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
Friday, March 30, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Cows Seen Grazing in Shoreditch
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
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.
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.
Friday, February 02, 2007
0% local tax rise AND boosts for key services.
Hackney’s part of the council tax is being frozen for the second year in a row - with a 0% rise for 2007/8.
Rising collection rates and efficiency savings at the Town Hall mean Hackney’s ruling Labour group is able to put more money into key services without putting up council tax.
Highlights of the 2007/8 budget were revealed to a meeting of the full council on Wednesday.
For the fifth year running Labour Mayor Jules Pipe will be setting a balanced budget that does not have to deal with overspends in previous years.
This is also the fifth year that there are NO cuts in services in Hackney’s budget – as well as extra money to fund residents’ key priorities.
The council has made almost £4 million in efficiency savings – money which is being ploughed back into key services.
The council tax collection rate is rising and is now at 90% - up 1% on last year – bringing in more money that can be spent on key services for residents.
Hackney’s Labour mayor Jules Pipe said: “Hackney Labour is very pleased we can deliver a 0% rise in local tax for the second year in a row.
“I am committed to keeping council tax down through improving the Council’s efficiency and driving up collection rates.
“Improved council efficiency means we can also put more money into the services that matter to you.”
Labour’s 2007/8 budget means boosts for key services including:
KIDS SWIM FREE: An extra £295K to fund free access to all residents under 18 to swimming lessons during school holidays – starting this Easter.
BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE: An extra £80K to extend the opening hours of the Hackney Service Centre from 8am-6pm Monday-Friday to 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday AND Saturday morning. More translating services for customers without English as a first language.
STREET WARDENS: Investment to secure the future for Hackney’s Street Wardens to help make our borough cleaner and safer. - In Hoxton this means our street wardens continue to be fully funded by the Council.
MORE RECYCLING: An extra £250K to roll out compulsory recycling across the borough including for plastics and to introduce blue bins for kitchen waste to all kerbside collections.
MORE TREES: An extra 500 trees on Hackney’s street this year alone – reducing our carbon footprint and making Hackney greener.
GREENER HACKNEY: An extra £1.3m to improve Hackney’s parks and green spaces
In addition, Hackney’s schools are getting an extra £11 million to continue the improvements in education in Hackney that have seen GCSE results improve from 32% in 2002 to 51% today.
Labour’s 2007/8 budget takes a further step forward and away from the financial mismanagement and instability of a hung council.
Back then, Hackney’s finances were in chaos, services were being cut and properties had to be sold to pay for the services that had to be maintained.
Since Jules Pipe became Mayor in 2002 the Council has finished every year without overspending and has put more investment into new services.
Rising collection rates and efficiency savings at the Town Hall mean Hackney’s ruling Labour group is able to put more money into key services without putting up council tax.
Highlights of the 2007/8 budget were revealed to a meeting of the full council on Wednesday.
For the fifth year running Labour Mayor Jules Pipe will be setting a balanced budget that does not have to deal with overspends in previous years.
This is also the fifth year that there are NO cuts in services in Hackney’s budget – as well as extra money to fund residents’ key priorities.
The council has made almost £4 million in efficiency savings – money which is being ploughed back into key services.
The council tax collection rate is rising and is now at 90% - up 1% on last year – bringing in more money that can be spent on key services for residents.
Hackney’s Labour mayor Jules Pipe said: “Hackney Labour is very pleased we can deliver a 0% rise in local tax for the second year in a row.
“I am committed to keeping council tax down through improving the Council’s efficiency and driving up collection rates.
“Improved council efficiency means we can also put more money into the services that matter to you.”
Labour’s 2007/8 budget means boosts for key services including:
KIDS SWIM FREE: An extra £295K to fund free access to all residents under 18 to swimming lessons during school holidays – starting this Easter.
BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE: An extra £80K to extend the opening hours of the Hackney Service Centre from 8am-6pm Monday-Friday to 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday AND Saturday morning. More translating services for customers without English as a first language.
