the station forecourt has been prepared and planted with trees, the announcment system is being tested and when completed, Hackney south will have direct transport links to north to Highbury and Islington, south to West Croydon and Crystal Palace.

The line is due to open in May and, as we approach that date, we will provide more information.

Local Planning Applications

2010-02-13T12:15:00.007Z

There are a number of planning applicaitons have been submitted to the local planning authority.

6 storey building to provide 4 residential units comprising 3 x 1 bed flats and 1 x 2 bed flat on Bevenden Street. The Consultation ends on 26 February 2010.

Conversion of existing single dwelling to create 1 x 3 bed (in basement) and 1 x 5 bed self contained residential units. The Consultation ends on 24 February 2010

Variation of condition 3 (hours of use) attached to planning permission ref: 2009/0513. Consultation ends on 22 February 2010.

Click the links for details of officers to contact if yo would like to make representations.

Have Your Say: Parking Enforcement

2010-02-11T14:45:00.000Z

Parking has always been important to Hoxton residents because of its close geographical proximity to the City, the night time economy and transport links. Councillors are told of concerns about the different parking arrangements that exists between estates and surrounding streets. We are also aware of the difficulties that family members have when visiting elderly and disabled relatives.

Now you have an opportunity have your say and change parking and enforcement arrangements. Hackney Council are conducting a review of policies, looking at:

Parking permits and vouchers for residents, businesses and visitors
How we enforce parking penalties
How we prioritise different types of vehicle and motorist
What we can do to free up parking space
How we manage parking for motorcycles
How we consult on controlled parking zones (CPZs)
How we match the hours of a CPZ to the local area.

All information is available on the council's consultation website and you can have your say here.

Shoreditch Park to Host English Beach Soccer Tournament

2010-02-11T08:33:00.001Z

Shoreditch Park will host England Beach Soccer Association 3 day Euro Cup Tournament in 2010.
A full sized beach soccer pitch complete with 1000 tons of sand and 4,000 seats will be in place between 7th and 22nd June.

The fixtures will be scheduled to coincide with a number of England's World Cup fixture and will be broadcast on a 30sq metre big screen.

A number of other programmes will also be scheduled to take place during the same period. There will be grass roots beach soccer programmes including coaching and competitions for all. And the England Beach Soccer Squad will be on hand to give tips and advice.

This is a fantastic and exciting opportunity for Shoreditch Park to host a FIFA accredited event and to provide residents with a world class facility over the World Cup.

We will provide you with further detail on the event as we receive them.

New Ways of keeping in Touch

2010-01-15T20:02:00.001Z

Hoxton Councillors started blogging in 2006 to keep local residents up to date with the work that we have been doing. Then, in July 2009 we added the micro-blogging site, Twitter, to our list of communications too as well as a Facebook group.

At the start of a new year, we want to add a further option for local residents to keep up with news and developments so, if you would like to join our mailing list for regular news letters, why not send us an email, typing "subscribe" in the subject box and we'll add you to our list.

Severe Weather Update

2010-01-13T10:50:00.004Z

Following our pre-Christmas post on preparations for severe weather, the country has been hit by freezing temperatures and heavy snow fall. After a thaw in the past few days, snow has again fallen throughout the night here in London.

On their website the council has issued a severe weather update, detailing the impact on services as well as progress on gritting the borough roads. The council had been well prepared for the cold weather, having ordered additional grit and salt. However, due to the extreme conditions nationally, the government made a statement to parliament announcing that councils will be asked to reduce their grit use by 25 per cent to ensure there would be enough to go round nationally. Hackney will continue to press for additional supplies.

More information is available on the council website and Hoxton Councillors have asked for an statement to be given at the next full Council meeting on 27 January 2010.

Reporting on Hoxton's Safer Neighbourhood Team

2009-12-29T13:48:00.002Z

Residents at the last meeting of the Hoxton Community Action Panel, set the priorities for policing. Click here for information. Since then, the Metropolitan Police's have reported their statistics for Hoxton. These show that crime (total notifiable offences) is down on figures for last month and also for this time last year. All details are here on the Met website.

You can also read the latest edition of the Police and Council's Safer Neighbourhood newsletter for Hoxton here.

Volunteering with Crisis

2009-12-24T11:45:00.001Z

This year Councillor Carole Williams will be volunteering with Crisis, the homelessness charity and has set up a fundraising webpage on the Crisis site. Click here.

As well as helping out over the Christmas period, she has also set herself a fund raising target to help with the work that Crisis is doing to end homelessness. If you would like to help Councillor Williams achieve her target why don't you think about clicking the link and making a donation? All funds go directly to Crisis.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T11:15:00.002Z

Hoxton Councillors, Carole Williams, Phil Glanville and Clayeon McKenzie would like to take this opportunity to wish all Hoxton residents a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

We'll be back working hard for Hoxton in 2010, in the meantime remember that Christmas is a time of giving and recieving and the result is usually a lot of wrapping paper so remember to recycle!

I'm sure that you'll catch a glimpse of us around the ward otherwise, we'll see you in the new year.

Hackney Prepared for a Sudden Cold Snap

2009-12-18T15:25:00.000Z

It’s that time of year when we all start getting out our woolies and wrapping up warm in preparation for lashings of snow as another cold snap hits London.

