Clapton Pond Blog

Planning Post

Position vacant:

"A key post responsible for providing design advice and comments on major planning applications, liasing directly with the Major Applications team, other members of the Urban Design & Conservation Team, other council departments and negotiating with external organisations including developers and architects. Other areas of involvement are likely to include contribution to urban design frameworks and master plans, and major ongoing projects including Dalston Town Centre redevelopment and aspects of the Olympic legacy plan."

It's urgent. More here.

Fair Point Or Cheap Shot?

The Tax Payers' Alliance claims to have spotted a "non-job" created by the Council. Make up your own mind about that but be sure to also read the comment it's provoked, which includes the following:

"You missed the Richmond advert for a similar position, but then Hackney are such an easy target, why would you need to look anywhere else?"

Indeed.

Council Workers' Strike Plan

From the Gazette:

"Hackney Unison says planned strike action by council workers due to a pay dispute is likely to affect 'a significant number' of the branch's 2,400 members. Branch chair Brian Debus said the strike planned for two days in July was the only way to make the government stop and listen to workers' concerns. He said: 'It will almost certainly close a significant number of schools, most libraries will be closed, housing offices, council tax offices and revenues and benefits and of course back office facilities.'"

The provisional date is 16th July or thereabouts. Watch this space.

Audit Commission On Hackney Council Services

Michael O'Higgins, chair of the Audit Commission:

"For anybody familiar with the history of local government in London, it's really good news to see both Hackney and Lambeth in the three-star category and improving very strongly."

That's three stars out of a possible four. More here.

Mayor 's Environment Pledge

From 24 Dash:

"Hackney has pledged its commitment to tackling climate change by signing the Nottingham Declaration this week. Mayor Jules Pipe and Chief Executive, Tim Shields, have signed the declaration, and the council now joins more than 200 others across the country. The Nottingham Declaration is a pledge recognising that climate change is threatening the environment, and to work with residents, businesses and other organisations to reduce carbon emissions."

Now read on.

Medium Makeover

Pssst! Have you seen the Council's groovy, redesigned website? Do you wanna?

Transparent Building

I went to the quarterly meeting of the North East Neighbourhood Committee on Tuesday night and found it highly educational. Among other things I learned that raw sewage from south Tottenham is being disgorged into our bit of the River Lea, that a gentleman called Eric - yes, that Eric - has observed heavy smoking outside the HQ of The Learning Trust and that Mayor Jules Pipe and Hackney trades unionist John Page have yet to kiss and make up. John, who is among those involved with this pressure group, invited Jules to accept "personal responsibility" for Council planning decisions, thereby rather implying that he doesn't think Jules does so at the moment and should do because they're bad ones. Jules denied this and opined that John was one of those responsible for Hackney's troubles in the recent past. Not everyone at the meeting thought Jules should have said that, but I think most of us accepted that these small, unending tiffs are part and parcel of political theatre in these parts. They are, however, only entertaining in small doses. Shall we move on?

Gay Friendly

From 24dash.com:

"Hackney Council is one of the top 100 gay-friendly employers in the country, according to Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index. The 2008 Index, which showcases Britain’s top 100 employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people, ranks Hackney Council at number 78. Hackney is one of only three London boroughs to make it into the Index, and one of a total of 20 councils nationwide. Cllr Karen Alcock, Cabinet Member for Equalities, said: 'Getting into the Top 100 of Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index further illustrates our commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting equality for all.'"

Bravo. Now read on.

Clissold Leisure: A Dissatisfied Customer

Oh dear:

"Within minutes of signing up to a monthly direct debit 'couples membership' with the lovely PC Bitseach, I could feel my blood-pressure rising. You see, they were happy to immediately take my money - and then explain that I could not use the gym (why I joined the godforsaken place) until I had been given an 'induction'. Great, when can I come in?"

There's more. Lots more.

Commander Jules

Well, far canal.... Two thoughts leap to mind. One, congratulations - like it or not, many things have improved under the mayoral regime. Two, I took my two youngest down to Millfields swings yesterday morning. A coating of moss has made many of the safety surfaces treacherous, tufts of grass are growing out of cracks round their edges and the graffiti on the equipment is worse than ever. Over to you, Commander.