STREET WARDENS: Investment to secure the future for Hackney’s Street Wardens to help make our borough cleaner and safer. - In Hoxton this means our street wardens continue to be fully funded by the Council.
MORE RECYCLING: An extra £250K to roll out compulsory recycling across the borough including for plastics and to introduce blue bins for kitchen waste to all kerbside collections.
MORE TREES: An extra 500 trees on Hackney’s street this year alone – reducing our carbon footprint and making Hackney greener.
GREENER HACKNEY: An extra £1.3m to improve Hackney’s parks and green spaces
In addition, Hackney’s schools are getting an extra £11 million to continue the improvements in education in Hackney that have seen GCSE results improve from 32% in 2002 to 51% today.
Labour’s 2007/8 budget takes a further step forward and away from the financial mismanagement and instability of a hung council.
Back then, Hackney’s finances were in chaos, services were being cut and properties had to be sold to pay for the services that had to be maintained.
Since Jules Pipe became Mayor in 2002 the Council has finished every year without overspending and has put more investment into new services.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
How does Parliament Represent You?
Hackney South MP, Meg Hillier, invited me to a meeting women MPs held in the House of Commons last week to look at the parliamentary record of gender 
representation across all parties.
How representative are your MPs? Well, if you look at the Labour Party's record, representation is going in the right direction. Women now make up 27% for all Labour MPs.
There are currently 97 Labour women MPs out of 354 Labour MPs. The aim is to increase that number to try to get at least 40% of women in Parliament by the next General Election.
The cake in the photographs show the reprsentation across the parties
Councillor Carole Williams
representation across all parties.How representative are your MPs? Well, if you look at the Labour Party's record, representation is going in the right direction. Women now make up 27% for all Labour MPs.
There are currently 97 Labour women MPs out of 354 Labour MPs. The aim is to increase that number to try to get at least 40% of women in Parliament by the next General Election.
The cake in the photographs show the reprsentation across the parties
Councillor Carole Williams
X Factor's Robert Allen Comes to Hackney Empire
X Factor’s Robert Allen presented awards to young people from Hackney at the annual Trailblazer’s Award Ceremony.
The award ceremony which started in 2005 was repeated again this year and students given awards for achievements in five categories: academic achievement, sports, creative arts, musical excellence and personal development.
Hackney award ceremonies are always a night of high emotion, excitement and anticipation. This year was no exception and having Robert in the line-up heightened the anticipation, raised pulse rates and got the crowd screaming.
The Hackney Gazette article can be read on The Learning Trust Website.
Councillor Carole Williams
The award ceremony which started in 2005 was repeated again this year and students given awards for achievements in five categories: academic achievement, sports, creative arts, musical excellence and personal development.
Hackney award ceremonies are always a night of high emotion, excitement and anticipation. This year was no exception and having Robert in the line-up heightened the anticipation, raised pulse rates and got the crowd screaming.
The Hackney Gazette article can be read on The Learning Trust Website.
Councillor Carole Williams
Local Licensing Applications Received Week ending 26th January 2007.
Please see below three nearby licensing applications/reviews Hackney has received that you may wish to comment on:
Jam
123 Shoreditch High Street
London E1 6JE
Applicant(s):
Sgt Kevan Coleman (Met. Police)
Brief summary of application:
Application to review premises licence on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance.
Closing date for representations:
20/02/2007
The Spreadeagle
1-3 Kingsland Road London E2 8AA
Applicant(s):
Ms Jesus
Brief summary of application:
Application to vary existing licence to allow supply of alcohol, and regulated entertainment comprising of films, live/recorded, facilities for making music/dancing and any facilities of a similar description from 10:00 until 04:00 Mon to Sat and from 12:00 until 00:00 on Sun.
Closing date for representations:
21/02/2007
The Plaza
165 Kingsland Road
London E2 8AL
Applicant(s):
Sgt Kevan Coleman (Met. Police)
Brief summary of application:
Application to review premises licence on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.