The bookmakers have slashed their odds on a white Christmas and, after much of London came to a stand in February, residents across Hoxton want guarantees that the council are ready for another sudden and heavy downfall of snow.

Though we have had only a light dusting of snow so far, Hoxton Councillors have been told that adequate preparations have been put in place to keep Hackney roads clear and safe for drivers as well as pedestrians.

We have asked for and received confirmation of the following facts and figures:

Partners have been instructed to increase salt stocks from 100 tonnes to 170 tonnes.
A review was held with contract partners in October to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place for a sudden freeze
The Met Office forecast a milder and wetter season than last year, although much of the country has already seen freezing temperatures.

Hoxton Councillor, Carole Williams said, "The council's quick response to the heavy snowfall last year was made apparent as I walked through Hoxton in February. The main roads as well as the side roads were well gritted. This year, I am pleased to see that the council have an increased supply of salt and grit and that preparations have been put in place just in case the Met Office have it wrong and London is hit by a prolonged cold snap."

If you are interested in facts and figures, here are some more:

Over an average winter, salting lorries will be deployed about 40 times in Hackney, usually overnight.
On every trip over 40% of Hackney’s entire road network are treated – about 102km
Hackney's Red routes are treated by Transport for London and colleagues at Waste Services deal with treating footways
The Council commenced its winter standby service on 8 November and it will run for 18 weeks up to mid-March. This will be reviewed in late February and consideration will be given to extending it if necessary.

Tackling Hate Crime

2009-12-07T12:36:00.003Z

Hoxton Councillors have met with local police for a second time to discuss hate crime. On Friday 4 December we met with the local Member of Parliament, Meg Hillier, Council Officers, Councillor Julius Nkafu, Chair of Hackney's Hate Crime Forum, LGBT Hackney Domestic Violence and Hate Crime Officer form Hackney Police as well as Police Officers from Tower Hamlets and Councillor from Weaver's Ward in Tower Hamlets.

Weavers and Haggerston Safer Neighbourhood Teams have recorded a number of attacks on members of the public and they have been working together to reduce incidents, to help the public stay safe while out and to speak to local community leaders to address the root causes.

Hoxton Councillors will continue to work with Councillors in Haggerston Ward as well as police and the council to address community concerns and fears.

CouncillorPhilip Glanville said, "Residents from across wards and boroughs have raised their concerns about attacks that have taken place on both sides of the borough boundary. The majority appear to have taken place across in Tower Hamlets. We are committed to working with Hackney Council to ensure that, working in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council, Tower Hamlets Police and local community the streets are made safe for all."

Councillor Carole Williams said, "This was a good opportunity for councillors to meet with partners and the owner of a local bar about tackling hate crime. We commend the work that has been done so far and welcome news that there will be another public meeting in the New Year to discuss the public's concerns."

Council Meetings for November 2009

2009-11-03T19:51:00.000Z

Details and agendas for Council meetings scheduled for November 2009 are now available on the council website.

Meetings Hoxton Councillors will be attending include:

Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commisson
Community Safety and Social Inclusion Commission
Overview and scrutiny Board

Click here for full details.

In addition councillors will also be attending neighbourhood and estate committee meetings.

Consulting on a Controlled Drinking Area

2009-11-03T13:01:00.002Z

You may have heard that Hackney Council and partners are considering making Hackney a controlled drinking area to allow police the powers to seize alcohol from people causing a nuisance.

Hackney already has controlled areas or Designated Public Protection Orders but these are not borough-wide so problems can just move around the borough.

Hackney Council are seeking residents views and we would encourage you to respond if you feel strongly for the proposal or against the proposal. You can read the further information and respond here. The deadline for responses is 28 December 2009.

You can view all other consultations here.

Great news for Local People

2009-10-27T21:13:00.004Z

We have passed another hurdle in our campaign to have Murray Grove Post Office reopened. Click here to read story in Hackney Gazette

Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change comes to Hackney

2009-10-27T13:17:00.001Z

From 7-18 December 2009 in Copenhagen, delegates from 192 countries will meet to discuss and come to an agreement on:

a new treaty to follow the Kyoto protocol which expires in 2012;
new targets for industrialised nations to reduce carbon emissions;
new targets for poorer nations to limit greenhouse gases;

In preparation for that Ed Milliband, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change held a rally here in Hackney to discuss the impact that climate change is already having in the world. A live link to Kenya was arranged and Abdi spoke powerfully about how climate change is affecting the community there. He told us how the cycle of droughts used to last about 11 years but that this has been reducing. Now Kenya experiences droughts every 2 years. These are swiftly followed by floods and as a result, Kenya has lost up to 80% of their live stock, making it increasingly difficult for families to find food.

Kenya might seem like a long way away and what is happening there may seem to have no consequence for our lives but, Hackney is a very diverse community. The chances are that you will know someone who who is suffering as a direct result of this kind of environmental impact.

The messages were strong and clear. For those of us in the west reducing our carbon emissions is a lifestyle choice. But for people like Abdi in Kenya and other developing countries, it is a matter of life and death.

The plea was for all of us to reduce our carbon emissions.

You can read here what steps have taken to reduce emissions when Hackney Council signed up to the 10:10 campaign.

Full Council Meeting, Wednesday 28 October 2009

2009-10-26T22:36:00.003Z

This month's council meeting will take place on Wednesday 28 October at Hackney Town Hall. The agenda is available on the website here.

