HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – April 2022
News from your Hyde Park Labour Candidates – Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Your three Hyde Park Ward Labour Candidates
Md Shamsed Chowdhury has lived and worked in Westminster since 2016. He is experienced in the business and hospitality industries and keen to use his knowledge to support young people into work. Shamsed is also a volunteer with a homeless charity in Westminster. He speaks English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Bengali and is keen to support all residents in the ward to ensure everyone has a decent home and feels safe on our streets.
Paul Dimoldenberg has been a Queen’s Park Labour Councillor for nearly 25 years and was a Harrow Road Councillor for 8 years before that. He is a former Leader of the Labour Group and led the Team that uncovered the ‘Homes for Votes’ and ‘15p Cemeteries’ scandals. Originally from Manchester, he has lived on Marylebone Road since the 1970s. Paul’s knowledge of the Council has enabled the Hyde Park Labour Action Team to ‘get things done’ for local residents.
Judith Southern grew up in rural Cumbria and trained to be a nursery nurse. She then worked in West Yorkshire as a bus driver before starting nurse training. She worked at Paddington Green Children’s Hospital and has lived in Hyde Park ward since 1985. Before retiring she worked at Trinity Hospice at Clapham Common where Judith says she felt privileged to be able to give the best palliative care possible.
Don’t forget, you have three votes in the Council elections on 5th May. You can vote for all three of us. Use your three votes to vote for Shamsed, Paul and Judith.
Our priorities for Hyde Park Ward
- Freeze Council Tax for all residents until 2024
- Keep our area safe with more police to tackle crime
- Stop illegal rubbish dumping with fines for offenders
- Put residents first in the planning system
- Stand up for better NHS services against cuts and sell-offs
- Deliver cleaner air, and greener homes and transport
- Stop the financial waste – no more £6m Marble Arch Mound disasters!
You can read our Manifesto here https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/manifesto-labours-plan-for-a-fairer-westminster/
NEWS AND ACTION
The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road/Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens
Park West – Regulating Airbnb premises
To help residents in Westminster and elsewhere who are plagued with problems associated with unauthorised short-term lets, Labour MP Karen Buck introduced a Bill in Parliament calling for a national register of short and holiday-let accommodation. This is another move in her long campaign to regulate AirBnB and similar companies to control the impact on neighbours and neighbourhoods.
Unfortunately, Karen’s Bill was blocked by a Conservative MP.
There have been a number of parties in flats let out as short lets. A number of residents have experienced massive disruption as a result and it’s unacceptable. As soon as parties begin it’s crucial to both contact the Council’s Noise Team and the police so they can turn up to break up the party. Both need to be there to intervene effectively and preferably they should be called out as soon as possible.
- Contact the Council’s noise team: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it or 0207 641 2000
- Contact the police on 101 or tag them on twitter on @MetCC
Kendal Street/Portsea Place
Another mound of rubbish was illegally dumped by the tree at the corner of Kendal Street and Portsea Place. We have reported this to the Council for removal and hope that those responsible are fined.
Bathurst Street
We have contacted the Refuse Team after residents reported that the refuse collectors failed to pick up rubbish bags that were left on the pavement at the correct times.
Connaught Street/Edgware Road
We have asked the City Inspectors to arranged for graffiti to be removed from a tree planter at the corner of Connaught Street and Edgware Road.
Oxford Street
We have asked the Highways Team to fix the manhole cover on the pedestrian crossing between M&S and Zara in Oxford Street. The manhole cover was not level and recently an older woman tripped and fell in the middle of the road. Luckily, she wasn’t hit by passing traffic but sadly she broke her arm and shoulder in 3 places and the emergency services were called to help.
Update – the manhole cover has been given a temporary repair pending a proper fix
£6 Million Marble Arch Mound
The £6m Marble Arch Mound is coming down – at a cost of £660,000.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/westminster-council-marble-arch-mound-cost-b991093.html#
And the Daily Mirror had some April Fool’s fun at the Mound’s expense, too
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/marble-arch-mound-mud-rebuild-26607100
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Southwick Street
We have again asked the Council to take strong action against those responsible for the daily illegal rubbish dumping in Southwick Street.
Star Street/St Michael’s Street
We have been in contact with Notting Hill Genesis about their improvement works to homes in Star Street and St Michael’s Street. So far, the works that are underway are roof renewals in St Michael’s Street and the refurbishment of 10 Star Street. We have asked NHG to keep us updated and we have asked NHG to also update residents on a regular basis.
Importantly, NHG has assured us that that all the refurbished flats will be let to social housing tenants and not sold off.
