Dear Reader,

It has been an eventful week to say the least, with news that has sparked strong reactions within our boroughs and amongst our readers. The BNP announcing that they plan to stand for the Mayoral elections in both Hackney and Lewisham has indeed caused a stir. Looking back at the Battle of Lewisham in 1977, local residents know that this will not go unnoticed, as the extreme right-wing has been met with violence and riots in our boroughs in the past. It remains to be seen how the reactions will manifest this time around, but we suspect this is only the calm before the storm.

Secondly, it was decided today that the demolition of The Foundry, an art centre in Hackney, is to be demolished after Hackney Council granted planning permission to a Hotel building owned by the Park Plaza Group last night. This has already caused strong criticism as the art space has been an important venue for acts such as Hot Chip and The Libertines.

In contrast with the BNP announcement, a number of events have also taken place that prove just how modern, multi-cultural and forward thinking our boroughs are. The Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender Community kicked of its annual awareness month with a series of events and exhibitions. It has also been a good week for schools along the East London Lines, with Hackney Jubilee School being named the first Fair Trade school in London, and Bethnal Green Technology College has been given the thumbs up by Ofsted. Hackney proudly celebrated 100 years of employment centres and opened the exhibition “100 years and counting: helping people into work since 1910”, a true testament to how much has evolved within employment during the last Century.

This week has certainly left us with lots to think about. As always, we look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions on our stories.

Lea Jakobiak

Editor