 Get ready for the return to school
The countdown is on. In less than two weeks, all children and young people in Tower Hamlets will be required to go back to school. Our schools are safe places and the best place to learn – staff have been working hard throughout lockdown, and all summer, to prepare them for the new year. We look forward to welcoming you back in September.
Visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/backtoschool for the latest advice, information and support, plus answers to some common questions.
Be sure to check regularly as this page will be updated throughout August and September.
Brick Lane to partially close for pedestrians and diners
Parts of Brick Lane will be temporarily pedestrianised next week to provide safe space for walking and outdoor seating for restaurants.
From Thursday 27 August, sections of the iconic street will be closed to vehicles to support social distancing while providing a timely boost to restaurants facing challenging trading conditions.
Under new rules, food businesses can now apply for a licence for table service outdoors, which will allow them to welcome more customers in a safe environment throughout the Bank Holiday weekend and beyond.
 Deborah scoops London Enterprise Adviser of Year gong
A council officer who shone as a mentor for the borough’s young people has been named London Enterprise Adviser of the Year.
By day, Deborah Millington works with budding entrepreneurs to help them put their ideas into action. Last year she saw an opportunity to use the knowledge and skills she had developed in that role and signed up to support the London Enterprise Adviser Network’s school careers programme in her spare time.
Since then she has worked with students from Canary Wharf College, providing them with opportunities to meet real life employers and to get a genuine insight into the world of work and the variety of careers that are available. Well done, Deborah!
 There's still time to Eat Out to Help Out
Many Tower Hamlets businesses have been offering discounts on food and non-alcoholic drinks on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August through Eat Out to Help Out, but there are only four more days to take advantage of the scheme (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and the following Monday).
Support your local businesses by visiting a participating restaurant, pub or café to eat and drink, and get up to 50 per cent off your bill. You can go as many times as you like!
 Out in force to stop 'London Tunnel Run' disruption
We are aware that the 'London Tunnel Run', a motor vehicle road rally, has been organised for Sunday 30 August. The planned Tunnel Run goes through the Limehouse Link and has previously caused disruption, high numbers of vehicles in the area and led to antisocial behaviour.
We are working with police partners to prevent the Tunnel Run coming into the borough. Our enforcement officers will be on patrols early in the day asking any vehicles to move along, our CCTV team will be monitoring the area and police have a 'Section 35' order in place, which will allow officers to disperse vehicles. Cars involved in antisocial behaviour may be seized.
Don't delay getting a test if you have Covid-19 symptoms
If you experience Covid-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste), make sure you book a test straight away. You need to get the test done in the first five days of having symptoms.
NHS Test and Trace is a national programme that enables anyone with symptoms to get tested quickly. Mobile testing units are operating in the borough and are another way to get tested, alongside ordering a home testing kit. The next mobile testing dates are 22, 25 and 28 August.
We are also asking you to share your thoughts on the Test and Trace programme so that we can make sure it's as effective as possible in Tower Hamlets.
If you have symptoms of Covid-19, please book a test immediately – do not wait.
 Roll up, roll up! Plenty of fun at Vicky Park
Underbelly continues at Victoria Park as part of the latest in a new series of food and drink pop-ups opening across London this summer until 31 August.
Free to enter and completely outdoors, StreetEat brings together the finest independent street food traders, open air bars, socially distanced seating pods and free live performances from musicians, DJs, cabaret performers and singers. An emphasis has been placed on booking and supporting food traders, performers and artists that are local to the borough where they perform.
The event adheres to strict social distancing and enhanced hygiene measures in line with government guidance, while also providing a fun and relaxed opportunity for people to meet outdoors.
 Make your mark on history of Tower Hamlets
Our Local History Library and Archives team is capturing a lasting collective memory of our community’s response to the pandemic, created by the people living and working in the borough.
It is part of our responsibility to not only preserve historic records from the past, but also collect and maintain the history of today for future generations.
There are many ways that you can contribute, including taking part in Making History – documenting coronavirus in the East End, as well as getting support to archive your records as a local business or community organisation.
 Send us your Black History Month photos!
The deadline has been extended for submissions to the Black History Month Photo-Open Exhibition 2020.
This is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to submit their photographs on the theme of Black History Month, whether they cover key events of 2020 or were taken in previous years.
Selected entries will be showcased as part of an online exhibition this October and we’ve extended the deadline for submission to Wednesday 26 August.
We also want to know about any events (online or real life!) that you may be planning for October.
 Save the date!
Mayor John Biggs will be hosting an online Ask the Mayor event at 7pm - 8pm on Thursday 3 September.
This is your chance to hear from the mayor on local issues that matter to you, without leaving your home.
Please register to attend, where you can also submit a question in advance if you wish.
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