The Tower Hamlets Council website has some tips on what residents can do to reduce the impact of the strikes (such as taking your waste to the borough's tip).
Unless it is unavoidable and urgent, can I suggest not ordering a new mattress or putting off your Amazon orders for a bit.
Below are photos of Whitechapel market on day 3 of the 28 day strike
From Monday, for the next two weeks, up to 200 waste collection staff from Tower Hamlets Council will be on strike. It is mainly the waste service workers (bin men and women) and the street cleaners.
A statement on the council's website says:
"We are prohibited from bringing in additional resources during this time, but we will be reallocating staff who are not participating in the strike to cover missed collections, including Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers. We are doing everything we can to maintain services for residents throughout the strike".
During the strike bulky waste collections will be suspended in order that staff can focus on collections. Residents and businesses can take their waste to the Reuse and Recycling Centre in Yabsley Street.
You can help by:
Separating your waste and recycling in the correct bins
Jurors were shown CCTV footage of four men entering the party, held at the Lichfield Road Epainos Church, wearing balaclavas and hoods. The four left the party but later returned and headed towards the crowd gathering outside just after midnight. Shea was stabbed by his attackers and then chased along Lichfield Road and then into Alloway Road. He then turned right into Morgan Street where he collapsed.
Abdul Yaro, 19, and Kavian Vaughans, 18, were found guilty of murder whilst Dainnan Witter-Cameron, 18, and Giovanni Addae-Johnson, 18, were convicted of manslaughter. All four were tried as adults.
Vaughans, Addae-Johnson and Yaro, who are from Tottenham, and Witter-Cameron, of Enfield, will all be sentenced in September.
THIS SATURDAY at 12 midday is the Annual General Meeting of the Roman Road Bow Neighbourhood Forum at the Bow Idea store (Lab 3). Please come along and show your support, hear what the forum is about and help elect the forum committee.
The last twelve months has been a mixed bag for the forum.
After almost seven years, the Neighbourhood Plan was adopted via a public referendum of Bow residents on the 13th October 2022.The Neighbourhood Plan now sits alongside the London Plan and Tower Hamlet's Local Plan and has to be considered in all planning applications in the forum area.
But recently the Mayor of Tower Hamlets and his cabinet have disappointedly voted to not recognise the forum as they see "quite concerning diversity and equality issues". The forum awaits an official written response from the Mayor and his cabinet formally setting out their reasons.
A recording of the cabinet meeting where the decision was taken can be viewed here. If you fast forward to around 42 minutes in, you can watch the discussion. Oddly the beginning of the recording seems to start mid-sentence unofficially discussing the forum?
The forum is open to ALL demographics, so come along tomorrow and listen to what the forum is about and consider getting further involved. It is about making Bow a better place to live and work.
Join the Forum here or visit their website to find out more,
The premiere of A Fair Field by Jonathan Pease, is an evening of music telling the story of the Bow Matchgirls’ Strike of 1888. It is TONIGHT and tickets are available on the door.
This project brings together musicians from four community groups, Queen Mary University, and local schools, to perform a brand new piece telling the story of the Matchgirls Strike of 1888.
A historic event which took place in the Bryant & May factory in Bow, East London, the strike saw the group of young women and girls successfully challenge workplace exploitation and win better pay conditions. Their story was inspirational for subsequent generations of workers around the world.
The performance will take place on Saturday 1 July in The People’s Palace, Queen Mary University of London. Book tickets.
A drop-in workshop will be running during the day from 10:30 am to 13:30pm. Drop-in at any time between 10:30 am to 12:45 pm and join a small group.
All you have to do is click on the image above and it will (with some luck) open a pre-populated email like the one illustrated below. Edit it as required and Bob's your uncle.
If the above doesn't work then just type an email like the one below.
The ZEN website has a range of other offers that you might find find of use. Whilst many focus on businesses in Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets some, such as the Santander hire, are for residents too. For example, you can try out a cargo bike for a week and see if it is compatible with your routine. With their Zencard you can also get 20% off beer at the five points brewery! In all there are about 60 companies that offer deals with the Zencard.