Closing date for representations:
21/02/2007
Please let any of us know if you have any concerns about this application.
Jam
123 Shoreditch High Street
London E1 6JE
Applicant(s):
Sgt Kevan Coleman (Met. Police)
Brief summary of application:
Application to review premises licence on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance.
Closing date for representations:
20/02/2007
The Spreadeagle
1-3 Kingsland Road London E2 8AA
Applicant(s):
Ms Jesus
Brief summary of application:
Application to vary existing licence to allow supply of alcohol, and regulated entertainment comprising of films, live/recorded, facilities for making music/dancing and any facilities of a similar description from 10:00 until 04:00 Mon to Sat and from 12:00 until 00:00 on Sun.
Closing date for representations:
21/02/2007
The Plaza
165 Kingsland Road
London E2 8AL
Applicant(s):
Sgt Kevan Coleman (Met. Police)
Brief summary of application:
Application to review premises licence on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.
Closing date for representations:
21/02/2007
Please let any of us know if you have any concerns about this application.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
What does it take to Build a School?
After working continuously for the past eighteen months I finally took a break this New Year. Along with a group of 27 people from the South England I went to Peru to work with a small charity within a small community in Pucullpa, Peru. .Our task was to assist in building a new School as the current one had been condemned by the local government.
It didn’t look too bad for a 46 year-old school but the upper floor was no longer safe, the hot midday sun would stream through the glass-less windows of the upper school and during the rainy season the rains would flood the teacher’s staff room. The grounds also had insufficient space for playing, outdoor-sports or the separation of primary and secondary school children. The current school library is small and cramped with little in the way of books learning materials. The school is able to teach computing but the quality of the machines was questionable.
When you consider that the school body is made up of 300 students (175 Elementary School students and 125 High School students) you can begin to see the problems and the task that lay ahead of us.
The start of the project saw the building of two new classrooms and a toilet block with an additional two to be built in this phase of the programme. When more funds are raised another identical block will be built directly behind this one.
The location for the new building was ideal in many ways but it had its own problems and challenges. The site is 4.5km from the current school, but even in such a short distance, we saw an incredible and dramatic change in the socio-economic profile of the local community.
The current location is in the centre of town where there are relative signs of wealth. The new building is going up in an area surrounded by communities who live in extreme poverty - it wasn’t unusual for us to turn up for a 7am start and see families, alongside the vultures, going through the local rubbish tip. The housing is poor, the roads full of potholes and local facilities are limited.
This group of 27 people from the UK were always going to stand out in this community and every day we saw groups of children and adults coming to see what we were doing. Questions were asked about the new school and why we were there, friendships were made and laughter sharedBy spending this time in Peru we were able to get an insight into what it is like to live in extreme poverty and we were fortunate enough to see the hope in the eyes of local children and saw a world of possibilities opening up.
There was no way that a group of 27 were going to complete a new school building (especially when you consider the number of days lost to illness, accidents, and other incidents). In fact, the foundations should have been prepared for us to build on. The summer rains, however, prevented work being completed on the foundations and on arrival we saw the extent of the task ahead of us.
There were foundations which still needed to be poured. Where foundations had been poured but not filled, we had to remove rain waters and refill holes large enough for the person of average height to stand in. Walls had to be built and the grounds levelled.
There was a lot of work done but we have left behind a team of Peruvian construction workers with less work and more encouragement. We left behind a community not only with a vision and hope for a new school but with the actual structures part completed.
It was a great way to spend the New Year break and the loss of our luggage to the Peruvian mafia will not be able to take away the experience!
Councillor Carole Williams
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
New powers will be coming soon to help local residents tackle anti-social behavior on Estates in Hoxton.
TACKLING ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ON OUR ESTATES
One of the most common issues local councillors face is the issue of anti-social behavior. Often local residents know who is to blame, but sometimes find it hard to get others to translate this information into action. Meaning that residents are left frustrated and intimidated by the actions of a minority.
