Police appeal

Residents will be aware of 2 very recent serious incidents in the local area.

Officers from the Met's specialist Operation Trident are now investigating both cases - one in a youth club in Balmes Road, the other at the junction of Buckingham Road and De Beauvoir Road.

Following the first incident local councillors chaired a meeting of police, residents and the management of the youth club involved, at the Rose Lipman Centre.

Councillors sought the assurance that the youth club would not re-open until police, residents and Hackney Council are satisfied the venue is safe for residents, young people and any youth workers.

Any witnesses or anyone with information can call Hackney Police on 0300 123 1212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police appeal

Residents will be aware of 2 very recent serious incidents in the local area.

Officers from the Met's specialist Operation Trident are now investigating both cases - one in a youth club in Balmes Road, the other at the junction of Buckingham Road and De Beauvoir Road.

Following the first incident local councillors chaired a meeting of police, residents and the management of the youth club involved, at the Rose Lipman Centre.

Councillors sought the assurance that the youth club would not re-open until police, residents and Hackney Council are satisfied the venue is safe for residents, young people and any youth workers.

Any witnesses or anyone with information can call Hackney Police on 0300 123 1212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Not so funny Boris puts bus fares up 20%

At the latest meeting of all local councillors, De Beauvoir Councillor, Rob Chapman, put down a motion calling on all political parties to unite around a campaign to oppose Boris Johnson's plans for massive hikes in Hackney bus fares.

Under Tory plans, single bus fares will rise 20%, from £1 to £1.20

Weekly bus passes will also increase by over 20%, from £13.80 to £16.60

What's more, the Tory Mayor plans a reduction in service levels.

These price hikes and service cuts will hit those in low paid jobs or part time work the hardest.

Bus fare rises praised by Hackney Tories
During the debate in the Council chamber, Hackney's Tory group of councillors actually praised Boris's plans, refusing to stand up for Hackney residents. At one point the Leader of the Group said 'ask the public' what they think about the fare rises.

We're clear that the fare increases and cuts to bus routes will have a big impact on Hackney residents. What do you think?

Hackney firemen save Mushy the cat

Hackney Fire Brigade yesterday braved the wind and rain to rescue Mushy the cat from high up in a local tree.

Called out by the RSPCA, the local fire team spent half an hour coaxing the 18 month old cat down from the upper branches of the huge poplar tree.

Mushy's owners said their cat had been too frightened to make its way down the tree by itself, having chased a squirrel up the tree two days before.