HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – October 2022
News from your Hyde Park Labour Councillors – Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Dear Resident,
We hope that all is well. It has been another few weeks of activity right across the ward.
One piece of good news is that the Council will now be deep cleaning Edgware Road, Bayswater Road and Praed Street four times a year, instead of just once a year as was the previous situation. Also, Connaught Street and Kendal Street will be deep cleaned regularly, too, as part of an arrangement with the Church Commissioners.
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/issues/streets/2022/09/03/keeping-westminsters-streets-clean/
St John’s Church has kindly agreed that we can hold a regular advice surgery at St John’s Parish Hall, Hyde Park Crescent, on the first Thursday of the month from 6-7pm. The next advice surgery will be on Thursday 6th October, 6pm-7pm.
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
NEWS AND ACTION
The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road/Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens
Reducing HGV Traffic
We have asked the Highways Team to install a ‘No HGVs’ sign at the entrance to Hyde Park Street and Clarendon Place from Bayswater Road to stop HGV traffic through the Hyde Park Estate. There are already ‘No coaches’ signs. We have also asked for similar signs on the Edgware Road/Connaught Street junction and outside the Bombay Palace on the corner of Connaught Street/Hyde Park Street to deter HGVs from making the short cuts from Bayswater Road to Edgware Road and vice versa. We have also asked for CCTV cameras to help to monitor the situation for a period.
Hyde Park Crescent
We have asked the Tree Team to arrange for a new tree to be planted in Hyde Park Crescent, near the junction with Somers Crescent, to replace a tree which has been vandalised. The Tree Officer says, “I’ll arrange for a new tree to be planting in the autumn and we’ll have to see whether this is a one-off or something more deliberate.”
We have also asked the Enforcement Team to investigate an illegal Airbnb short-term letting in Hyde Park Crescent.
In addition, we have asked the Parking Team to investigate a car with numerous parking tickets which looks as if it has been dumped in the residents’ parking bay in Hyde Park Crescent.
Westbourne Street
Following the continued dumping on Westbourne Street, a resident has made the following suggestion,
“At extreme rubbish spots such as Westbourne Street, given that rubbish is dumped daily, is there an option to station a City Inspector in the immediate vicinity and then to fine whoever is dumping the rubbish as soon as they arrive? Granted it is probably short-let tenants of the property, but word would soon get around and back to the landlord.”
The Waste Team agree with this and say, “this location will be included as part of the Waste Action Squad and so we will have a CI presence there on that day.” Also, a Fixed Penalty Notice has been issued to a resident of Westbourne Street in the latest ‘crack down’ on dumping.
We have also asked the Police to investigate reports from residents about drug activity happening at some flats in Westbourne Street and large numbers of late-night deliveries to those flats.
Seymour Street
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate the markings of the parking bay in Seymour Street. Residents say, “Sometime ago the motorcycle bay in Seymour Street was swapped but the markings on the highway were not painted out and it is now part of the resi/pay to park bay.”
Connaught Street/Connaught Square/Portsea Place
We have been contacted by residents living in the Connaught Street/Connaught Square/Portsea Place area who have raised concerns about personal safety, rubbish dumping, burglaries and anti-social behaviour. We have asked the Police and Council officers to investigate and take the necessary action. These issues will be discussed at the public meeting at St John’s Church Hall on Monday 3rd October at 7pm, organised by HyPER.
We have asked the City Inspectors to issue fines to those responsible for dumping cardboard boxes and rubbish by the post box at the corner of Connaught Square and Stanhope Place.
We have also asked the Highways Team to inspect and clear a manhole on Porchester Place by Connaught Street from where some awful smells are coming.
Connaught Place
We are concerned that rubbish continues to be dumped in Connaught Place, close to 12 Connaught Place, and have asked for action to be taken, including, engaging with the management of 12 Connaught Place to require a proper waste management arrangement and issuing fines to those responsible.