The Government yesterday, recognised that it is local people, with local knowledge who are in the best position to help tackle these issues - so they announced that resident groups on estates are to be given new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and take day-to-day control of council services.
New regulations laid before Parliament yesterday will for the first time give Tenant Management Organisations (TMOs) powers to apply for Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. This means that TMOs in Hoxton on Cranston, Arden and Wenlock Barn Estates could soon have these new powers to help tackle ASB on their estates.
Powers of this kind are at the heart of the Government's Respect programme which is about giving people power and a real sense of ownership over their services and public spaces.
There will be clear safeguards to ensure the new powers are used responsibly, but, where a TMO has been assessed as competent, the Government sees no reason why it should not be delegated ASBO functions.
The new ASBO powers are a key element of the Labour's wider commitment to make social housing more responsive to the needs of social tenants. It is a commitment underpinned by the huge investment Labour in Hackney are putting into council housing in the borough through the Decent Homes Programme and improvements to estate security.
With the right safeguards and support I believe the TMO's in Hoxton will be ideally placed to use these new powers when they become available. And with the backing of us as local Labour Councillors, Hackney Homes and the Police - continue our efforts to make our estates safer.
Cllr Philip Glanville
One of the most common issues local councillors face is the issue of anti-social behavior. Often local residents know who is to blame, but sometimes find it hard to get others to translate this information into action. Meaning that residents are left frustrated and intimidated by the actions of a minority.
The Government yesterday, recognised that it is local people, with local knowledge who are in the best position to help tackle these issues - so they announced that resident groups on estates are to be given new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and take day-to-day control of council services.
New regulations laid before Parliament yesterday will for the first time give Tenant Management Organisations (TMOs) powers to apply for Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. This means that TMOs in Hoxton on Cranston, Arden and Wenlock Barn Estates could soon have these new powers to help tackle ASB on their estates.
Powers of this kind are at the heart of the Government's Respect programme which is about giving people power and a real sense of ownership over their services and public spaces.
There will be clear safeguards to ensure the new powers are used responsibly, but, where a TMO has been assessed as competent, the Government sees no reason why it should not be delegated ASBO functions.
The new ASBO powers are a key element of the Labour's wider commitment to make social housing more responsive to the needs of social tenants. It is a commitment underpinned by the huge investment Labour in Hackney are putting into council housing in the borough through the Decent Homes Programme and improvements to estate security.
With the right safeguards and support I believe the TMO's in Hoxton will be ideally placed to use these new powers when they become available. And with the backing of us as local Labour Councillors, Hackney Homes and the Police - continue our efforts to make our estates safer.
Cllr Philip Glanville
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Speech and Prize Giving at the Chinese Oral History Project Launch and T-Shirt Competition
Shoreditch Library 4th November 2006
I was really proud to be invited to speak at the Hackney launch of the Chinese Oral History Booklet. This event included a prize-giving to children who had been involved in a cross cultural T-shirt making project, designed to engage with children from across London including in Hoxton.
The children had all taken part in small workshops making t-shirts inspired by their interpretation of British and Chinese Culture. The t-shirts were amazing and I was especially pleased to present an award to 4 year old Jade from the Arden Estate, Hoxton. The speeches from the volunteers and elders involved in the project were also inspiring. I wish them every success at the main launch next weekend.
The booklet is an educational resource book that has been fully researched, designed and edited by young volunteers of an Oral History Project that is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and organised by the Chinese Mental Health Association.
The Oral History Project has carried out over 20 interviews with the older Chinese generation living in London, and it is through this that they expressed the importance of the younger Chinese generation and the wider community to know about both Chinese and British culture.
This has been the inspiration for the group of volunteers to produce the booklet with lots of colourful activities that engages children to learn about these cultures. Local libraries have been very supportive and Shoreditch Library will soon have copies of the booklet.
