Frequently Asked Questions

Questions that come up regularly in local groups - answered once and for all.
These are the questions residents ask every month in WhatsApp, Facebook, and to each other. If you've wondered about it, chances are dozens of people have too.

🏠 Your Home

Why doesn't my front door automatically lock?

Short answer: It's by design.
Many East Village buildings have doors that require you to use your fob to lock them. This is intentional - it's meant to make it easier to move furniture in and out, and for emergency services to access if needed.
The downside: You must remember to lock your door. Every time.
Security tip: Make it part of your routine. Fob out = lock door. Some residents put a reminder note by the door until it becomes habit.

Where can I get Get Living keys cut?

Timpsons cannot cut Get Living keys.
Get Living uses restricted keys that can only be duplicated by authorized key cutters. If you need a spare:
  1. Contact Get Living directly: 0800 999 3080
  1. They'll arrange a key cutting service
  1. Expect to pay around £20-30 per key
  1. Allow a few days for delivery
Lost your keys? Report immediately - they may need to change the lock for security.

How do I control my heating?

East Village uses district heating run by East London Energy - there's no individual gas boiler in your flat.
Engineer recommendation (from WhatsApp groups):
  1. Keep heating on manual mode (not auto)
  1. Track your usage by checking the meter reading every few days
  1. Watch your bills - district heating can be expensive
Why manual? Auto mode can rack up costs quickly because the system doesn't always respond as expected.
Still confused? Check East London Energy Portal or see Utilities

My heating bill is huge - is this normal?

Unfortunately, often yes. District heating in East Village is more expensive than typical gas central heating.
What's "normal"?
  • Winter (Nov-Mar): £80-150/month for a 1-bed (varies by usage)
  • Summer (Apr-Oct): £30-60/month (hot water only)
If your bill seems wrong:
  1. Check your meter reading matches the bill
  1. Look for sudden usage spikes
  1. Contact East London Energy: 0800 999 3080
  1. Request a meter check
Can I switch suppliers? No - the district heating system means you're tied to East London Energy.
Money-saving tips:
  • Use manual mode
  • Only heat rooms you're using
  • Check for drafts around windows/doors
  • Report heating that won't turn off

📦 Parcels & Deliveries

Can I use the Get Living parcel service at Celebration Avenue?

No - this service was discontinued during COVID and is not coming back.
All parcels must now be delivered directly to your flat.
Alternative options:
  • Amazon Lockers (locations in Westfield)
  • InPost Lockers (various locations nearby)
  • Deliver to work
  • Use click & collect services
See full guide: [Delivery Survival Guide] (coming soon)

Why does my Evri delivery always go wrong?

You're not alone. Evri (formerly Hermes) has particular issues in East Village, with one driver frequently mentioned for:
  • Not following delivery instructions
  • Leaving parcels in wrong locations
  • Marking as delivered when they're not
  • Not knocking/buzzing
What actually helps:
  1. Add ultra-specific delivery instructions:
      • Building name AND number
      • Exact flat number
      • "Call on arrival: [number]"
      • "Do NOT leave in communal area"
  1. Report every failed delivery:
      • Reply to Evri's feedback email
      • Be specific about what went wrong
      • Multiple complaints can trigger route review
  1. Consider alternatives:
      • Use collection points for valuable items
      • Some retailers let you exclude specific couriers
      • Amazon Locker for Amazon orders
Persistent issues? Some residents have successfully requested driver changes after multiple complaints to Evri head office.

Where do I collect a parcel delivered to the wrong address?

Check the delivery photo first - it usually shows the building number or distinctive features.
Then:
  1. Note the building/flat number
  1. Walk over and knock - most neighbors are happy to hand it over
  1. If you're not sure where it is, post in your building's WhatsApp group
  1. Still can't find it? Report to the courier as "not received"
Building numbers can be confusing - Logan Close 31 and Logan Mews 31 are different places!

🚗 Parking

Which streets allow EV visitor parking passes?

Visitor parking is complex in East Village and varies by street.
Generally allowed on:
  • Celebration Avenue (time-limited)
  • Some sections of residential streets
Generally NOT allowed:
  • Main through-roads
  • Bus routes
  • Resident parking bays (unless you have a permit)
Best approach:
  • Check the street signs carefully
  • Ask in your building's WhatsApp group
  • Contact Newham Parking Services: 020 8430 2000
Visitor permits are available through your landlord for guests staying overnight.

Can visitors park overnight?

Yes, but they need a visitor permit.
Contact your landlord to arrange temporary visitor permits:
  • Usually issued for specific dates
  • Vehicle registration required
  • Some landlords limit how many you can request
Without a permit? Risk of parking fine.

🔥 Seasonal

Why are there fireworks?

Most likely Diwali (usually October/November) or Bonfire Night (November 5th).
This comes up like clockwork every year in local WhatsApp groups. Fireworks are traditional celebrations, but can be:
  • Loud (especially for pets)
  • Disturbing (especially late at night)
  • Occasionally dangerous (if aimed toward roads/people)
If fireworks are dangerous:
  • Call 999 if aimed at people or vehicles
  • Call 101 for persistent late-night disturbances
For pets:
  • Keep them inside
  • Close windows/curtains
  • Consider pet-calming products
  • Check Pets section for more tips

What time does Sainsbury's close today?