Raynham, Norfolk Crescent
Residents in Raynham have told us that the car park that used to serve residents is now being used as a commercial car park with vehicles coming day and night and disturbing residents. We have asked the Planning Team if there is anything in the planning consent that restricts the use of the car park to particular types of vehicles or the hours of operation. There are also works being undertaken at present, which might be general maintenance, and we have asked if the works require planning consent.
The Planning Team say:
“I have had a look through the recent planning history, and I cannot see any application for a commercial car park. I am forwarding this onto Planning Enforcement Team to investigate.”
The Quadrangle
We have again asked the Council and the Church Commissioners to take action against illegal short-term letting The Quadrangle. The Church Commissioners say,
“We have instructed solicitors to commence legal proceedings against Flat XXX to cease them from continuing to short let the property and to prevent them from doing so in the future. We are also writing to AirBnB, Booking.com and other similar websites to set out that the properties where our leases have a prohibition against short lets and should not therefore be listed on their platforms.”
Residents say,
“I really appreciate your prompt action on this! You’ve been an absolute star and I am very grateful. I am sure this matter would not have progressed as it has, without your involvement. Considering how horrible and lengthy this whole situation has been, your assistance honestly means a lot.”
Strathearn Place
We have reported two hire bikes obstructing the pavement in Strathearn Place and asked that they be removed.
Kendal Street – Advance Warning
Kendal Street will be resurfaced from 16th-18th November so the road will be closed to traffic and parking will be suspended. Residents and businesses will receive the details in advance of the work starting.
Garfield House redevelopment – what you say
“I noticed that there would be a community recreation space at the planned redevelopment of Garfield and Bernard House site. Please ensure that the facility would include activities for elderly with disabilities. There are no facilities nearby.”
Farmers’ Market proposal for Connaught Village – what you say
“Being an elderly person with mobility issues, I do support having a Farmer’s Market at Connaught Village.”
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Junction Place
Junction Place will be closed in early October as part of the repairs to the overbridge above Platforms 11 & 12 at Paddington station which are in poor condition. Parts of the structure are over 100 years old and supports St Mary’s Hospital, as well as the vehicle use along Tanner Lane and South Wharf Road. At present, there is a one-way system in place along Tanner Lane and South Wharf Road to ensure the structural integrity is not compromised any further.
To carry out the bridge strengthening works, Tanner Lane and South Wharf Road will have a full closure in place from 2nd October 2022 and will last approximately two years due to the complex nature of the repairs.
There will be temporary signals in place on South Wharf Road and Praed Street junction which will require a closure of Junction Place to allow a pedestrian crossing point. This will ensure a safe route for pedestrians and patients who need to access St Mary’s hospital.
Star Street
We have asked the Environmental Health Team to help residents in Star Street who say, “my neighbour has a serious water leak going into our house (we own freehold) in the basement which has caused a lot of expensive damage. Their house is in a bad state – a huge hole in the ceiling on ground floor and obviously water coming in from above. This has poured into our basement.”
We have also asked the Police to investigate reports about ongoing drug activity from a basement flat in Star Street.
We are also helping a number of Star Street residents with housing issues.
Sale Place
We asked the Council to remove a hire bike that was dumped in a dangerous place on the pavement in Sale Place.
Star Street/Sale Place
We asked the Waste Team to replace one of the big black bins that disappeared from outside Star Street/Sale Place. Residents told us, “a brand new one was delivered yesterday. Also, someone came and power washed the street under the bins because of paint spillage. Fantastic service all around.”
Norfolk Square
We have reported two hire bikes obstructing the entrance to Norfolk Square and asked that they be removed.
St Michael’s Street
Problems with an illegally parked car continue in St Michael’s Street. The parking Team say, “There is currently no valid permit against the vehicle. We will highlight the information to the Marshals so that they can monitor the situation.”