Items of note on this months agenda include a question from Councillor Carole Williams on steps the council will be taking to improve response times of Safer Neighbourhood Teams when responding to reports of crime taking place on council estates.

Other questions will also be asked on Council Tax Levels for next year; the council's efficiency savings as well as Hackney Empire.

The council will also consider a motion to condemn the Mayor of London's recent announcement that he will increase bus and tubes fares, disproportionately affect Hackney residents.

No armed police patrols in Hackney

2009-10-26T22:25:00.000Z

Hackney Central Councillors are now blogging here. Their most recent post confirms Hackney's borough commander has announced that there will be no armed patrols in Hackney. You can read the post here.

Should a Wind Turbine be Built on Hackney Marshes

2009-10-25T12:01:00.000Z

This week Hackney Council launched a consultation on whether or not to use part of Hackney Marshes for the construction of a wind turbine.

If this massive project goes ahead, it will make a considerable contribution toward reducing Hackney’s carbon emissions. It will also provide green energy for the borough for the next 25 years and, rent from the for the land the turbine would sit on could be invested in sports and playing facilities on the Marshes.

Anyone can respond to the consultation so if want to have your say on whether this project should go ahead, click here.

Tackling Homophobic Crime

2009-10-03T18:10:00.000+01:00

You may have heard recent news reports on homophobic crime. Hoxton Councillors have been concerned about these reports and have sought guarantees from Hackney's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Neighbourhoods that the Council are working with Hackney Police to reassure Hackney residents and tackle hate crime. We have received the following response to a question that was raised at last month's full council meeting:

From Cllr Williams to the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods: 'I welcome news in the most recent Safer Neighbourhoods Team newsletter in which information is given on the work being done by dedicated police teams to tackle hate crime against Hackney's LGBT community. Would the Cabinet Member highlight how the police are working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs to address the problem of homophobic crime?'

Each Borough Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) has a LGBT Police Liaison Officer who link into the Community Safety Unit; this is coordinated through New Scotland Yard.

Hackney Metropolitan Police Authority has 8 LGBT Police Liaison Officers and a coordinator who work in these roles voluntarily to support victims of homophobic crime. There is an East London Out Project (ELOP) based in Walthamstow that co-ordinate a 3 monthly meeting that brings all the LGBT Police Liaison Officers across the Borough's to tackle homophobic crime by sharing cross Borough intelligence. There is a further monthly networking meeting of LGBT Police Liaison Officers across the East London Borough's where they discuss and share ideas.

Recently Councillors Philip Glanville and Carole Williams also spent an evening with Hackney Police's LGBT Liaision Officer to get a first hand view of what the police are doing to work with local licence holders and club goers to keep residents safe while out.

We don't want anyone to be the victim of crime so would urge you to speak to the LGBT Liaison Officer for advice and information. The number is 020 7275 3183 or you can email by clicking here.

Twitter

2009-10-01T11:05:00.001+01:00

Hoxton Councillors are now all on Twitter. We can be followed at Hoxton Labour tweeting about everything from council meetings, consultations, local news and views and diary engagements.

If you can also follow us here:

Hackney One Carnival 27th September

2009-09-25T23:11:00.003+01:00

The Hackney One Carnival, Hackney's main Cultural Olympiad activity, will take place on Sunday and will celebrate the diverse cultures that make Hackney so special.

The Route
The Carnival procession will start from the Town Hall at 11.30am, going north along Mare Street, Amhurst Road, Pembury Road and Hackney Downs Park. Arriving at Downs Park at approximately 12.30pm.

Sixteen Carnival groups will be taking part and the majority are a mixture of local community and voluntary sector groups and small enterprises. Each carnival group will contain 20 – 40 carnival participants. The groups' participants would consist of a wide range of Hackneys residents from all age groups, cultures and inclusive of disabled persons. With in Hackney there are some organisations that are not able to fully participate in the Carnival procession, so there is the opportunity for them to make a cultural offering at the park. They will be able to showcase their heritage/culture through their preferred medium such as dance, song poetry or theatre.

Volunteers and stewards
The event is providing volunteering opportunities for up to 50 individuals who have been drawn from the graduates from the Hackney 2012 Personal Best volunteering programme and it will give them invaluable work experience and form part of their accreditation assessment. The event will also be assisted by 30 professional stewards who will ensure safety measures along the the route.

Hackney 2012 Youth Ambassadors who are all young Hackney residents and have been part of a programme of peer to peer education and advocacy for the 2012 games and the opportunities available will also be actively involved in the day's events. They will support many of the activities will be taking place in the park.

Activities at Downs Park
Sporting activities for all abilities

All of the activities listed below will be available for Hackney's resident to participate in. There will be traditional sporting games that are intergenerational and fun. This will be delivered by the 2012 Unit and the 2012 Sports Coaches and school children that have taken part in the "2012 Personal Best" programme across Hackney.

Activities will include:

Hackney's fastest man/woman
Personal Bests
Olympic sports – Discus, Shot putt, Javelin, Sprints
Traditional sports events
Egg and spoon race
Sack race
Wheelbarrow race
Bean bag race
Obstacle race
Adults and Children's races
Children's play/ activity area.