Philip Glanville
I was really proud to be invited to speak at the Hackney launch of the Chinese Oral History Booklet. This event included a prize-giving to children who had been involved in a cross cultural T-shirt making project, designed to engage with children from across London including in Hoxton.
The children had all taken part in small workshops making t-shirts inspired by their interpretation of British and Chinese Culture. The t-shirts were amazing and I was especially pleased to present an award to 4 year old Jade from the Arden Estate, Hoxton. The speeches from the volunteers and elders involved in the project were also inspiring. I wish them every success at the main launch next weekend.
The booklet is an educational resource book that has been fully researched, designed and edited by young volunteers of an Oral History Project that is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and organised by the Chinese Mental Health Association.
The Oral History Project has carried out over 20 interviews with the older Chinese generation living in London, and it is through this that they expressed the importance of the younger Chinese generation and the wider community to know about both Chinese and British culture.
This has been the inspiration for the group of volunteers to produce the booklet with lots of colourful activities that engages children to learn about these cultures. Local libraries have been very supportive and Shoreditch Library will soon have copies of the booklet.
Philip Glanville
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Hoxton Councillors Surgeries
Remember, this month there will be no councillors surgeries. Surgeries will start again in September.
Cllr Philip Glanville will hold his surgeries on the 3rd Wednesday of the month between 6 pm 7 pm at Provost Community Hall Murray Grove, London N1
Cllr Clayeon McKenzie will hold his surgeries on the 2nd Tuesday of every month between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm at The Bell Club on Bowling Green Walk, Pitfied Street,
Cllr Carole williams will hold her surgeries on the 2nd Monday of each month between 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm at 16a Malcolm House on the Arden Estate
Carole, Clayeon and Phil
Cllr Philip Glanville will hold his surgeries on the 3rd Wednesday of the month between 6 pm 7 pm at Provost Community Hall Murray Grove, London N1
Cllr Clayeon McKenzie will hold his surgeries on the 2nd Tuesday of every month between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm at The Bell Club on Bowling Green Walk, Pitfied Street,
Cllr Carole williams will hold her surgeries on the 2nd Monday of each month between 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm at 16a Malcolm House on the Arden Estate
Carole, Clayeon and Phil
Decent Homes on Wenlock Barn Estate
Hoxton's largest Estate Napier Grove, has become the latest recipient of the Decent Homes Programme.
Recurring questions about starting dates for thre Decent Homes programme hinted at residents’ lack of confidence in the programme but, when scaffolding started going up and workmen began knocking on doors to gain entry to replace windows across the estate, things quickly changed.
We have been receiving positive feedback since work has been underway an
d we wanted to see for ourselves what was being done so spent time inspecting the new roof and windows on Napier Court.New membrane, insulation board, felt covering and asphelt have gone down to inslute the block from both hot and cold weather. This should last for another 30 years but it could be compromised if there is ongoing unauthorised access to install satalite dishes.
The work should take 6-7 weeks to complete and we will be back again to see the finished product and we will continue checking on the programme as it roles out across the ward.
We welcome you comments about the decent homes programne. Let us know what you experience has been – positive or negative.
Carole, Clayeon and Phil
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Blue Hut
Places to go in Hoxton for young people will increase once the Blue Hut opens. After much hard work to ensure the continuation of youth provision in Hoxton and, after ongoing negotiation by the Blue Hut Steering Group, the doors of the new youth club was finally launched in March this year.
The event was well attended by local people who were finally able to see the fruits of alot of hard work. Since then however there have been ongoing challenges to get Peabody to open the club and the ball court for public use. Hackney Councillors, Council Officers and the Shoreditch Trust have been negotiating and a date of opening has finally been agreed. Peabody have finally given permission for the club to be opened at the end of this month.
This will mean more to do in Hoxton for young people.