Music for this forthcoming concert includes pieces by William Byrd, Thomas Tallis and JS Bach arranged by the Choir’s professional musical director, Jonathan Rathbone, who sang at Coventry Cathedral and Christ’s College Cambridge before studying singing and composition at the Royal Academy of Music.
The Crofton Singers is a chamber choir of sixteen singers who have been meeting every week in Woodford since 1947. They are a friendly four-part chamber choir that meets on Thursday evenings at Bancroft’s School, Woodford to sing a wide range of unaccompanied music.
The choir sing a wide variety of music by composers from the 16th to 21st centuries plus arrangements of traditional British folk songs and popular song.
New members (over 16) are always welcome in all voice parts. For further information contact them by sending an email to croftonsingers@gmail.com or by visiting www.croftonsingers.org.uk
From soft play and give-it-a-go sports, to Queen Mary researchers and community organisations running thought-provoking and hands-on activities, there is something for everyone to get involved in. See if you can beat a robot at Tic Tac Toe, experience tropical butterflies, play battery jenga, try some creative crafts, share your favourite slang words, or learn about the matchgirls strike of 1888. There is tonnes to do and see (further info here about Saturday).
All activities are free to attend and food from local providers will be available to buy.
On Sunday the activities move to the Queen Mary Mile End Campus. You can take a tour of the rooftop dome-covered telescope, learn all about teeth from the dental students and staff; play French Bingo, try chinese calligraphy; sing cossack songs or give greek dancing a go. Again lots and lots of other stuff to see or try (see here for further info about Sunday).
 |
| This is just the babyscope |
 |
| Let's get ready to rumble? |
The events held at the Hac last weekend undoubtedly caused problems for numerous local residents. Many locals have emailed to say how their weekend was mired by the goings on.
There seem to be three key issues:
The building is NOT soundproof - Even with the large wooden doors shut, any amplified music just goes straight through the huge single-glazed church windows. It often travels as far as Grove Road. This is unreasonable and is blights the lives of residents.
Events are NOT managed properly - There doesn't seem to be anyone from the church actually onsite to ensure any disturbance is kept to reasonable levels. The first the church hear about issues is an email, text, or by doorstepping at Sunday Service by residents. The church don't experience it firsthand themselves.
Events finish too late - Music blaring out of a night from a club night is not something a quiet residential area should have to put up with. Last weekend there was a most unroyal street party in Morgan Street which really got going at 12.20am as punters left the club night.. Women urinating in the gutter, men in local mews, cars blocking access, the NOX and other illicit substances. We even had the "Shoreditch car bar" phenomenon where people open their boot to get prepped on cheap booze (and god knows what) before a night out or to continue partying in the street afterwards. Litter galore the next day.
License - what license? A quick Google indicates hosting a boxing match is classified as "regulated entertainment", yet Sunday's event seems to have been unlicensed? As we mentioned previously we have events coming up that have been given licenses until 1AM.
The MEOTRA committee are meeting on Monday and will discuss issues surrounding the use of the Hac, but please if you were affected by the events you need to speak up and write to the council...
Tower Hamlets Council are reviewing the licensing and noise issues due to recent events at the Hac. If you were "inconvenienced" (to put it politely) then it is important to let the following know giving as much detail as you can (Date/Times/What you witnessed/Photos/Videos etc):
(first-hand accounts and photo/video evidence are really important)
Note: You will need to give your name and address for complaints to be looked into by the council.
More information is available on the council's licensing and noise control web pages.
It really was a Bank Holiday weekend of contrasts.
Some of us enjoyed the first Coronation in our lifetime and followed it up the next day with an excuse to meet and socialise with neighbours with a picnic in Tredegar Square. Some great memories to treasure.
Meanwhile the Hac in Morgan Street had back-to-back events.