Audio Interview with Hackney's 2012 Olympic Champion, Dervish Konuralp

2009-09-21T08:39:00.000+01:00

Dervish Konuralp is Hackney's Ambassador for the 2012 Olympics. He is also a Hackney resident and on 16 September he attended the full council meeting in Hackney Town Hall and agreed to be first interviewee on the newly launched Hoxton Labour audioBoo, which is a new online recording facility.

Dervish answered questions about being an Ambassador, volunteering for the 2012 Olympics and sporting facilities in the borough. You can listen to his interview below or by clicking here.

Listen!

2009-09-13T13:51:00.001+01:00

Following last months Million Moms March, Hackney is also preparing for another annual London Week of Peach March.

London Week of Peace march has been taking place since 2001 in Haringey and now takes place in thirteen London boroughs. Hackney has been holding a peace march for a number of years now and, this years march will be starting the Community College on Falkirk Street at 11:30am.

If you are coming along, you can register here. If you are coming along and are a tweeter, tweet Hoxton Councillors here.

Current Consultation

2009-09-10T20:47:00.000+01:00

Do you want to have your say on council services. Hackney is currently consulting on a review of the gambling policy. Your views on how gambling affects the borough could help shape future council policy so get involved, click on the link. Gambling Policy Review

Did you know?

2009-09-02T13:30:00.001+01:00

Did you know that agendas for all council meetings are available on the council website. Click the link for access.

Overview and Scrutiny Commission meetings
Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission
Shoreditch Neighbourhood Meeting
Full Council Meeting

How to Contact Us

2009-09-02T12:08:00.002+01:00

Hoxton Councillors are Clayeon Mckenzie, Philip Glanville and Carole Williams. We can be contacted in a number of ways.

By email
philip.glanville@hackney.gov.uk
clayeon.mckenzie@hackney.gov.uk
carole.williams@hackney.gov.uk
By phone
At the Town Hall 020 8356 3207
At one of our surgeries:
Cllr Philip Glanville will hold his surgeries on the 3rdWednesday of the month between 6 pm 7 pm at Provost Community Hall Murray Grove, London N1 and 3rd Saturday of the month between 11am and 12pm at The Bell Club on Bowling Green Walk, Pitfield Street
Cllr Clayeon McKenzie will hold his surgeries on the 2nd Tuesday of every month between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm atThe Bell Club on Bowling Green Walk, Pitfield Street

Cllr Carole Williams will hold her surgeries on the 2nd Monday of each month between 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm at 16a Malcolm House on the Arden Estate

Or, you can contact us by writing to us at the Town Hall
By Post:
London Borough of Hackney
Town Hall
Mare Street
London

Do it Online

2009-08-23T15:36:00.000+01:00

Did you know that you can report noise nuisance online here. You can also request removal of bulky waste here, or the removal of garden waste here.

It's also possible to report flytipping, graffiti and litter here.

for a list of all online forms, click here.

Murray Grove Post Office Consultation

2009-08-07T12:49:00.001+01:00

The consultation on the reopening of Murray Grove Post Office is coming to a close. If you have yet completed the online questionnaire, you can do so now by clicking here.

Supporting Thomas Fairchild School after the fire.

2009-08-04T17:52:00.004+01:00

Short update from all of us on the fire.

“Thomas Fairchild School was at the heart of the community; as local councillors and residents we are committed to seeing it rebuilt and to making sure the necessary temporary arrangements are in place for the start of the autumn term.”

“Watching the fire last Thursday was a dreadful experience for everyone involved, especially given the many generations of local children who attended the school - as well as the many memories bound up in this wonderful historic building.”

“We would like to thank the London Fire Brigade for their efforts to save the school and our express our relief that no one was injured. While the school maybe badly damaged its spirit lives on and we are thankful the children’s centre was saved.

“The community and the school family are now coming together with the Learning Trust and the Council to ensure the future of their school, and they have our full support.”

Re-open Murray Grove Post Office

2009-07-31T21:48:00.005+01:00

Residents have previously shown their concerns when Royal Mail proposal to close Murray Grove Post Office. And, Hoxton Councillors have been campaigning for it to be re-opened. The Mayor of Hackney has supported the campaign and, earlier this year announced that he would set aside resources for its reopening.

But before the project to go any further, Royal Mail want proof that residents really do want the post office to be reopened. That is way Hackney Council is in partnership with Shoreditch Trust asking for views to put together a case that will be presented to Royal Mail. Only when they are satisfied that there is a demand will they give the go ahead for it to be reopened.

Some residents will have already received a questionnaire asking for views. Others may have been visited by community interviewers. We are asking for as many people as possible to respond to make the strongest possible for Royal Mail to reopen the post office. We are also asking residents to attend the consultation event that will take place at Provost Community Hall on Murray Grove on Tuesday 4 July at 6pm.

Surveys are available from the following locations

Shoreditch Library,
Shoreditch Trust shop in Hoxton Street; or
Murray’s Chemist in Murray Grove
Businesses:
online (click here to complete)

For more informationCall Ben Smith on: 020 7033 8521; or email:ben@shoreditchtrust.org.uk

"Backing Young Britain" Launched in Hackney

2009-07-29T23:36:00.012+01:00

Hoxton was chosen for the place to launch "Backing Young Britain", a programme which brings together business, public and voluntary sector to create more opportunities for young people. The event was held at the Hoxton Apprentice on Hoxton Square and invited guests included Yvette Cooper MP, John Denham MP, Peter Mandelson and Jim Knight MP as well as the CBI, Dame Kelly Holmes and a host of young people. They include apprentices working at the Hoxton Apprentice, recent university graduates and graduates from the Prince's Trust.

