Regent's Canal Cycle Improvements

Hackney Council is about to carry out works to improve conditions for cyclists along Regents Row. These works are aimed at making Regents Row easier to use for cyclists and improving the connection with the Regents Canal Towpath and Queensbridge Road Canal Bridge.

The towpath often gets very busy and space is limited. These proposals are aimed at providing better access for cyclists to use alternative routes  and so help relieve pressure and reduce conflict between cyclists and pedestrians using the towpath.

The plans include:

• Extending the pavement at the western end of Regents Row by the entrance to the towpath and building a ramp for cyclists.
• Removing the existing barrier gate at the intersection of Regents Row and Marlborough Avenue.
• Painting double yellow lines  along Regents Row between Marlborough Avenue  and Queensbridge Road bridge to prevent vehicles obstructing the road and to maintain accessibility. These measures will not reduce or impact on current parking provision in the area.

Licensing Applications Week Ending 21 January

Shoreditch Town Hall
380 Old Street
London EC1V 9LT

Application for time limited premises licence for plays, films, live music, recorded music, performance of dance, making music and facilities for dance from 19:00 to 00:00 Thursday and 00:00 to 02:00am Friday and supply of alcohol from 23:00 to 00:00 Thursday and 00:00 to 01:30am Friday.

The Pulpit
63 Worship Street
London EC2A 2DU

Application for variation of premises licence for recorded music, making music and supply of alcohol from 11:00 to 01:00am from Sunday to Thursday and from 11:00 to 02:00am Friday and Saturday and late night refreshment from 23:00 to 01:00am from Sunday to Thursday and from 23:00 to 02:00am Friday and Saturday. 16/02/2011

Comedy Cafe/Bedroom Bar goes for 3.00am

The Comedy Cafe and Bedroom Bar on Rivington Street have applied for a licence til 3.00am in Fridays and Saturdays.

The closing date for comments is:4 February 2011.

Redistribution - Tory style

Eric Pickles, the Local Government Secretary, today announced the settlement for councils across England. It would appear the Tories have finally embraced the concept of redistribution of wealth....

Highest cuts to "revenue spending power" :

LB Hackney 8.9%
LB Tower Hamlets 8.9%
LB Newham 8.9%
Manchester MBC 8.9%
Rochdale MBC 8.9%


Lowest cuts to "revenue spending power":

Wokingham 0.63%
Richmond-upon-Thames 0.61%
Buckinghamshire 0.60%
Surrey 0.31%
Dorset +0.25% (an increase not a cut)

Book Club Goes for 4am Licence

The Book Club
100/106 Leonard Street
London EC2A 4RH


Application for premises licence for films, live music, recorded music, performance of dance, anything of similar description, making music, facilities for dance, entertainment of similar description and supply of alcohol from 09:00 to 02:00am Monday to Thursday and from 09:00 to 04:00am Friday to Saturday and late night refreshment from 23:00 to 02:00am Monday to Thursday and from 23:00 to 04:00am Friday to Saturday.

Closing date for representations is 21 December. Get in touch if you want to discuss.

Geffrye Museum Under Threat

The coalition government plan to axe the funding to the Geffrye Museum on Kingsland Road putting its future in real doubt. Funding from the Department of Culture, Media & Sport accounts for 75% of the Geffrye's income and will end in 2015. A number of other museums across the country will be similarly affected.


The Geffrye Museum details the history of homes and interiors through a series of rooms showing what home life was like from the 1600s to the present day.


A DCMS spokesman said the department was "exploring whether these museums may be more effectively sponsored through other bodies or programmes in the longer term. We aim to identify alternative sponsors for these museums by April 2011. "


With Pepsi writing our public health policy maybe they have IKEA in mind.

Howl at the Moon goes for 4.00am licence

Howl at the Moon

178 Hoxton Street

London N1 5LH

Application for premises licence for films, recorded music and supply of alcohol  from 11:00 to 23:00 Monday to Wednesday and from 11:00 to 04:00am Thursday to Sunday, indoor sporting events and making music from 11:00 to 23:00 daily, live music from 15:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday and from 18:00 to 23:00 Friday to Saturday.

Closing date for representations: 25/11/2010

Proposal for 20mph Zone in Shoreditch

The Council has launched a consultation on a proposed 20mph zone for Shoreditch. If you want to read more about the proposals click here.

As well as reducing the speed limit to 20mph, the proposals include:

• Raised crossing at Great Eastern Street and Garden Walk junction
• Raising Charlotte Road between Rivington Street and Old Street to make it a pedestrian environment in the evenings
• Planting some trees at suitable locations in Rivington Street, Garden Walk, New Inn Broadway and Charlotte Road
• Some footway widening in Rivington Street and north of New Inn Broadway to create shared surface and improve pedestrian walking experience

Some residents have already been in touch to share their concerns about the pedestrianising of streets in the evenings leading to more problems from night time drinkers. What do you think?

