Moving performance at the Tower “The children had been working for weeks, practising and learning the words, and it resulted in a wonderful, very moving performance. Many people stopped to listen to the children sing.” mary bell, year four teacher, st anne’s catholic primary school Council considers response to commissioners proposal A council spokesperson said: “The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has asked the council to respond to his proposals arising from a best value inspection. “Having co-operated fully throughout the inspection process, the council is carefully considering its response. “The report concentrates on a small number of council functions and it does not detract from the excellent, award-winning services that the council delivers for and on behalf of the people of the borough. The council has two weeks to consider and respond to the government’s proposals and is working collaboratively with officials at the DCLG. “Tower Hamlets can confirm that an undertaking requested by the Secretary of State that no awards of grants or recruitment to key officer positions be made has been met.” In response to the secretary of state’s comments, Mayor Shop given booze ban after licence condition breaches A N o ff l i c e n c e i n Whitechapel has had its licence revoked. Police reviewed the licence of Low Cost Food and Wine in White Church Lane after it was found to be trading beyond its permitted hours and selling high-strength alcohol, contrary to the conditions of its licence. The review was brought about following three test purchases in October 2013. Based on evidence provided by the council’s police and licensing officer in February 2014, the shop’s licence was revoked. That decision was appealed by the owners, with the case due to be heard in August. But the appellants withdrew the application and the court awarded costs of £4,215. If you believe an off licence is operating beyond its hours, you can report it by emailing licensing@towerhamlets.gov. uk with details. Watch in wonder You can view audience pictures of the borough’s fireworks displays and post your own images online at... www.facebook.com/towerhamletsevents News News in brief Students bringing WWI tales to life CAPTURED spies, two-penny dinners, the Suffragettes and the rallying cry of war are among the many stories about east London in the shadow of World War I being brought to life by student researchers at Queen Mary University of London. Using local archive material, the students, together with academics from the university and archivists from Tower Hamlets Local History Library, are digitising newspaper articles, diaries, government records, and letters from the front. The team will publish daily accounts of life in east London during the war. Visit http://eastendww1.org Out of the Box A BOLD new arts exhibition, which involved disabled people working with the council’s Local History Library & Archives in Mile End, is set to open on December 3. The exhibition, Out of the Box, showcases artwork created in response to the heritage collections at the library. It is being launched to coincide with the United Nations’ International Day of Disabled People, and will later tour across the borough. The exhibition will run until January 29, 2015. Visit www.filmpro.net/ projects/out-of-the-box BY STAFF REPORTER COMMUNITIES and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has given his response to a best value inspection of Tower Hamlets Council by auditors Pricewaterhouse- Coopers (PwC). Highlighting specific areas of council governance, he announced that he was minded to appoint external commissioners to oversee improvements in specific areas. The council understands that these relate to property disposal, grant giving and senior appointments. It is estimated that these areas account for 1.9 per cent of overall council spending and have no impact upon the delivery of frontline services, which will continue as normal. The council is reflecting on the Department for Communities and Local Government’s (DCLG) proposals and considering what action it may take. Thousands enjoy Bonfire Night fireworks displays THOUSANDS of revellers rounded off the half-term week in style at two spectacular Bonfire Night events. The council organised free displays at Weavers Fields in Bethnal Green and Millwall Park on the Isle of Dogs on November 2. The wet autumnal weather didn’t dampen spirits as this year’s celebrations mesmerised audiences with choreographed visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack. Cllr Shafiqul Haque, cabinet member for culture, said: “I am pleased that so many residents joined the Bonfire Night festivities. “By offering a choice of displays, more people are now able to be a part of the fun.” You can view audience pictures of the displays and post your own on Tower Hamlets Events Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Tower HamletsEvents To find out more about free events in the borough, visit www.towerhamlets.gov. uk/arts YEAR four pupils from St Anne’s Catholic Primary School in Whitechapel were among thousands of visitors who viewed the ceramic poppy art installation, Blood Swept Land and Seas of Red, at the Tower of London, commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the start of World War I. The children sang the poem Flanders Fields, by John McCrae, read For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon and said prayers in front of the poppies last Wednesday, November 5. Lutfur Rahman said: “We need to be clear that there was no evidence of fraud or criminal activity identified in the PwC report. “All governance issues identified in the report have already been highlighted by our internal processes and are being rectified accordingly. “Tower Hamlets Council is one of the highest performing local authorities in London and the UK for service delivery and we will be responding to Mr Pickles in due course.” Worldwide Cargo and Courier Service From the comfort of your HOME or OFFICE OPEN 24/7, 365 DAYS A YEAR • EFFICIENCY & RELIABILITY ASSURED AND SERVICE DELIVERED Whether it’s an important Express document, parcel, excess baggage or commercial cargo, CALL US for a no obligation quote and see the difference we can make. 30% OFF from booking Directly with DHL or UPS, Same service but Cheaper Rates* Parcels and cargo collected from your home or office Over 16 years experience and represented in over 250 international airports We handle out sized cargo, hazardous freight and time sensitive items too Special offers to all European and International destinations Direct bookings with all Major Airlines and Service Providers Tel: 020 3489 8679 24/hr Mobile: 07983 978556 No job is too small or too large operations@arlworldcargo.com www.arlworldcargo.com 10 – 16 NOVEMBER 2014 N E W S F R O M T O WER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 3
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