It was an opportunity for leading members of the media, the CBI, charities and the government to learn how young people want to be supported into work, training and apprenticeships.

The message from young people was clear. They wanted more access to information, more support in getting a job and training and they did not want to be overlooked during the current economic climate.

Here are just a few of the comments I heard.

"We need more accessible support for young people."

On information about apprenticeships and internships

"There are quite a few programmes for young poeple to get into work. They just don't know about it."

On getting experience in economically difficult times.

"Professionals are dropping back down the ladder into the areas we need to get experience in."

On getting retail experience

"There's a lot of stigma attached to young people and some retail shops want CRB checks."

On applying for an unpaid internship

"There were 150 applicants for an eight week internship."

and

"Internships have become a necessary part of getting a job."

More information is available on the Backing Young Britain website.

London Marathon

2009-04-03T18:37:00.003+01:00

A local Shoreditch resident has been in training to run the London Marathon which will take place in 3 weeks time. He is hoping to raise £1,000 for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, a registered charity. So far he has raised £460 on the Just Giving website so is short a bob or two.

Why not help him reach his goal and sponsor him here.

Hoxton Councillors Now on Twitter

2009-03-25T16:48:00.004Z

Councillors traditionally keep in contact with local residents through regular public advice surgeries and letters. With the advent of emails, local residents have been able to have almost 24 hour access to councillors - well, as long as we are logged onto our accounts.

To that list we can now add Facebook, Blogger and Twitter, making us even more accountable to you and Hoxton Councillors have not shied away from any of them. If you are reading this blog post, you have already found us on blogger. Now you can access regular updates here.

If you are not on Twitter yourself but would still like to follow our posts, we will also be putting up an rss feed in the sidebar of this blog for quick and easy access.

changes to parking restrictions

2009-03-05T22:11:00.009Z

The council will be holding a consultation meeting on Tuesday 10 March at Provost Community Hall.

This will be an opportunity for local residents to help determine parking restrictions. Over the past year Ward Councillors have been lobbying the council to ensure that changes do not result in the loss of parking spaces particularly at weekends, when family are more likely to visit. We have lobbied hard to ensure that roads remain safe while giving residents the maximum opportunity to park legally and a minimal costs. We have also lobbied hard to ensure that your voices and your choices are heard.

In total 200 additional parking spaces will be provided but there will also be a significant loss of spaces. We will continue to fight for more parking but hope that you will add your voice to ours at the upcoming meeting.

Murray Grove Post Office Victory

2009-03-05T07:45:00.003Z

Last night the Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe, announced that the London Borough of Hackney will be working with partners to re-open the Murray Grove Post Office as a social enterprise. More news will be posted on this blog as it emerges.

A big thank you to everyone who joined our campaign and who signed our petition. Victory is ours!

A Night Less Ordinary

2009-02-10T15:47:00.006Z

Even more opportunities for young people! Go to A Night Less Ordinary website for more information

Council Scrutiny Survey

2009-02-04T21:35:00.002Z

If you would like to help shape the council's scrutiny commissions agenda for next year, please take the time to fill out our questionnaire here.

Hackney Homes Receives Two Stars

2009-02-04T19:53:00.003Z

The Audit Commission has awarded Hackney Homes two star rating and so will benefit
a £225m funding injection to continue the Decent Homes programme and the renewal of windows kitchens and bathrooms in properties across Hoxton. It will continue the extensive programme of the last few years so that even more homes will be improved.

Year 3 Decent Homes External Works Programme have also been announced. Consultation will shortly begin for estates across Hoxton including:

1. 1-20 & 41-82 Shaftesbury Court, 121-136 & 157-172 Bracklyn Court
Wednesday 18 February 3pm - 6.30pm Napier Grove Community Hall

2. 200-242 Crondall Street, Arden Estate,
Wednesday 11 February, 4.30pm-7.30pm, Regen Way Community Hall, Regan Way

3. 1-50 Marshall House, 1-24 Daniel House, 1-20 Kinder House, Cranston Estate
Tuesday 24 February, 4.00pm - 6.30pm, Carole Young Community Centre, Cranston Estate

4. 1-12 & 29-52 Micawber Court, Windsor Terrace
Wednesday 18 February 3pm - 6.30pm Napier Grove Community Hall

For more information on the Decent Home programme please see the Hackney Homes website.

Enhanced TRA

2008-06-04T07:35:00.002+01:00

There will be an ETRA conference on 9 and 10 June to review progress and to discuss issues to ensure continued improvements of the stucture. All TRA Chairs have been invited as have Service providers from Hackney Homes, neighbourhood partners and Resident Participation Officers who will provide their feedback on what they think of the process so far.

The conference will take place at Morley Hall, Mare Street. London E8 but each night will be limited to a maximum of 50 people.

East London Line Extension

2008-03-29T09:00:00.002Z

Anyone travelling down Shoreditch High Street today will notice a marked difference. There is a new bridge in place that was not there yesterday. The road was closed at 4am when the country's largest mobile crane dropped into place this new section of the East London Line Extension. The work will go on until 5am on 31 March. The action can be viewed live on the Transport for London webcam here.