Bar Prague Goes for 3am Licence

Bar Prague
6 Kingsland Road
London E2 8DA



Application for variation of premises licence to extend plays, live music, recorded music, making music, facilities for dance, supply of alcohol and late night refreshment from 00:00 to 03:00am daily.

Closing date for representations: 25 September 2010

Licensing Applicaitons w/e 27 August

Korsan Bar


165 Kingsland Road

London E2 8AL

PC Amanda Griggs (Metropolitan Police) Application for summary licence review on prevention of serious crime and disorder basis.

Cocomo
323 Old Street

London EC1V 9LE

Carl & Dave Ltd
Application for minor variation to change the layout of the premises.

Four Vintners

5 Kingsland Road


London E2 8AA

Mr Aroun

Application for premises licence to allow supply of alcohol from 10:00 to 18:30 daily.

LETTER FROM TFL RE SQUEALING TRAINS

Dear Stakeholder,

I am writing to you as someone who has previously contacted London Overground about the disruption experienced from the noise of trains passing through curves, which is commonly known as curving noise. 

I hope to be able to keep all stakeholders updated with regular information about the issue. This initial update is to explain the background to curving noise and to detail the steps TfL is taking to alleviate the issue. In future updates I hope to be able to explain the actions taken.

INTRODUCTION

TfL is aware that curving noise has given rise to a number of complaints since the London Overground service commenced. TfL is taking this matter very seriously and is in the process of trying to find a solution.  This note is to inform residents about the causes of curving noise and to provide an update on what steps TfL is implementing to address this issue.

CAUSES OF CURVING NOISE

Curving noise is not a straightforward issue.  Whilst it is caused by the rubbing/slipping of the train’s wheel on the rail as it moves through a curve, the actual elements rubbing/slipping can vary on different curves. To be able to address the problem, it is first necessary to understand which elements are involved.

There are three main causes of curving noise.  

1.    Wheel squeal - this results when the part of the wheel which rests on the rail slips small amounts repeatedly across the top of the rail

2.    Flanging – this is when the wheel flange (the overhung side of wheel which prevents the wheel from coming off the rail) rubs against the side of the rail.

3.    Flange contact - where the back of the wheel flange makes contact with an additional rail (the check rail) which helps ensure that the train does not de-rail on a corner.

Curving noise most commonly occurs on sharp curves, places where tracks crossover or in locations where there is ineffective lubrication of rails on curves. However, other factors that can influence the occurrence of curving noise include:

·         undulating (up and down) track

·         rough wheel and/or rail surfaces

·         out of shape wheels

·         weather conditions (particularly the presence / absence of rain or the level of humidity)

·         variations in train speed.

 CONSIDERATIONS IN SOLUTIONS – SAFETY, PERFORMANCE, WEAR, NOISE

The primary method of controlling curving noise is to control the amount of friction between the wheel and the running rail.  On the East London Line, a number of flange lubricators have been installed to lessen the friction between the wheel flange and the rail – thus reducing flanging noise.  In addition, top of rail friction modifiers have been installed to control the levels of friction on the top of the rail and thus limit the noise associated with wheel squeal.

The East London Line is believed to be the first railway in the UK to open with top of rail friction modifiers in place from opening.  These units are relatively new pieces of equipment, and they do not currently have full approval to be used on National Rail network – currently they are only be used on National Rail network at selected sites under a trial approval certificate.

However, as TfL considers that top of rail friction modifiers can be effective in reducing curving noise, approval has been given to the use of these items on the East London Line on a trial basis. However, given the new nature of the equipment, there will inevitably be a period of time required to adjust the set-up such that the units work to their maximum effectiveness.

As you will appreciate, the operations on a railway are safety critical, and all activities and adjustments need to be undertaken in a controlled manner such that no need new safety risks are introduced.

As such, the use of lubricators and friction modifiers on the railway needs to be carefully controlled as over application of these materials can result in the following problems:

·         increased stopping distances due to the reduced braking efficiency

·         potential collision risk caused by a train overrunning the signal and colliding with another train or hitting the buffers

·         the generation of wheel and rail defects

·         delays caused by the train overrunning the station and the doors not opening

·         the potential fire hazard and environmental impact of excessive grease and oil spatter

·         potential for fatigue cracking on the rail

Given the above, a number of safety and performance issues need to be taken into account when determining the optimum solution to reduce curving noise by the use of lubrication and friction modification systems.  As such, any adjustments that are made need to be made in a controlled and systematic manner.  This obviously takes time.  Time is also needed after any adjustments to determine whether the adjustment has been beneficial or not in reducing curving noise.

