Hackney a cycling pin-up

De Beauvoir Square is featured in a new London wide campaign to get more people cycling.

It's no surprise that Hackney is a natural scene to highlight the benefits of cycling with so many local people now active two wheelers.

Hackney was recently awarded the title 'Cycling Borough of London' after sustained investment and support for cycling facilities across the Borough.

In the last few weeks your councillors have arranged for yet more cycle racks to be installed in De Berauvoir - above is a picture of new racks outside the Duke of Wellington pub on Culford Road.

George Alagiah speaks in De Beauvoir

BBC news presenter and Hackney resident, George Alagiah, launches a debate on food supply and food security at St Peter's Church on Friday June 5 at 7.30.

Come and hear him and representatives of Hackney organisations interested in where our food comes from talk about the subject. Join in the discussion.

Admission free .. and there's a bar

Hackney shortlisted for National Transport Awards

Hackney has been shortlisted as local authority of the year in the National Transport Awards 2009. It has also been nominated in two other categories - cycling improvements and in road safety, traffic management and enforcement for its InRoads Road Safety DVD, aimed specifically at young African Carribean pedestrians, who were over-represented in traffic accidents.

The awards, organised in conjunction with Transport Times recognise Hackney’s investment over the last decade in walking and cycling networks, street improvements, road safety schemes and travel awareness programmes, reflected in increased levels of walking, cycling and use of public transport in the borough.

Achievements include:

• meeting the 2010 accident reduction targets three years early in 2007
• being one of the first local authorities in the country to adopt a 20mph policy for all its roads
• bringing four new East London Line stations to the borough
• reducing cycling accidents and offering free cycle training for every resident in the borough who wants it.

Camilla Loves Hackney

The Duchess and the Prince of Wales were presented with 'I Love Hackney' badges as they visited at Hackney City Farm this week.

Councillor Ian Rathbone, the Speaker of Hackney, who presented the badges, said the Prince was a keen supporter of the borough.

The Royal couple's visit celebrated the work of the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens. The Prince is a patron of the charity.

The couple were presented with a rose bush, chilli plants, a jar of the farm's honey, flowers and a small handmade pot made during the farm's pottery classes.

For more on the 'I love Hackney' campaign, go to http://www.hackney.gov.uk/hackney-the-place-love

Improving planning rules in Hackney

Hackney Council has adopted new planning guidance to help improve the quality of planning applications for extensions and alterations to private homes.

The Residential Alterations and Extensions Supplementary Planning Document was approved by Hackney's Full Council.

The guidance aims to balance new development with the desire to respect the historic character of the borough, and ensure there are clear guidelines that protect neighbours from matters such as overlooking and loss of light.

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Labour's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “This new planning guidance is the product of an extensive consultation and provides clear advice to all who may wish to add extensions or make alterations to their homes. It provides residents, architects and developers alike with a clear understanding of what is considered quality development for our homes."

Rent reduction for Council tenants in Hackney

ALL Council tenants in Hackney will pay reduced rent from June, due to a Government rethink following pressure from council leaders in London.

The original rent increase of 6.2% will now be cut to 3%, making a saving for tenants of more than £120.

The Government had announced this reduction in March, but like all local authorities, Hackney had already set its rents and the decision came too late to change them in time for the first payment dates.

From June this year, Council tenants in Hackney will make reduced payments, while the initial payment will also be refunded.

Hackney's Mayor, Jules Pipe, said: “I welcome the change of heart from central Government. In difficult times, Hackney Council is on your side - we are passing on the reduced rent payment as soon as we can, and we'll also refund the over-payments. Over the course of the year this reduction will save the average tenant more than £120.”

De Beauvoir tenants who have queries about their rent payments should contact Hackney Homes on: 020 8356 3691.