The event was well attended by local people who were finally able to see the fruits of alot of hard work. Since then however there have been ongoing challenges to get Peabody to open the club and the ball court for public use. Hackney Councillors, Council Officers and the Shoreditch Trust have been negotiating and a date of opening has finally been agreed. Peabody have finally given permission for the club to be opened at the end of this month.
This will mean more to do in Hoxton for young people.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Monthy Community Policing Meetings
The Police will be holding regular monthly meetings with residents of Hoxton Ward and your Labour Councillors will also be attending. The next meeting will be on 31 July at 6.16pm in the community Hall on Cranston Estate.
This is an opportunity for everyone to have a say in the way their ward is policed and to hear how the police are tackling community safety issues which affect your lives.
This is an opportunity for everyone to have a say in the way their ward is policed and to hear how the police are tackling community safety issues which affect your lives.
General Report and Update
Since being elected, ward councillors have:
- lobbied for a new crossing on New North Road
- organised residents meetings to discuss leaseholder chargers and new management charges
- met with officers to discuss the roll-out and implementation of the Decent Homes Programme
- lobbied re the planning for a student halls of accommodation on Pitfield Street
- lobbied for improvments to Crondall Court and Parr Court
- worked with police on community safety issues
- done ward walk abouts on Wenlock Barn Estate and St John's Estate
- Attended Estate committee meetings for Charles Sq and Pitfield Estate, Provost Estate, St John's Estate
- taken up case work on behalf of residents
- investgated plans to update the heating system on Cranston Estate and across the ward
- held individual surgeries plus a roving surgery
- pressed for the opening of the Blue Hut Youth Club
- met with planners to discuss the South Shoredithc Area Action Plan and the potential impact on the ward
- met with members and officers to discuss Hoxton Square and the night time economy area
Roving Surgery
Sunday 18 June was the date for another roving surgery. All ward councillors and Labour MP came out to speak to residents about a variety of problems they have been having.
In response to the clear message given to us during the election campaign about coming to see you, we spent the week dropping leaflets for you to leave in your window if you wanted a visit.
This morning we spoke to around 24 people over three hoursresidents at Buxton Court, Windsor Terrace, Micawber Street, Windsor House and Bracklyn Court were visited .
The issues dealt with ranged included:
- leaseholder charges
- decent homes work
- rubbish collection and litter
- community safety
- noise nuisance
We will be holding more roving surgeries over the next four years but, but we also hold regular monthly surgeries in the ward. For details of times and locations call 020 8356 3207.
For details of your MPs surgeries you can call her office on 020 7219 5325.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Decent Homes
Giving people homes that are decent to live in, within communities where they feel safe, secure and happy, must be central to our mission over the next four years. When Labour took control of the council in 2002, some tenants were living in homes that hadn’t been improved since the day there were built - where repairs hadn’t been carried out and which were hard to keep warm, windows 
were rotting and falling out and bathrooms were in a state of disrepair.
Things have changed dramatically over the past four years, however. Now, every estate across the ward has had some Decent Homes works done. Buckland Court has new windows, doors and bathrooms, Haberdasher Estate has had new doors and windows, as has Aske House and much of the Arden Estate. Now Wenlock Barn Estate has seen work begin on Brackyln Court, Evelyn Court and Napier Court and scaffolding has gone up on Cropley Court.
The Decent Homes programme is making a difference to the lives of tenants across the ward putting us on course to reduce the number of non-decent properties.
But the programme has not just been about improvements to homes it has resulted in greater involvement of tenants in decision making about their homes; it has created training and employment opportunities; and has stimulated improvement in housing services and will continue to do so as the programme does even more work.
We are mindful of the inconvenience that this work can cause and are working h
ard to improve the speed of the works to minimise this for residents. We have been speaking to the Manager of the Decent Homes Programme for Shoreditch about making it easier to make comments without having to come along to an Estate Committee meeting. You can post your comments on this blog about how best this can be done.