Please be assured, however, that TfL is taking all reasonable measures to solve this problem and to make any adjustments to the existing systems in a controlled and systematic manner that does not result in any unacceptable safety risks being imported into the operation of the railway.

ACTIVITIES PLANNED/ACTIONS TAKEN

TfL has undertaken visual observations and noise monitoring to identify the curves giving rise to the curving noise. Three initial priority sites have been identified to target at present (two in Lewisham and one in Hackney).  These comprise:

·         The ‘Back Road’ at the New Cross Gate Depot (i.e. the tracks that go beneath the flyover to the maintenance shed),

·         The Flyover that carries the tracks over the New Cross Gate Depot, and

·         The Holywell Curve (just north of the new Shoreditch High Street Station towards Hoxton station).

Further assessments on the Back Road are currently being undertaken to ascertain the exact cause of the noise and thus assist in determining what further can be done to mitigate it. The lessons learnt from this exercise will be used as a basis to progress solutions at other locations.

In addition, the data from the visual observations and noise monitoring is being used to develop proposals for longer term unattended monitoring systems.

TfL has also met with a number of industry experts (including acoustic experts) from London Underground, Arup and Network Rail and the University of Southampton to discuss approaches to controlling curving noise.

Currently, TfL’s maintenance team is working with the suppliers of the lubricators and top of rail friction modifiers to adjust the equipment so that it is working at its optimum.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN / PLANNED

The following provides a brief summary the actions that TfL has already taken, or is in the process of undertaking, to address the curving noise issue: 

·         a detailed record of the exact location of each lubricator system has been established to ensure there are accurate records

·         multiple visits have been made to check that the existing systems are working correctly and to make adjustments to improve their performance 

·         a dedicated database has been developed to capture and manage complaints about curving noise.  This will assist in undertaking trend analysis etc

·         Back Road at NXG Depot:

o   additional maintenance has been carried out on the existing flange lubricators, and the settings have been optimised to improve the spread of lubricant around curve

o   an additional lubricator has been installed on the check rail,

o   specialist noise monitoring on board a moving train is to be undertaken to understand the impact of the above modifications - it is hoped the monitoring will help identify whether there is a need to relocate the existing lubricators or use top of rail friction modifiers. 

·         Holywell Curve/NXG Flyover:

o   fixed noise monitoring kit is being specified.  Once any appropriate system has been defined, this will be installed to enable easier access to data on the occurrence of wheel squeal events – thus enabling TfL to assess the effectiveness of adjustments made to the existing lubrication systems.

Whilst we appreciate the disruption can be difficult for those living and working nearby please be assured Transport for London is taking the issues seriously and working hard to alleviate the disruption caused by curving noise.

We hope to be able to keep all stakeholders regularly updated with progress via an email bulletin. If you do not wish to receive further email updates please let me know.

Regards

Julie Dixon

Head of Marketing & Communications

Bar Music Hall Goes for Extension

Bar Music Hall on Curtain Road is applying for a licence til 2.00am Monday to Thursday and 3.00am on Friday and Saturday.Currently they are open til midnight Monday to Thursday and 1.00am at weekends.

Closing date for representations is 30 August. This bar falls within the Special Policy Area so they will have to demonstrate these hours do not add to the cumulative impact on Shoreditch.

Bar Music Hall
134/136 Curtain Road
London EC2A 3AR

Licensing Applications week ending 16 July 2010

This is the old Legion pub.

Be At One

348 Old Street

London EC1V 9NQ

Haggerston

Be At One Ltd

Application for variation of premises licence for recorded music, performance of dance, anything of similar description, making music, facilities for dance, entertainment of similar description, supply of alcohol and late night refreshment from 10:00 to 01:00am Sunday to Thursday and from 10:00 to 03:00am Friday and Saturday.

12/08/2010

Free Swimming to Continue in Hackney

You may have read that the coalition government has cut funding for free swimming. It is, according to Tory Minister for Sport Hugh Robertson "a luxury we can't afford". 

However, there's good news in Hackney following an announcement from the Mayor, Jules Pipe, that thousands of residents can continue to swim for free at Hackney’s leisure centres. The free swimming programme is for all under 18s and over 60s and has been very popular in Hackney.

Despite the Government cutting their part of the funding, Hackney Council will keep the programme going.

There will also be a consultation later this year to find out more about local people’s priorities for use of facilities in Hackney, and work out the best ways to promote and encourage swimming activities for residents.


The Tory Government used a piece of research by PriceWaterhouse Coopers to justify their decision. However, according to today's Guardian, the report in fact concluded that "Overall the impact has been positive." They suggested the scheme be built on to "ensure the free swimming programme delivers the desired outcomes to an even greater degree, including enhanced value for money". They recommended local authorities work harder to market the free entry to attract non-swimmers, and "make facilities more attractive to lapsed swimmers through capital improvement projects".

for more information go to the GLL website here.

