Digital Television Switchover

The switchover of London's analogue television signal to digital begins in April.

Many people have already moved over to the digital signal. However, following the completion of the switchover in October the old analogue signal will be turned off and anybody who has not switched over will lose their television reception.

Most non-digital sets can be converted to receive digital television, so it is important not to just throw your TV away and buy a new one.

Letters have already been sent out to residents with details of the switchover.

If you have not received a letter you can visit the switchover website for information. Or call the advice line on 08456 505050.

There is extra help available for the over 75s or registered disabled.

If you are eligible or have a family member, friend, or neighbour who you think might be, the details are at the Switchover Help Scheme website or via the helpline: 0800 4085900.

Another planning application for 121 Mortimer Road - the 'mole man' house

The long-running saga of the so-called 'Mole Man' house seems to be drawing to a conclusion.

The firm of lawyers thought to be acting for the heirs of William Lyttle, the 'Hackney Mole Man', have lodged a new planning application to demolish the dilapidated house at 121 Mortimer Road in the heart of De Beauvoir. The house is well know locally as the former home of William Lyttle, known as the 'mole man'.

This follows the December approval on appeal of the planning application to replace the existing structure with two four storey houses.

The lawyers have said that once this application is granted the site will be put on sale with the planning permission attached. The application that was granted in December follows the rejection of a previous application which proposed a large, modern block of flats that was rejected on the grounds that it would not have been in keeping with the surrounding conservation area.

Mr. Lyttle was evicted from the house in 2008 after digging tunnels beneath the property making it unsafe and collapsing adjacent pavements. Mr Lyttle passed away in 2010. The saga has attracted nationwide interest and been immortalised on TV and in many books, including those of Iain Sinclair.

Dalston CLR James Library now open

Hackney's new library is now open in the heart of Dalston, just to the north of De Beauvoir.

At 2,964 square metres over three floors, the Dalston CLR James Library is one of the largest libraries in the UK, more than twice the size of the previous facility.

As well as 17,000 books for adults, 9,500 for youngsters and 200 talking books there are 1,600 CDs/DVDs.

The library includes 20 dedicated study spaces and 2 meeting rooms along with free use of 57 computes and free wi-fi.

There will also be a cafe on the site (opening later in the year) managed by a local business.

Hackney Archives, previously located in De Beauvoir ward, have a new home in the building. The collection includes historic photographs and original council records. The full archive will open soon after the library.

The library, as with the previous building, is named after CLR James, a Trinidadian historian, journalist and social theorist.

Planning applications

There are three notable planning applications within De Beauvoir currently open for comments:

The first is to clear the existing structures behind the Scolt Head pub and erect four new two bedroom flats. Comments until 6th February.

The second is to convert the old Doctor's surgery at 6 Englefield Road into two flats. Comments until February 13th.

Finally, the convenience store on Downham Road at the site of the old laundrettes has applied to retain its illuminated sign. Comments until February 2nd.

Whitmore Estate tomorrow

Tomorrow morning we'll be out speaking to residents on Whitmore Estate as part of our month walkabout surgery.

If you'd like us to call on you let us know - you can contact us using the details on the left hand side of the blog.

London 2012: 200 days to go...

To mark 200 days until the opening ceremony the organising committee for the London Olympic Games has produced a new video featuring actor and east Londoner Idris Elba, star of TV shows Luther and The Wire.

The video details some of the events scheduled around the Games including the Olympic Torch Relay and Hackney's own BBC Radio 1 academy.

If your browser does not display the video above please follow this link to view on youtube.

Proposed bus route changes during the Olympics

Transport for London have released the proposed changes to bus routes during the summer Olympic Games.

Some of the possible effects on local routes include:

149 - increased from two to four buses per hour nightly. Additional capacity from Liverpool Street.

35 - increased from four to six buses per hour evenings and Sunday and six per hour at night.

488 - under review. May require a diversion due to venue plans at Wick Lane.

The full document detailing the proposed bus route changes is available from the TfL website.

All the finalised changes will be confirmed by April and we will bring you the details here.

Jigudus Cafe Bar licencing application

Jigudus Cafe Bar of 323 Kingsland Road have put in an application for a licence to sell alcohol between the following hours:

10:00am to 02:00am Sunday to Thursday
10:00 to 03:00am Friday and Saturday


The cafe is found on the west side of Kingsland Road between Downham Road and Travis Perkins builders merchants.


If you would like to make any comment on this application it must be submitted by January 26th. Details of how to do so can be found here.

Welcome back!

As we start 2012, this is just a short note to say we hope you all had a good break and are reinvigorated and ready to tackle the new year.

Normal service will resume over the coming days...