Sussex Gardens
The Days Inn by Wyndham London Hyde Park in Sussex Gardens has been given a poor hygiene rating after dead cockroaches and mice poo were found in the kitchen. A Council inspector found serious issues with food safety at the hotel. The hotel, which has a four out of five Trip Advisor rating, was given a one out of five for hygiene by Westminster City Council after an inspection on January 5. A report by the council said: “During the visit, mice droppings and dead cockroaches were found on the floor, and on sticky boards in the kitchen and adjacent storage area.”
https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/hotel-gets-poor-hygiene-rating-23522499
Edgware Road area
Edgware Road – empty shops and restaurants
We have counted at least 14 closed or empty shops and restaurants along Edgware Road. In addition, there are also empty retail and restaurant units in the new developments at Marble Arch Place and Regent House. This number of empty retail and restaurant units is undermining the economic success and future of Edgware Road as a destination for visitors, as well as for long-term residents who value the mix and diversity of the local shops and restaurants.
We are calling on the Council, local retailers and restaurants, landowners, including the Church Commissioners, Portman Estate, Almacantar (Marble Arch Place) and Native Land (Regent House), Marble Arch BID, residents’ groups and local stakeholders to come together to discuss how Edgware Road’s fortunes can be revived. We need a ‘plan of action’ to get Edgware Road back on its feet.
Edgware Road/Sussex Gardens
Having spent £40,000 on the very good environmental project next to Boots, at the corner of Edgware Road and Sussex Gardens, we have asked the Council if a large ‘Don’t feed the pigeons’ sign can be located in an appropriate place. We have also asked if any action be taken against those who persist in feeding the pigeons. The City Inspector says:
“Mitigations are already being discussed and the Marble Arch BID are aware of the pigeon issue and their Street Team will be monitoring the area to try to deter anyone from feeding them.”
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
38-47a Chapel Street – update
Following our regular enquiries about the installation of bike racks for residents and a new sign on the Chapel Street entrance, the Housing Departments says:
“We apologise for the delay in providing the bike stands to the basement car park. Our contractors visited the site and established that they cannot put the racks directly on to the floor however, they will be putting them up against the adjoining wall. They are currently waiting for the delivery of the bike stands and works will commence once they have arrived.
The design and correct location for signage has been agreed and our contractors will be completing the works shortly.”
We have also repeated our call to the Council to take action against those responsible for the regular illegal rubbish dumping on the corner of Transept Street and Chapel Street.
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
5 Harbet Road
We have asked Octavia Housing for an update on the cladding situation and the cost of the waking watch at 5 Harbet Road, after receiving this message from a resident:
“I am a leaseholder shared ownership. We are getting nowhere with Octavia and the freeholders regarding the cladding and fire safety issues in the building with no EWS1 issued. I try weekly for information from Octavia, but I am just told we have no information to share? We now have a waking fire watch again as they have decided the building is unsafe again after not having one for two years which I am sure they will charge to residents in the sky-high service charge that we see nothing for.”
Octavia says:
“Our recent Fire Risk Assessment determined that the property should be placed under an evacuation policy, pending further works on the building. As such, Octavia have installed a ‘Waking Watch’ patrol at 5 Harbet Road in light of these findings. To take matters forward, an onsite meeting with the Managing Agents, Octavia and the Fire Safety Inspector from the London Fire Brigade is being arranged on Monday 28th March. We will update residents on progress as soon as possible after that meeting.”
Harbet Road – street sweeping and parking
We have again contacted the Council about the poor street sweeping and parking control of this private road by the Hilton Hotel who are responsible for the street. Residents say, “The street is still always a mess and for the last week railings have been dumped on the path from cars that move them just so they can park on the double yellows. The council never seem very interested I just get told it’s a private road it’s out of their control.”
The Neighbourhood Coordinator says, “I will endeavour to visit the hotel myself tomorrow if able and see who is around to speak to.”
Praed Street/Harbet Street
We have asked the Highways Team if the roadworks signs at the corner of Praed Street and Harbet Road are still required. They are a pedestrian hazard in their current collapsed state lying on the pavement. The Highways Team say, “Will get it checked and removed if no longer required.”
Update – The roadworks signs have now been removed
2 Hermitage Street
We are helping a resident of 2 Hermitage Street with an issue with their heating.
Aster House
Following our enquiries with Octavia Housing about the door mechanism, Octavia say, “I have chased the door mechanism. I’ll let you know as soon as I have a date.”
A few days’ later, Octavia told us, “I’ve had confirmation that the mechanism has been repaired.”