Election Result

Yesterday the local election results in Hackney were announced. It was a great set of results for Labour - holding all our seats with big majorities and winning seats from the Greens and the Tories. Jules Pipe was re-elected Mayor with 58% of the vote.

A big thank you to all the people who helped in the campaign in Haggerston and to all the residents who have placed their trust in Labour Councillors for another four years.Results for Haggerston below:

ARROWSMITH	Christian	Liberal Democrats	1,272
BEATTIE	Geoffrey	Conservatives	764
BUITEKANT	Barry	Labour	2,237
BULLOCK	Doreen	Conservatives	785
FONTAINE	Samantha Veronica	Conservatives	756
MCSHANE	Jonathan Dominic	Labour	2,380
MUNN	Ann Elizabeth	Labour	2,198
PAYNE	Geoffrey	Liberal Democrats	1,121
RAE	Ben	The Liberal Party	135
SLOBODA	John	Liberal Democrats	808
SOMMERS	Lucy	Green	706

Turnout: 54%
Total votes cast: 5,006

This is the age - of the train

The opening of the East London line made me think of an advert from my childhood.

For Haggerston residents this really is the age of the train.

3 Sided Football Match in Haggerston Park

SUNDAY 2 MAY Haggerston Park, London E2

As the election becomes set for a three way ‘photo finish’ teams representing the three main political parties will compete to win a 3-sided football match played on a hexagonal pitch at 3pm on Sunday 2 May in Haggerston Park, London E2.

Representing the Labour Party are Philosophy Football FC; Conservative Futures and the University of the Arts form the Conservative team; while the liberal leaning graphic designers play for the Liberal Democrats.

With 3 teams, 2 referees and the side conceding the least goals winning the match, this promises to be a very different angle on the beautiful game.

The match is organised by the Whitechapel Gallery’s new writer-in-residence, Sally O’Reilly. She wants the game to echo the alliances, competition and connivances of the political machine.

Geoff Andrews, Manager of Philosophy Football FC, said: ‘The General Election has turned into a three-sided affair and so a three-sided football match seemed apt. We can expect some sharp tactics from Mandelson and co though nothing to compare with what will be on display at Haggerston Park.’


• Origins of 3 Sided Football. Devised by artist Asger Jorn (1914–1973), his idea for 3 sided football was for it to deconstruct the confrontational, bi-polar nature of party politics. So instead of winning by scoring goals, a team wins by conceding the fewest goals.
• 5 Rules of 3 Sided Football as proposed by Philosophy Football FC:
o SCORING : A team does not count the goals it scores, only the goals it concedes. The winner is the team that concedes the fewest goals.
o THROW-INS / CORNERS : On the hexagonal pitch, each team has two sides of the six-sided pitch: the side with the goal (the 'backside') and the side opposite to your goal (the 'frontside'). If the ball goes out on one of your two sides, you get the throw-in / goal-kick. If it went out off a player, the throw-in or corner goes to the team whose own goal is nearest to where the ball went out.
o REFEREES : There will be two referees.
o LENGTH OF TIME : Ideally, teams will play until people get bored, start to wander off, fall asleep etc: however, three thirty minute 'halves' with teams rotating goals should work well.
o NO OFFSIDES : There will be rolling subs, rush goalies etc.

Haggerston Joins the Tube

After a long campaign by Hackney’s Mayor, Jules Pipe, Hackney is finally joining the Tube.

The huge £1.4bn infrastructure investment by Labour means Haggerston residents can use their Oyster card on new, fast and direct trains to the City, New Cross, Crystal Palace and West Croydon from the new  Hoxton & Haggerston stations.

Later, the  service will be extended to Highbury & Islington, Surrey Quays and Clapham Junction, opening up wider job opportunities for Hackney people.

Labour celebrated the completion of the East London Line investment with an event at the new Dalston Junction station with Jules Pipe and Meg Hillier.

Picture: Jules Pipe and Meg Hillier in cafe after event

Hackney Labour Manifesto Launched

With the general and local elections only a few weeks away, Hackney Labour has launched our manifesto for the local elections and for Hackney Mayor.

The manifesto is a detailed and costed set of proposals which set out a clear vision for the borough for the next four years and which looks back on our record since the last election.

Highlights of some 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 download a copy of it here.

Shoreditch Power Cuts

(Coat of arms used by Metropolitan Borough of Shoreditch 1900-1965)

Shoreditch residents and businesses have been plagued by power cuts recently - often with little or no warning.

Local people have set up an online action group here.

I've written to the CEO of EDF, Vincent de Rivaz, asking for a plan to sort out the technical issues causing so many power cuts and to improve communication with residents and businesses.

God knows what the good people of the old Metropolitan Borough of Shoreditch would have made of all this.