So far 332 new doors have been fitted to properties and 215 new kitchens and bathrooms installed.
were rotting and falling out and bathrooms were in a state of disrepair.Things have changed dramatically over the past four years, however. Now, every estate across the ward has had some Decent Homes works done. Buckland Court has new windows, doors and bathrooms, Haberdasher Estate has had new doors and windows, as has Aske House and much of the Arden Estate. Now Wenlock Barn Estate has seen work begin on Brackyln Court, Evelyn Court and Napier Court and scaffolding has gone up on Cropley Court.
The Decent Homes programme is making a difference to the lives of tenants across the ward putting us on course to reduce the number of non-decent properties.
But the programme has not just been about improvements to homes it has resulted in greater involvement of tenants in decision making about their homes; it has created training and employment opportunities; and has stimulated improvement in housing services and will continue to do so as the programme does even more work.
We are mindful of the inconvenience that this work can cause and are working h
ard to improve the speed of the works to minimise this for residents. We have been speaking to the Manager of the Decent Homes Programme for Shoreditch about making it easier to make comments without having to come along to an Estate Committee meeting. You can post your comments on this blog about how best this can be done.So far 332 new doors have been fitted to properties and 215 new kitchens and bathrooms installed.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Shoreditch Station Closes
Shoreditch underground station, which has been open since 1876, transported its last passengers on Friday 10 June 2006. Rail enthusiasts, councillors, London Underground Officials and station staff were all there to say goodbye and to welcome in the plans for a new, long-awaited Shoreditch High Street Station which will be one of the new stations along the East London Line Extension.
The station closure created an air of mixed emotions. For the 1,300 commuters who use the station on a daily basis it was one of disappointment. For the station staff and other staff working on the line, it wa
s a very sad affair.
Over the past 8 years Harrington Hargreaves (otherwise known as Pat) and Jo Joseph have come to know many of the passengers and have grown to love them and the colleagues they work with. It will be hard for them to move on but move on they will. Both will be transferred to Aldegate Station.
Jo was certainly the celebrity of the evening, with everyone wanting to talk to her, to hear her experiences at Shoreditch Station over the years and, most importantly, to have her clip their specially commissioned ticket to make the last ever journey into
the station.
Most of all the evening was filled with hopeful anticipation of a new underground station which will open up Shoreditch and Hackney to the rest of London, bring regeneration and more job opportunities through economic growth. The new Shoreditch Stations will include Hoxton, Haggerston and Dalston Kingsland.
The new East London line will take you as far as West Croydon via Canada Water, New Cross, Crystal Palace and Norwood. To the north, it will go to Highbury and Islington where you will be able to pick up the Victoria line.
That's a fond fairwell to Shoreditch Station and a welcome to a new era.
The station closure created an air of mixed emotions. For the 1,300 commuters who use the station on a daily basis it was one of disappointment. For the station staff and other staff working on the line, it wa
s a very sad affair.Over the past 8 years Harrington Hargreaves (otherwise known as Pat) and Jo Joseph have come to know many of the passengers and have grown to love them and the colleagues they work with. It will be hard for them to move on but move on they will. Both will be transferred to Aldegate Station.
Jo was certainly the celebrity of the evening, with everyone wanting to talk to her, to hear her experiences at Shoreditch Station over the years and, most importantly, to have her clip their specially commissioned ticket to make the last ever journey into
the station.Most of all the evening was filled with hopeful anticipation of a new underground station which will open up Shoreditch and Hackney to the rest of London, bring regeneration and more job opportunities through economic growth. The new Shoreditch Stations will include Hoxton, Haggerston and Dalston Kingsland.
The new East London line will take you as far as West Croydon via Canada Water, New Cross, Crystal Palace and Norwood. To the north, it will go to Highbury and Islington where you will be able to pick up the Victoria line.
That's a fond fairwell to Shoreditch Station and a welcome to a new era.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Tribute to the late Carole Young
The life of Carole Young, dubbed the Hoxton a matriarch, was commemorated at Hackney's Council meeting.