Also, residents in Aster House have asked if the flat green roof between Aster House and 2 Hermitage Street can be cleared of the debris and rubbish which has accumulated on the planting. It would improve the appearance of the green roof and we have asked Octavia Housing if the rubbish could be cleared.
Octavia says, “We have asked Savills, the managing agents, to clear this area and confirm that a regime for checking it regularly is in place.”
Residents say, “Many thanks for letting me know, and for your help in resolving this matter.”
Sheldon Square
We have again contacted Notting Hill Genesis and Paddington Central for an update on the long-awaited installation of air conditioning units for flats on the first two floors of Sheldon House. Paddington Central say, “We have given permission and that there is no hold up from the Landlord as to why they can’t start works. We are awaiting to hear when the works start”
Residents in Sheldon Square have also contacted us about the £150 Council Tax fuel rebate which is available to residents living in properties in Council Tax bands A-D. Some residents believe they have been wrongly placed in Band E which means they do not qualify for the £150 fuel rebate. Council Tax bands are set by the Valuation Office (central government agency) and residents have the right to appeal to the Valuation Office – contact www.gov.uk/contact-voa
Dudley House, North Wharf Road
Residents in Dudley House have raised two issues with us.
First, residents say that ‘front of house’ security has been reduced since the building first opened. Also, with no ‘front of house’ security, if there is an emergency there is no one available to give access to the upper floors to the emergency services.
Second, residents who have been in the building since it opened in late 2019 say they were promised a gym would be available to residents and that this was a key attraction of the building. However, the space for the gym has been occupied by the Boys’ School as an assembly hall since 2019 and residents feel badly let down.
We have asked the Council and Pinnacle, who manage the building, to investigate both these issues.
Bishop’s Bridge Road
We have asked Transport for London if the Countdown system can be reactivated at the Bishop’s Bridge Road bus stop. It has not been working for a few weeks.
TfL say, “Sorry for the fault with the bus countdown, I’ve logged this in our Street Care tool (https://streetcare.tfl.gov.uk) for our streets teams to investigate.”
We also asked the Highways Team to repair a damaged and potentially dangerous street sign at the corner of Bishop’s Bridge and Harrow Road. The Highways Team say, “No problem, we will action”.
Westbourne Terrace area
Gloucester Terrace
We are supporting residents who have raised concerns about filming on Gloucester Terrace which will take over residents’ parking for a long period. We have asked the Council the following questions:
Are residents consulted on filming proposals? Does the Council apply starting and finishing times for the filming? How does the Council propose to police the filming schedule to ensure that these times are adhered to? Or is it up to residents to complain before any action is taken by the Council?
After we raised concerns about a film production lorry parked outside on resident’s bedroom window, the Council’s Events Unit told us:
“I have contacted the production and will be cancelling all of the upcoming suspensions for the whole run of parking bays outside his home. Therefore, once the crew have completed their work on site today, they should not park outside his property again.”
Other Issues
Ukraine Appeal
We are standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine in their hour of need. You can support them in their struggle against Putin’s invasion here
https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
Council Tax
Labour Councillors voted for No Increase in Council Tax at the last Council meeting. We are against any increase in Council Tax until at least 2024 to try to help residents through these difficult times. We think that at the very least Council Tax should be frozen at its current rate, while further efforts are made to protect those on low incomes.
Service charges – huge increase in insurance costs
We have been contacted by leaseholders who have received massively increased bills for insurance cover as part of their service charge – in one case, an increase of 20%. Please let us know if you have had a similar experience
Air pollution
Under a recent Freedom of Information request, we uncovered that Westminster Council has issued just 1 fine for every 1,112 reports of unnecessary engine idling since 2017. Over the 5-year period, over 70,000 incidents were reported to the Council, but a mere 63 fines were handed out and only 34 were actually paid.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
If you are thinking of organising a street party to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, these links might of interest
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/queens-platinum-jubilee
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/queens-platinum-jubilee/apply-street-party
Green New Deal for Westminster
We have launched a Green New Deal for Westminster which sets out a clear, ambitious agenda to achieve the change we desperately need. Key measures include:
- Appointing a Cabinet Member with responsibility for climate action. This will be pivotal to driving change from day one of a Labour Council.
- Implementing a Net Zero Test for all decisions to assess the climate impact of decisions made, and a sustainable approach to procurement.
- Seeking to refurbish first, rather than demolish, putting real emissions standards on all developments, and retrofitting our existing housing.
- Driving a green recovery and a just transition, with a Local Climate Bond for investments in our neighbourhoods, a focus on green jobs, and training available to all.
