Have your say on South Shoreditch future says Labour's candidate for Hoxton

Jonathan McShane, aged 31, Labour’s candidate for the Hoxton by-election has urged residents to have their say in the current consultation for the Area Action Plan for South Shoreditch.

Meg Hillier and Jonathan McShane

‘Make sure your views are represented in creating what will be a 10-year vision for South Shoreditch,’ he said.

‘Make sure you have your say in the policies that will guide future planning decisions to meet the needs of local residents and businesses,’ added Jonathan, who lives in Shoreditch.’

He went on: ‘I know that Hackney Council wants to encourage economic growth and regeneration as well as providing job opportunities and homes for local people. The Action Plan will give a step up to the area’s historic identity, and safeguard both the wellbeing of local residents and local businesses.’

He also paid tribute to David Manion who is standing down as a councillor, after seven years service, for personal reasons.

‘David has fought alongside Cllrs Pearce and Williams for a better deal for Hoxton residents. There have continued to be improvements to the area since 2002 when Labour took control. This new Area Action Plan is one sign of that ongoing work.

‘I pledge to continue this work and will be listening carefully to the views of residents about what they would like to see.’

Hackney’s Mayor, Jules Pipe, commented: ‘I look forward to seeing Jonathan elected a Shoreditch councillor. I know he will be a dedicated person working hard alongside other Labour councillors on behalf of residents. Hoxton needs a strong Labour voice to ensure that the progress made since 2002 isn’t reversed by Tory cuts or Lib Dem indecision.’

He added: ‘David Manion worked hard for the people of this borough over many years and will be missed by many. We wish him well.’

Meg Hillier, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Hackney South & Shoreditch, commented: ‘I am looking forward to working with Jonathan in continuing the good work of Labour in making Hoxton and Shoreditch a better and safer place to live. He follows in an excellent line of Labour councillors, working hard for local people’s interests.’

For further information, please contact Ian Rathbone 07890 654 068 or e-mail ian.rathbone@tiscali.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

1. Consultation on the draft Statement of Community Involvement will run from 28 February until 11 April 2005. The draft document is available at http://www.hackney.gov.uk/planning-policy-sci.htm.

2. The vision for South Shoreditch will be driven by the following themes:

• A thriving economy
• Exceptional architectural quality
• Business-led partnerships
• Encouraging new mixed-use development
• Enhancing the historic environment and character
• A key role for Shoreditch High Street
• A dynamic well managed evening economy
• A high quality pedestrian experience

3. Consultation for the draft South Shoreditch Area Action Plan will run from 1 March until 15 April 2005. The draft document is available at www.hackney.gov.uk/planning-policy-aap-sshoreditch.htm.