2010: the year that was
In the year that the UK saw its first coalition government since WWII, 3D films stormed the box office and 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for more than two months captured the world’s imagination, the Citizen takes a look at some of the highs and lows closer to home.
Election chaos
Poor planning, multiple elections (council, mayoral and general) and understaffing made for chaos at the polls in Hackney on 6 May 2010. Many of the borough’s residents were denied the chance to vote or had to endure long waits. An Electoral Commission report stated that of the 27 UK polling stations severely affected by problems, six were in Hackney.
Labour MPs Meg Hillier and Diane Abbott were re-elected; Jules Pipe was returned as Hackney Mayor and Labour triumphed in the council elections, taking 50 out of a total of 57 seats.
The Citizen was, of course, covering the action and its live digital debates gave residents the chance to quiz the candidates.
Residents rally round the Citizen as Hackney Council threatens legal action
In what legal blogger Jack of Kent described as a “bizarre and utterly inappropriate” move, Hackney Council threatened the Citizen with legal action on 6 May 2010 after we published an audio clip on our website in which a council officer wrongly informed a caller that Conservative Andrew Boff was not a candidate for the mayoral election. We received fantastic support from residents and the national media, whereupon the council abandoned its action.
Budget cuts set to hit Hackney hard
October’s Comprehensive Spending Review sounded like bad news for Hackney, with Mayor Jules Pipe warning of a potentially devastating impact on council finances. A series of changes to housing and other benefits also means that the borough’s poorest residents look to be hardest hit.
Other stories of note
Library name controversy – The council made a u-turn on its initial decision to drop legendary Afro-Trinidadian writer CLR James from the name of Dalston’s new library. The facility will now be called the ‘Dalston CLR James Library and Hackney Archives’.
Rabbit in the headlights – the council made another u-turn on removing the much-loved rabbit mural on Hackney Road. The image, which adorns the side of the Premises recording studio and cafe, is by world-famous graffiti artist ROA. The council has now announced that it is ‘listening and learning’ on the subject of street art.
Sex establishments – the ongoing debate about banning strip clubs and sex shops in the borough, following a consultation that stirred up strong feelings on both sides. The council is to announce its decision soon.
Doing famously well
Phillips Idowu – the Hackney athlete won the triple jump gold medal at the European Championships
Ben Eine – the street artist whose work was chosen as a gift for US President Barack Obama
Sam Hallam – new police inquiry opens into 2005 murder conviction of Hoxton teen
Hackney Podcast – Francesca Panetta scooped two prestigious Radio Production Awards for her podcasts about local life
Russell Higgs and Mark Hamilton Gruchy – shortlisted for the Guggenheim YouTube Play award
The Adesinas – Hoxton family stars in Channel 4’s Bafta award-winning show, The Family
Pravin Dewdhory and Emma Kelly – designers create London 2012 Olympic coins
What came in
Hackney Enterprise Network
Stoke Newington Literary Festival
Clapton Arts Trust
Hackney Film Festival
The Nest and the Drop nightclubs
Chatsworth Road Market
Stoke Newington Youth FC
What went out
Tesco Towers plans
Wind turbine plans
Hackney Credit Union
The Foundry, Bardens Boudoir and
Pangea Project nightclubs
Historic buildings on Ashwin Street
Refurbished and revamped
Clissold House and Park (ongoing)
Arcola Theatre (now moved to Ashwin Street)
Hackney Empire
Stoke Newington Town Hall
Diane Abbott (now shadow minister for public health following her unsuccessful Labour Party leadership bid)
In memoriam
Godwin Lawson
Agnes Sina-Inakoju
Gulistan Subasi
‘Mole Man’ William Lyttle
Joseph Kahn
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