Murray Grove Post Office

2008-03-19T16:37:00.008Z

Many local residents have received our latest news letter detailing how they can become involved in the campaign opposing the closure of Murray Grove Post Office and we would like to say thank you to the hundreds of residents who have already signed out petition.

We were out on Murray Grove last Saturday getting more signatures and passing out flyers and stickers and will be marching against the closure later this week. If you would like to take part, you can contact us via the Town Hall or by emailing one of us. Our email addresses are on the top right hand side of this blog.

Save Murray Grove Post Office

2008-02-21T17:08:00.007Z

Following the announcment from the Post Office announced of the proposed closure of the Murray Grove Post Office as part of its London Area Plan, ward Councillors have started an online petition. We will continue to fight vigorously against the closure and we believe that six weeks isn't long enough to have a meaningful dialogue with the community about these changes.

The alternative post offices in Old Street and on Hoxton High Street are too far away for many elderly and vulnerable residents who value having this community resource on their door step. Post offices also play an important part in local social and economic life. In Hoxton where the levels of deprivation and poor access to financial services can be particularly high we need them more than most.

If you would like to support our campaign to keep the post office open, please sign our online petition by clicking here.

Online petition - Save Murray Grove Post Office

Youth Crime in Hackney

2008-01-30T23:14:00.000Z

The Children and Young People's Scrutiny Commission of Hackney Council has been reviewing issues surrounding youth crime in Hackney and are continuing to take evidence from on what youth crime means to community groups.

There is one more evidence session scheduled for 21 February and is open for all groups to attend. More information can be obtain from the Scrutiny Commission Officer on 020 8356 3029 or by emailing clair.bantin@hackney.gov.uk

"A Host for 2012 - The London Olympic and Paralympic Games"

2007-11-30T14:47:00.000Z

Useful Numbers

24 hr construction Hotline 080000 722 110
Hackney 2012 Team 020 8356 3126
Job Opportunities 020 7241 7080

Web sites

2008 Highlights

The Olympic Flag will be handed to London and the closing of the Beijing 2008 Games
Five host boroughs will take centre stage with a new annual summer cultural festival
Main venue construction will begin and run through to 2011
Five host boroughs and the Olympic Delivery Authority will engage residents on post-2012 planning

2009 Highlights

Procurement starts for the delivery of Games services
New phase of opportunities for residents to work in areas such as construction, culture, tourism and transport
Work will get underway to improve the Marshes for football and community use

2010 Highlights

East London Line Extension Line to Dalston Opens
North London Line Improvements
Jobs on the Games site reaches its peak at 20,000
Hackney Marshes improved pitches and new changing rooms will be completed
Official volunteering programme for the 2012 Games will be launched

2011 Highlights

East London Line to Highbury will be completed
Football on East Marsh will transfer to the main Marshes until 2013
Hackney Schools active in local and national volunteering programme
Venues for the Games will be completed and test events will be staged

2012 and Beyond

Olympic and Para Olympic Games in July, August and September
Host boroughs will celebrate with a Cultural Olympiad open to everyone in East London
East Marsh will be returned for football in 2013 with a new bridge connecting the Marshes to the Olympic Park and sports facilities
The Legacy phase begins for Hackney and the Lower Lea Valley including a new Park, new neighbourhood and employment area
2012 and beyond - legacy benefits will provide new opportunities for Hackney

Details taken from the Mayor of Hackney's "A Host for 2012"

Fresh Start

2007-11-30T14:13:00.000Z

What is Fresh Start?
Fresh Start is a scheme for residents wanting a transfer outside of London. The scheme will enable residents to move into council housing, housing associations or private properties.

Who can join the scheme?
Residents on the Council housing register or council and Housing Association tenants can join the scheme.

How do I find out more information?
Contact the Fresh Start team to arrangement and appointment by calling 020 835 5751.

Hackney Mediation Services

2007-11-30T13:25:00.000Z

One of the many issues that local residents come to see councillors about is disputes with neighbours and we are pleased to announce that there will be three more training sessions on mediating neighbour disputes planned for early 2008. We would encourage TRAs and TMOs to register people to attend.

The dates are:

31 January
28 February
20 March

For further information and to book onto one of the courses please contact the Hackney Mediation Service on 020 8356 4794 or email mediation@hackney.gov.uk

Recent Tranport Announcements

2007-11-30T13:19:00.000Z

Here is a breakdown of recent transport announcements:

Since 11 November 2007 passengers have been able to use Oyster and Travelcards on Transport for London's new London Overground service, North London Railway.
Door-to-door fares for older and disabled Londoners will be abolished making rides free from 1 January 2008 and will benefit around 50,000 Londoners.
Another six environmentally friendly hybrid buses are being added to Transport for London's (TfL's) bus fleet. By 2012 every new bus entering the fleet will be a hybrid and will help to cut pollutant emissions in London and contribute to the drive to tackle climate change.
Londoners on income support can get access to reduced bus and tram fares by sending proof of income support to TfL and enclosing a copy of a passport, drivers licence bank card or Post Office Card Account card, birth or marriage certificate, NHS Medical Card and recent utility bill. Forms are available on the TfL website (www.tfl.gov.uk/discountcard ) or from a local post office. The helpline number is 0800 731 4564
There will be a price freeze on all single Oyster and cash fares for bus and tube Journeys next year. Single cash fares will remain at £2 ; bus journeys paid for using the cashless Oyster cared will remain at 90p; single cash fares for zone 1-4 journey’s will be £4 and Oyster pay-as-you-go passengers will pay £2.50 7am-7pm. Full details of charges are listed on the TfL website.