On Saturday there was a "secret" club night that went on until after midnight. It wasn't a secret for long though, with heavy bass music blasting out from the Hac hitting the residents of Morgan St and Rhondda Grove in particular. Around 9.30pm one female resident was accosted whilst walking home from Mile End station.
After midnight, despite at least two visits from the council's out of hours Noise Response Team, it was still in full flow. Literally full flow, with "ladies" squatting and urinating on Morgan Street in the gutter. At one point the whole north-western junction of Tredegar Square had cars parked across it, with the grid lock extending along to Rhondda Grove. The next morning the street was littered with lots of large NOX cannisters, plastic cups, empty whisky bottles, tissues galore and such.
We will be putting up bunting from 10.30am if you'd like to pop along and lend a hand. They'll be some simple garden games (giant jenga, boules, hoopla, splat-the-rat, etc); hot water for tea and some music.
Please bring some food to share if you can.
Location: Tredegar Square Gardens
Time: 12 noon to 4. (Setting up from 10.30)
 |
We will have traditional Garden Games such as Splat-The-Rat, Egg and Spoon races, boules, hoopla, Giant Jenga, Sack Races and music galore.
This is a low-key chilled event. Just come along with some food and drink and picnic in the Square with your neighbours. We'll have tea and coffee; but bring a dish or two to share.
Can you help set up from 10.30? We've tonnes of bunting, tables and chairs to set out. Email meotra@googlegroups.com if you can.
Location: Tredegar Square
Date: Sunday 7th May
Time: Noon until 3 or 4.
.png) |
 |
| Bake a cake! Bring a dish! |
Don't forget it is MEOTRA's Annual General Meeting this Thursday at the Epainos Church in Lichfield Road. We begin gathering at 7PM for nibbles and light refreshments with the meeting itself starting at 7.30PM.
The agenda for the meeting can be found here.
Do pop along if you can. It is a good chance to meet and catch-up with neighbours. The business side of things should be relatively short (30-40 minutes), and will be followed by a brief Open Forum "Vision for our Streets" led by Cheryl.
 |
| The Epainos Church Entrance |
To be nominated to become part of the MEOTRA committee you need to get your nomination in by this Thursday 20th April at midnight. You will need a proposer and seconder. Nominations should be sent via email to meotra@googlegroups.com
Just a reminder that TONIGHT is the Bow West Police Ward Panel Meeting. This is your chance to pop along and let the local police, council and councillors know, face to face, any concerns you have about local crime and anti-social behaviour.
We, the public, also get to help choose the local neighbourhood policing priorities for the next three months. Please do try and make an effort to come if you can. However, if you can't make it and have something you wish discussed, then let us know and we will raise any concerns on your behalf.
The meeting starts at 6.30PM and typically lasts for less than an hour.
Location: Epainos Church Hall, Lichfield Road
Date: Thursday 13th April 2023
Time: 6.30PM
 |
| Another day in the 'hood |
Have you received your Spring copy of the MEOTRA newsletter through your letterbox? If not let us know and we can drop one off (we have quite a few spare for some reason this time?). It has info about this Saturday's Easter Egg Hunt in the Square, next week's Bow West Police Ward Panel meeting and information about the forthcoming MEOTRA AGM, amongst other things.
You can view an an electronic copy of the newsletter here.
At the last meeting the following were set as the local policing priorities:
Violence Related Priority - Concerns have been raised by the community about drug dealing, drug taking and youths with weapons within the corridors of WHITTON WALK . In response to this officers will perform a number of targeted patrols over the next 3 months.
Tredegar Square E3 - ASB Residents of Tredegar Square have reported Anti Social behaviour and noise nuisance due to large groups congregating in the park late at night. Officers plan to increase patrols in and around the vicinity of the park.
Clinton Road ASB - Concerns have been raised by residents about drug taking and nitrous oxide consumption along with in considerate parking Anti social behaviour and noise toward the end of Clinton Road . Officers will work with Tower Hamlets council to reduce the issues raised.