Praed Street
The Council’s fine on the manager of an HMO at 161 Praed Street for not fixing the fire alarm was upheld by the Court. You can read the judgment here https://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKUT/LC/2022/238.pdf
Edgware Road area
Edgware Road phone boxes
We have again asked BT to clear the phone boxes in the area which are used to store bedding and mattresses. We have also repeatedly urged BT to remove these phone boxes as they are obviously unable to be used to make calls. Unfortunately, BT do nothing other than take the advertising revenue. The phone box outside 149 Edgware Road does not have a phone anymore so there is no reason for this phone box to be there!
We are currently putting together a strategy to deal with the aggressive beggars who sleep in this area. We will need Government help as this is linked with Modern Slavery and organised crime issues. We will keep pressing for action on this issue as improving the state of Edgware Road is one of our top priorities.
Burwood Place
We have asked the Council to give the area around the new seating at Burwood Place a thorough and regular cleaning. It is very badly stained and looks awful!
We have also asked the Highways Team to fix a dangerous paving stone at the end of Burwood Place, near the edge of Norfolk Crescent on the side of The Water Gardens entrance.
Park West Place
Following our report to the Council, the Highways Team has resurfaced the roadway at the top of Park West Place at the junction with Burwood Place. All the potholes and pedestrian hazards are gone.
Edgware Road/Kendal Street
We have reported graffiti on the corner of Edgware Road and Kendal Street and asked the Council to remove it.
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Oxford & Cambridge and Hyde Park Mansions
We have asked the Cycling Team if they can find a suitable location for a cycle hangar near Oxford & Cambridge and Hyde Park Mansions after the managing agents told us:
“Quite a number of our residents in both Oxford and Cambridge and Hyde Park Mansions are cyclists. In the absence of their being suitable and secure bike parking elsewhere, many bicycles are dragged up the stairs of the common parts, inevitably running in dirt onto the carpets or gouging the paint work and wallpaper with awkwardly held handlebars and pedals! Can a secure bike lock up cage be installed somewhere near to our buildings?”
We are pleased that a key box on the railings outside Block 1 at Oxford & Cambridge Mansions has been removed by the managing agents and that action is being taken against the lessees in Block 2 for letting out a flat on Airbnb. We are pressing for the seven key boxes attached to the railings on Chapel Street to be removed, too.
We had a good meeting with members of the Residents’ Association and, in addition to cycle hangars and Airbnb issues, we also discussed the need for EV charging points, road safety and rubbish dumping. We have also asked the police to investigate reports of a brothel in Block 10.
38–47a Chapel Street
After many months’ efforts, a new sign has now been installed on the Chapel Street gates, letting visitors and delivery people know that the entrance to the flats at 38-47a Chapel Street is in Transept Street. Not a big job, but worth doing!
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2022/09/30/chapel-street-sign-finally-arrives/
Chapel Street
We reported a dangerous manhole cover on Chapel Street that was causing a trip hazard for pedestrians. The manhole cover has now been fitted properly and no longer creates a hazard.
Old Marylebone Road
We asked the City Inspectors to investigate the regular dumping of cardboard boxes on Old Marylebone Road by one of the food shops on Edgware Road. The City Inspector told us:
“I visited this morning, the boxes were in situ on Old Marylebone Road. There was no manager present, however I spoke to 4 members of staff and advised Edgware Road has 3 collections a day and they should place their waste on Edgware Road at the correct time, so it is unnecessary for them to take it around the corner. I asked them to move the waste from Old Marylebone Road as there is the first collection starting soon.”
Residents commented: “Amazing, thank you for the prompt and decisive action”
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Sheldon Square – air conditioning
Residents have updated us on the latest situation regarding the installation of air-conditioning to the flats on the two lower floors at Sheldon Square. They say, “I am writing to let you know that things are progressing and residents have been informed that works in the apartments will commence on 19th September and are due to be completed in May 2023.”
The Brunel Building
We have again urged Derwent to replace the noisy sprinkler system with one that works properly so that residents in Dudley House are not continually disturbed by the regular noisy sprinkler testing.
5 Harbet Road
We have again asked Octavia Housing for an update on the waking watch and cladding removal situation at 5 Harbet Road.