Decent Homes Programme Phase 2 - Marie Lloyd House

2007-11-20T16:46:00.000Z

Works on roof renewal, concrete repairs and window replacement will commence on Marie Lloyd House on 26 November 2007 and will be completed by the end of May 2008.

Any residents with questions can go along to a weekly drop in session which will be held every Wednesday morning between 9.00am and 12.00pm at the Shoreditch Neighbourhood Office, Bletchley Court, 1 Cropley Street, N1.

£4m for transport improvements in Hackney

2007-11-20T16:36:00.000Z

Tfl has announced a £4m of funding package for transport in Hackney.

Here is a breakdown of the funding for Hackney:

Principal road renewals - £198,000
Local safety schemes - £425,00020mph zones - £300,000
Education, training and publicity - £44,000
Walking - £160,000
Cycling - £250,000
London Cycle Network+ - £867,000
Bus stop accessibility - £147,000
Bus priority - £510,000
School Travel Plans - £806,000
Work travel plans - £17,000
Travel awareness - £32,000
Regeneration area schemes - £80,000
Environment - £50,000
Controlled parking zones - £50,000
Local area accessibility - £60,000
Total £3,996,000

Plans to Re-vamp Windsor Terrace

2007-11-19T22:02:00.000Z

Windsor Terrace is in need of a facelift and the council is working with Shoreditch Trust to find a solution and local residents have been consulted on layout, lighting replacement, seating and planting. The trees on this City Road landmark will be retained but the trip hazards caused by the pertruding roots will be recitifed.

Comments can still be submitted to joost.berger@hackney.gov.uk

East London Line Extension

2007-09-12T15:44:00.000+01:00

The East London Line Extension, running to Highbury and Islington, New Cross, Crystal Palace and West Croydon, is well underway. Stations at Dalston, Haggerston, Hoxton and Shoreditch High Street are all included in phase 1 of the project.

Phase 2 of the project is still awaiting approval for the funding that will create a direct link between East and South London.

Over the coming months, the government will make announcements which will determine which major transport projects will be delivered.

More Door Entry Systems

2007-07-06T20:54:00.000+01:00

Residents on East Road and in Halstead Court, Hoxton, will be benefiting from more door entry system being installed on their estates.

Wach this space for more details!

Fall in Crime

2007-04-26T10:17:00.000+01:00

There has been an overall fall in crime across Hackney. The s of the light increase in robberies and theft in Hoxton is thougth to be as a result of events taking place in the night time economy area.

Deatailed figures for Hoxton can be found on the Met website.

How to Avoid a Fridge Mountain in Hoxton

2007-04-25T01:05:00.000+01:00

Have you ever wondered how to get dispose of those things you have hanging around but don't know what to do with them? So did I until a colleague sent me a link to a website called Fridge Mountain. It's a UK-wide website set up to swop all kinds of unwanted stuff including old furniture, books, wheelbarrows and almost anything else.

For those whose childhood viewing was anything like mine, it's a bit like Swop Shop on the internet for adults.

I’m told that it started in Cambridge its popularity across London is growing. It would be good to see its use growing in London and across Hackney.

Roving Surgery

2007-04-22T20:09:00.000+01:00

Hoxton Councillors took the opportunity to hold another Roving Sugery with Meg Hillier, Member of Parliament for Hackney South and Shoreditch.

We spent three hours visiting residents in Burtt House, Fairchild House, Aske House and Royal Oak Court to chat about everything from Decent Homes Programme, immigration issues, mould and planning issues.

We hope to be doing more of these over across the ward so look out for a notice telling you the time and location.

Otherwise you can always visit ward Carole, Clayeon or Phil at one of our regular surgeries.

Hackney Home Repair Hit Sqaud Visits Hoxton

2007-04-12T14:09:00.000+01:00

The Hackney Homes Responsive Repair Team comprising of plumber, electrician, bricklayer, carpenter and glazier will be at St Leonards Court, and St John’s Estate on Thursday 12 April.

The team have already visit Arden, Pitfield and Provost Estates.

I hope the team will be a permanent feature around the ward.

Redeveloping Jack Beard Pub, Hoxton?

2007-04-11T23:17:00.000+01:00

The keen interest in developing Hoxton continues to grow. Tonight residents were asked to comment on more plans. This time site for development is the Jack Beard Pub on Murray Grove.

Telford Homes want to use the site to build a nine story block on the site. They are hoping that their proposal for 10 family sized affordable homes on the first 3½ floors will be acceptable to local residents and that objections won’t be raised when they submit them to Planning.

They want to make four of the affordable until into 1 bedroom flats; 3 of the units into 3 bedroom flats and 3 of the properties will have four bedrooms.

Their plans included 19 properties which will be for private sale.

The usual legal obligations will have to be fulfilled which means that plans will eventually be submitted for viewing on the Planning Authority Website.

The consultant working for Telford Homes will, I’m sure, welcome further comments on the plans. Martin Hughes can be contacted on 07831 869878 and faxed on 020 8181 6234. He can also be emailed at martin@lucis-communications.co.uk

Regenerating Hoxton Estates

2007-04-08T14:57:00.000+01:00

Resident representatives from St Johns and Crantson Estate in Hoxton met with consultants this week to tell them their visions for the developement of their estates over the next few years.