Carole lived in Hoxton all her life and was part of a group of residents who drove the New Deal for Communities process in Hackney and worked with Renaisi to secure pathfinder status under the programme.
She was a shadow member of the Shoreditch Trust Board at the start of the process in 1998 and progressed to the full board in 2000.
She chaired the board from 2002 to 2004 and astutely saw the programme and the partnership through some of the most difficult times for the NDC nationally.
Carole retired from Shoreditch Trust in 2005.
Carole was previously a councillor as well as Deputy Mayor in Hackney.
Loving mother and wife, Carole has left behind Charlie, her husband for 44 years, sons and daughters Kevin, Michaelle, Tony and Joanne and grandchildren Charlie, Jodie and Oliver and a child yet to be born. Carole is also survived by sister Jean and brother Michael.
At her recent memorial services held in St John's Church Hoxton, April Keech said, "Carole often told her children that they could do whatever they wanted to with support and no one better than them and likewise they are not better than others."
Carole took many people under her matriarchal wing, helped to voice their their desires, hopes and dreams.
But everyone including Carole Young needed support and Carole's secret support was her husband, Charlie Young and her family. All of whom were fiercely loyal . Carole knew that whatever happened outside her home, in the council, at neighborhood or New Deal meetings, Trust Meeting or tenants association meetings, that Charlie would also be there - her rock and her refuge, her support.
That support grew out of the mutual respect, care and love of one another that Carole and Charlie Young had from the beginning of their marriage when they walked down this aisle 44 years ago.
Carole spent much of her life working so that people had better homes, increased safety, transport and heating. She wanted people here in Shoreditch to know that they had a place, a voice that no one could take that away.
Carole Young has a place in the legacy of Hoxton and Shoreditch for helping others to know they have a place and a voice.
Carole lived in Hoxton all her life and was part of a group of residents who drove the New Deal for Communities process in Hackney and worked with Renaisi to secure pathfinder status under the programme.
She was a shadow member of the Shoreditch Trust Board at the start of the process in 1998 and progressed to the full board in 2000.
She chaired the board from 2002 to 2004 and astutely saw the programme and the partnership through some of the most difficult times for the NDC nationally.
Carole retired from Shoreditch Trust in 2005.
Carole was previously a councillor as well as Deputy Mayor in Hackney.
Loving mother and wife, Carole has left behind Charlie, her husband for 44 years, sons and daughters Kevin, Michaelle, Tony and Joanne and grandchildren Charlie, Jodie and Oliver and a child yet to be born. Carole is also survived by sister Jean and brother Michael.
At her recent memorial services held in St John's Church Hoxton, April Keech said, "Carole often told her children that they could do whatever they wanted to with support and no one better than them and likewise they are not better than others."
Carole took many people under her matriarchal wing, helped to voice their their desires, hopes and dreams.
But everyone including Carole Young needed support and Carole's secret support was her husband, Charlie Young and her family. All of whom were fiercely loyal . Carole knew that whatever happened outside her home, in the council, at neighborhood or New Deal meetings, Trust Meeting or tenants association meetings, that Charlie would also be there - her rock and her refuge, her support.
That support grew out of the mutual respect, care and love of one another that Carole and Charlie Young had from the beginning of their marriage when they walked down this aisle 44 years ago.
Carole spent much of her life working so that people had better homes, increased safety, transport and heating. She wanted people here in Shoreditch to know that they had a place, a voice that no one could take that away.
Carole Young has a place in the legacy of Hoxton and Shoreditch for helping others to know they have a place and a voice.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Join the Labour Party
If you haven't yet considered joining the Labour Party, I would like to encourage you to do so.
Becoming a Labour Party Member will give you an opportunity to have your say about what happens locally as well as nationally.
To join today, go to https://www.labour.org.uk/joinbydirectdebit
Becoming a Labour Party Member will give you an opportunity to have your say about what happens locally as well as nationally.
To join today, go to https://www.labour.org.uk/joinbydirectdebit
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