Montgomery House
We are continuing to support residents in Montgomery House and are pressing Peabody to redecorate flats which have been badly damaged by the recent flooding, as well as compensate residents whose frozen food had to be destroyed after the loss of electricity. Peabody say:
“We will be delivering vouchers this Friday. I advise anyone to report any outstanding works directly to our repairs team, I know some are already doing this and we have been arranging works.”
Other Issues
Making your windows more energy efficient
The Council has produced a guide on how to make your windows more energy efficient
Introducing Rachel Blake
Rachel Blake is the Labour Candidate for Cities of London and Westminster at the next General Election. You can read more about her here
Cost of Living Crisis
Around a quarter of households across Westminster (approximately 31,000 households) are particularly vulnerable to rises in living costs, with some people facing extreme hardship. We can help you get the support you need, from showing you how to access government financial aid to finding local advice services. Whatever hardships you’re facing, we’re here to help.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support
Walking
A new edition of an illustrated walking map has been released by Footways, plotting hundreds of kilometres of scenic, safe and pedestrian-friendly walking routes in central London. The map, which is also available as a digital copy with geolocation – encourages Londoners to choose walking to get around their city.
https://footways.london/digital-map
The Ramblers’ Association has organised Wellbeing Walks in central London. They say, “Almost all of us can manage a stroll, and Ramblers Wellbeing Walks make it easier to start walking and stay active. And you’ll certainly never be short of good company.” You can read more at https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/ramblers-wellbeing-walks.aspx
The Future of Oxford Street
You might be interested in the On London discussion on the Future of Oxford Street featuring Councillor Geoff Barraclough and Soho resident Andrew Murray.
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/the-on-london-discussion-what-next-for-oxford-street-and-the-west-end/
Service charges
At a time of rising bills, it is important to be as clear as possible about what rights you have because it can be complicated. There is a useful page on the LEASE website covering many of the key issues (what you can ask for, how to challenge bills). Service Charges – The Leasehold Advisory Service (lease-advice.org)
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 area.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/request-vehicle-charging-point
Cycle Hangars
So the Council can install new secure cycle storage where it is most needed and to give all residents a fair opportunity for getting a hangar in their area, residents interested in renting a space should Register an Interest via our website. The Council uses this demand data to inform our new location proposals.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/walking-and-cycling/find-cycle-parking
Local Police
The Hyde Park Ward Safer Neighbourhood Police Team of Sgt Martin Noon, PCs Adam Oddy and Harminder Purewal have been joined by PC Lewis Best and PCSO Lina Pandi.
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/
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
Bulky Waste collections – notice to landlords and managing agents
If you are a landlord or managing agent and you are disposing of unwanted furniture or building material, please do not dump it in the street! If you do, you will be fined.
Please contact the Council’s bulky waste collection service, and we will take it away quickly and efficiently.
https://cleanstreets.westminster.gov.uk/services/bulky-waste-collections/
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
Light bulb recycling
Any retailer selling light bulbs is required to take them back. Please check https://www.recyclenow.com/recycling-locator under ‘energy saving light bulbs’.
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
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 so much for your incredibly effective work on Westbourne Street and thank you most of all for listening and being so responsive. So, it is really good to read this entry in your latest newsletter. Thank you so much. We are all very grateful for your work.”
“Thanks for all your efforts.”
“How wonderful to be included on your September Ward Newsletter!”
“Another brilliant Newsletter! Huge thanks for everything, as always.”
“Many thanks for all your highly appreciated hard work at the Hyde Park Ward. The Labour Party Team have really made noticeable great changes at the Hyde Park Ward. Please keep up the good work.”
“Thank you for all of your help. I really do appreciate it. I feel that I am not totally battling away on my own, your involvement is very comforting.”
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 Councillors – Here to Help, All Year Round – We Get Things Done!
You can contact us at hplabour@gmail.com
You can read our latest news on https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk
You can read our manifesto here, setting out what Labour wants to achieve over the next four years: www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/manifesto-labours-plan-for-a-fairer-westminster/
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