- Starting recovery in the streets, with a commitment to 15-minute neighbourhoods, new tree planting, and high streets that attract customers with active travel infrastructure.
In the spirit of working collaboratively with others we are keen to hear from residents, experts, and other stakeholders about how to develop and build on this plan. So please do get in touch with us to share your thoughts.
Westminster Libraries under threat
It seems Westminster Conservatives have been quietly planning radical changes to Westminster’s libraries – seemingly without any intention of telling people about them before Council elections on 5th May. An internal paper entitled ‘Westminster Libraries and Archives: Overview of Transformation and Next Steps’ outlines the key findings from the Council’s review of the library service. Based on the information in this document it seems that the Council is preparing to:
- Close Charing Cross Library and merge it with the Westminster Reference Library
- Close the Westminster Archives, removing the materials to an ‘off-site’ collection.
- Break their promise to replace the St James’ Library
- Only extend the lease on Mayfair Library for a short period with no commitment on its future
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/issues/2022/02/11/libraryclosuresrevealed/
Handyperson service
Westminster residents aged over 60, or in receipt of disability benefit, can request free help from a handyperson. The service covers minor works to a home such as replacing light bulbs and other small DIY jobs. It does not cover gardening, plumbing or decorating, and it is not an emergency service. Please see the following link for details https://www.westminster.gov.uk/handyperson
Electric Car charging points
Charging points have been installed in lamp columns across the area and you can register your interest in having a lamp post charger installed near you by completing the form below. You can also register an interest in having stand-alone charging posts installed in your local area.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/request-vehicle-charging-point
Local Police
The Hyde Park Ward Safer Neighbourhood Police Team is PC Adam Oddy, PC Harminder Purewal and PCSO Grant. You can contact them at AWMailbox.SNTCWHydePark@met.police.uk
You can keep an eye on the latest local crime information through the Met Police website:
https://www.met.police.uk/a/your-area/met/westminster/hyde-park/
Heathrow flight path
We are supporting local residents who are concerned about Heathrow planning a flight path over Paddington, Bayswater and Notting Hill.
https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/post/ugc-voting-petitions/989b8335-15f5-4964-adda-13342cf3299f
Refuse collection and Recycling collection times
Recycling bags can be ordered from https://webforms.westminster.gov.uk/order-recycling-bags/. Bags will be delivered within approximately 10 days of order.
You can check when refuse and recycling is collected from your street here http://transact.westminster.gov.uk/env/streetsearch.aspx
Recycling small electrical appliances
Any household electrical and electronic item that operates on a battery or has a plug and is smaller than 60cm in length and under 30cm in width and height, can be put in an on-street small electrical appliances recycling bin. For details of locations see https://www.westminster.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/reusing-and-other-recycling-services/how-recycle-electrical-appliances/small-electrical-appliances
Report It
You can tell the Council about dumped rubbish, broken street lights, graffiti and more by using Report It https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it
Voting by post
It is much easier, quicker and safer to vote by post. You have two weeks in which to cast your vote and you can vote at home. You can use this form to apply for a postal vote
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/sites/default/files/postal-vote-application-form.pdf
You can email your completed form to electoralservices@westminster.gov.uk or post it to Electoral Services, Westminster City Council, 14th Floor City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP.
Calling all European Hyde Park Ward residents
Did you know you can vote in Westminster Council’s local elections on Thursday 5 May? Register to vote now and have your say.
https://gov.uk/register-to-vote
Street Link
If you see anyone sleeping rough, please contact Street Link who are able offer help and assistance. You can contact Street Link 24 hours a day at www.streetlink.org.uk.
‘Westminster Extra’
You can read the ‘Westminster Extra’ online
Coronavirus (Covid-19) UPDATE
Interactive Map
You can see the latest data for your area here
https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map
What you say
“Thank you very much for your prompt reply.”
“Thank you for your manifesto and helpful local news”
“Thank you so much for keeping me updated.”
“Thank you for your continued support.”
“Just wanted to say good luck with your canvassing ahead of the Locals and hope you win the seat.”
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
Please feel free to pass this report to your neighbours. If you know of anyone else who might like to receive this report, please send them this sign-up link https://bit.ly/labour-news
Please keep safe, stay well and look after yourself and your neighbours.
Regards
Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Your Hyde Park Ward Labour Candidates – Here to Help, All Year Round
You can contact us at hplabour@gmail.com
Follow us on
Facebook @LabourHydePark
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Promoted by Margaret Lynch on behalf of the Hyde Park Ward Labour candidates, all at 4G Shirland Mews, W9 3DY.