The police will give an update on the above three policing priorities and the public present choose priorities for the next period. Do you have any concerns relating to our area? Please pop along and pass them on directly to the police; or if you can't make the meeting then email us and we will pass them on for you.
Location: The meeting is in the church hall in Lichfield Road at 6.30PM
Meotra's younger residents are invited to join us for our second Annual Easter Egg Hunt this coming Easter Saturday, 8th April, from 11am in Tredegar Square.
We have dozens and dozens of eggs that our army of helpers will be squirreling away early in the morning. We have a couple of hundred eggs with novelty toys or really cute furry animals inside, as well as some rather odd yolk-yielding squidgy eggs that just have to be seen.
Worried about food hygiene? Don't worry these eggs haven't been anywhere near a chicken. They are 100% unnatural. Like tokens, the kids exchange the luminous eggs for chocolate treats - though the exchange rate is yet to be decided.
So parents and grandparents bring your mini-yous along. Last year's event was enjoyed by young and old alike.
It would be great if you could let us let us know if you think you'll be coming, so we can work out that plastic to chocolate egg exchange rate.
We'll be hiding eggs and carrying out a thorough litter pick beforehand from around 10am. We have to be ready for the 11am start! If you can help drop us an email at: meotra@googlegroups.com
20mph speed limits will be introduced across 28km of roads within the boroughs of Camden, Islington, Hackney, Haringey and Tower Hamlets from 31 March. This includes Mile End and Bow Roads.
Grove Road and Burdett Road don't seem to be included, but drivers will soon find out.
The TfL press release states:
TfL data shows 20mph speed limits are making London's roads safer and have led to a 25 per cent reduction in deaths and serious injuries within the central London Congestion Charging Zone
Lower speed limits play a critical role in the Mayor's Vision Zero plan to eliminate deaths and serious injury on the transport network
Indicative TfL monitoring of the 20mph speed limits introduced on roads within the central London Congestion Charging Zone shows a significant reduction in the number of collisions since its introduction. Data collected from 1st May 2020 to 30 June 2022 shows the number of collisions has reduced by 25 per cent (from 406 to 304), and collisions resulting in death or serious injury have reduced by 25 per cent (from 94 to 71), demonstrating the huge impact of lowering speeds across London. Vulnerable road users continue to be most at risk on London's roads, but since the introduction of 20mph speed limits, collisions involving vulnerable road users have decreased by 36 per cent (from 453 to 290), while collisions involving people walking have decreased by 63 per cent (from 124 to 46).
The 20mph speed limits will be introduced on sections of the A503, A501, A41, A1, A10, A11 and A1203, and will help to make a large area of London safer and more attractive for people in these communities to live and work, encouraging more people out of their cars and to walk, cycle and use public transport more often. Enabling more people to use healthier and more sustainable forms of travel will be vital to reducing congestion and air pollution.
The new speed limits will be supported by new signs and road markings, and TfL is working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that drivers understand and comply with the new lower speed limits. Banners attached to streetlamps in the new 20mph areas will also be put in place to increase driver awareness of the new speed limit. Following implementation, TfL plans to carry out monitoring to determine whether further measures to further reduce vehicle speeds are required.
.gif)
New parking rules which aim to help boost the local economy and make it easier to get around the borough came into effect on the 1st of February. The key changes are:
Tower Hamlets Council has introduced one-hour free parking at its nine markets which aims to encourage more people to use their cars and so help the local economy.
A total of 248 parking bays, within approximately 100 metres of a market, now offer one-hour's free parking. To book a slot phone 020 3046 0010 or download the RingGo app on your phone. You can then choose to extend your stay by paying for parking if you wish.
Instead of the 16 mini parking zones we have had for a number of years, the borough has changed back to four larger areas. The aim is to make it easier for people to find a space to park in the borough.
If you have any B permit you can park, all day during the controlled hours, in any of the B Zones. The same applies to holders of any A, C or D permits. You can park all day in any of the zones which have the same letter as your permit. You do not need to reapply for a parking permit as the update has been made automatically.