Levitt Bernstein Associates and Strategic Urban Futures have been appointed by the council to work on consultation with local residents on regenerating their estates so they have both the look and layout suitable for local needs.

Over the next 10 weeks, there will be extensive consultation Wenlock Barn, St. John’s & Cranston estates and Haberdasher Estate.

The next meeting will be held on 18 April. More details will be posted soon.

London Marathon

2007-04-03T15:38:00.000+01:00

Its that time of year when people start sending emails letting you know that they will be running the marathon and aksing for support.

My latest message was from Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights. Mr Phillips will be running in aid of the abolition of the slave trade legacy fund.

Best of luck!

Caught on Camera

2007-04-02T09:14:00.000+01:00

I take my mobile phone with me everywhere and as it has a camera on it, I take more pictures now than I have ever taken before.

It is particularly useful when walking around the ward as I can take pictures of dumped rubbish as well graffiti and send it straight to officers. These generally get dealt with very quickly so I was please to hear that Hackney Homes now have a new repairs textline on 0773 854 4872.

To report repairs all you now need to do is take a picture of the problem and with the name of the estate along with the problem.

Any reports made throughout April will be entered into a draw to win a camera phone.

Wenlock Barn to Get Disable Parking Space

2007-03-30T19:42:00.000+01:00

Following on from a written complaint regarding the lack of disable parking bays at Wenlock Barn Estate, Hoxton, Hackney Homes have finally agreed to replace one of the bays outside outside Wimbourne Court with a disabled parking bay.

The new bay will not be allocated to an individual property, but it will be an estate disabled parking bay which is for the use of any disabled driver who is living on Wenlock Barn Estate.

Watch this space to find out the location.

Cllr Carole Williams

Cows Seen Grazing in Shoreditch

2007-03-26T21:57:00.000+01:00

Hoxton Councillors Clayeon McKenzie, Carole Williams and Phil Glanville, have been receiving information about cows seen grazing across Shoreditch. The latest herd was last spotted by Sheperdess Walk Park on Sunday lunch time.

Ward Councillors were called to the scene and found five hungry cows being fed by local residents. They are asking other residents to continue to do the same on a regular basis to keep the cows from going hungry and prevent the NSPCA being called out.

From appearances it is clear that the herd is going to continue to grow and increase in numbers with the likelihood of more being seen across the borough.

"Please continue to feed the cows," pleads Councillor Clayeon McKenzie. "Without the help of residents, we will be heading for disaster."

Abolition of Slavery

2007-03-26T21:47:00.000+01:00

For over four hundred years, from the mid-fifteenth century, millions of Africans were enslaved through the transatlantic slave trade. It is thought that over 12 million Africans were loaded onto slave ships and that over three million died.

Until the 19th century, slavery was considered an acceptable part of the economic system, enabling many countries in Europe and beyond to profit and prosper from the trade of goods produced by enslaved labour.

Two hundred years ago the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was passed in Parliament. William Wilberforce has received much of the credit for its abolition, but there are many unsung heroes and heroines whose voices have been lost in the mists of time.

William Wilberforce, born in 1759 into a wealthy family played a central in the abolition of slavery and was galvanised to do something about the trade in human lives.

Wilberforce was not a skilful legislative tactician and despite introducing an abolition bill every year and getting the House of Commons to vote to abolish the slave trade in 1792, he failed to get the support of the House of Lords so the bill was not passed until 1807.

Others who contributed to the abolition of slavery included Thomas Clarkson, who travelled around the country, generating petitions to parliament and Lord Grenville who got the measure through the House of Lords. James Stephen also urged Wilberforce to get parliament to ban British ships carrying slaves to the colonies of France and its allies.

Women also played a vital role despite their own lack of emancipation and political power. Instead, they used moral action as well as indirect action to cajole and influential friends and those in with political clout.

More than 300,000 people, for example, were encouraged to join a boycott of sugar grown on plantations which used slave labour.

The campaign worked and the Act was passed in 1807. It was enforced gradually, however and in 1824, Elizabeth Heyrick, was still working to oppose Wilberforce’s ‘gradual’ approach and published a pamphlet entitled 'Immediate, Not Gradual Abolition'. The call was taken up by women's societies in 1830 putting the Anti-Slavery Society in a position where they had to agree to the change.

Other abolitionists include Quobna Ottobah Cugoano , Anthony Benezet, Joseph Sturge , John Woolman, Mary Prince , James Stephen , James Ramsay , Toussaint L'Ouverture and many more

There were also many other nameless and faceless men women and children who we know nothing about who played a vital role in this movement.
It is by no coincidence that the 200th anniversary is the year which organisations such as Anti Slavery have chosen to mark the phenomenon called modern slavery. They know that, despite the fact that abolition of slavery is an historical event, there are at least 12 million people around the world who live and work in contemporary forms of slavery.

It’s these forms of modern slavery which have galvanised nameless and faceless men, women and children up and down this country 200 years after the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act to fight against the continuing trade in human lives.

More information on the abolition of slavery visit The National Archives, The BBC Website or the Parliamentary Website

What ever you do to mark the anniversary, visit the exhibition at Hackney Museum.