It varies - especially on holidays.
Best approach:
  • Google the specific store + "opening hours"
  • Check store websites directly
  • NISA local shops often have longer hours
Major holidays (Christmas, Easter, etc.):
  • Hours change every year
  • Check a few days before
  • Local convenience stores usually stay open longer

♻️ Waste & Recycling

How does bulky waste collection work for flats?

Newham Council offers bulky waste collection even for flat residents.
How to book:
  1. Go to Newham Bulky Waste
  1. Book online or call 020 8430 2000
  1. Pay the fee (varies by number of items)
  1. They'll give you a collection date
  1. Put items outside your building entrance on collection day
Cost: Around £20-40 depending on items
What they collect: Furniture, appliances, mattresses, etc.
What they won't collect: Hazardous waste, construction waste, commercial waste

Where can I recycle [specific item]?

Standard recycling: Use building recycling bins
Clothing/textiles: Clothing banks at Tesco Stratford, other supermarkets
Electronics: Bring to Westfield, Currys, or Newham reuse and recycling centre
Batteries: Supermarkets, post offices
Books: Charity shops in Stratford, Little Free Libraries in EV
Full Newham recycling guide: Newham A-Z Recycling

💧 Utilities

No hot water - what do I do?

First: Is it just you or the whole building?
Ask neighbors or post in building WhatsApp group.
If building-wide:
  1. Call East London Energy: 0800 999 3080
  1. Important: They wait for 3+ reports before investigating
  1. Coordinate with neighbors - all need to call
  1. Should be fixed same day or next day
If just your flat:
  1. Check your heating controls - is hot water on?
  1. Contact your landlord (see Who Do I Call?)
  1. They'll send a plumber

Why is there no water pressure?

Common on higher floors - this is normal to an extent.
If it's a sudden change:
  1. Check if neighbors have the same issue
  1. Contact your landlord
  1. Could be a building-wide problem
If it affects the whole area:
  • Thames Water: 0800 316 9800
  • Check for burst mains or planned work

🌐 Internet

Does Hyperoptic work in all buildings?

Most East Village buildings, yes - but not 100% coverage.
To check:
  1. Go to Hyperoptic website
  1. Enter your exact postcode
  1. It'll tell you if available at your address
If not available at yours:
  • Try other providers (Openreach-based: BT, Sky, TalkTalk)
  • Virgin Media (limited availability)
Hyperoptic is fastest - 1Gbps available, but also more expensive.

What broadband providers work here?

Available in East Village:
Hyperoptic (most common)
  • Fiber direct to building
  • Up to 1Gbps
  • Most expensive
  • Most reliable (according to residents)
Openreach-based providers:
  • BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet, EE
  • FTTC (fiber to cabinet) or FTTP (fiber to premises)
  • Speeds vary by building
  • More provider choice
Virgin Media
  • Limited availability in EV
  • Check postcode
Mobile broadband (Three, Vodafone, etc.)
  • Works anywhere
  • Backup option
  • Usually slower/less reliable

🎫 Local Perks

Are there resident discounts for Tower Bridge / Tower of London?

Yes! E20 counts as Tower Hamlets for this.
Tower Bridge:
  • £1 tickets for Tower Hamlets residents
  • Select "Tower Hamlets resident"
  • E20 postcodes are included
Tower of London:
  • Discounted entry for local residents
  • Bring proof of address (utility bill, council tax) on the day
  • Buy at the ticket office
  • Not bookable online

💬 Communication

What WhatsApp groups exist for East Village?

Main group:
  • East Village Connect (general community group)
  • 400+ members
  • Most active
Other groups:
  • Individual building groups (ask neighbors)
  • Parents groups
  • Dog owners groups
  • Buy/sell/swap groups
To join:
  • Ask neighbors for invite links
  • Post in Facebook: East Village E20 Community
  • New residents: ask your landlord

Where do I find updates about [construction/changes/issues]?

Right here on East Village Hub!
  • Subscribe to our Instagram (link in footer)
  • Join WhatsApp groups
Official sources:
  • Get Living email updates (if you're a tenant)
  • Newham Council planning portal
  • East Village Management notices

🚫 Things That Don't Work (Sorry)

Can I switch heating suppliers?

No. District heating means you're locked to East London Energy.

Can Get Living start accepting parcels again?

Not happening. Service discontinued permanently.

Can we get the police station back?

Unlikely. Get Living/EVML would need to fund it, and they've decided against it. Focus is on security patrols instead.

Have a Question Not Listed Here?

First try:
  1. Search the site (magnifying glass top right)
  1. Check Who Do I Call?
  1. Browse Living Here section
Still stuck?
📧 hello@eastvillagehub.co.uk
Or contact us here
Last updated: February 2026
Got a correction or new FAQ to add? Let us know - this page is built from real resident questions.