HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – Late January 2023
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.
We met the General Manager of the Royal Lancaster Hotel and her staff to hear about the ‘Royal Lancaster Community Consortium’ which raises money to support charities, schools, nurseries, organisations for old and young, greening projects, young apprentices and entrepreneurs.
A new Council Food Waste Recycling service will be starting soon in Hyde Park Ward. The service will include:
- A kerbside service for individual households and small mansion blocks with off street space for the storage of small bins
- A communal service for larger mansion blocks and estates using larger communal bins
- A neighbourhood service with ‘on-street’ communal bin access for properties without off street storage for bins, such as flats above shops. This service is an opt-in service with those properties wishing to use it signing up online.
Rubbish and recycling collection frequencies will not be changed.
The food waste recycling service starts from week commencing February 20th and you will receive further information over the coming weeks. For more information please see: www.westminster.gov.uk/food-waste-recycling or contact foodwaste@westminster.gov.uk
We 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 2nd February, 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
Norfolk Crescent
The street lighting in Norfolk Crescent is being upgraded. Four new lighting columns are being installed and the 17 existing streetlights are to be upgraded. We hope the improved lighting will reduce car crime on Norfolk Crescent.
https://marble-arch.london/news/norfolk-crescent-lighting-improvements/
Connaught Square
We have asked the Street Lighting Team to fix the broken streetlight on Connaught Square opposite Portsea Place (pole 14).
Connaught Square/Seymour Street/Stanhope Place junction
There was another serious traffic accident at this junction recently involving a car travelling south down Connaught Square knocking over a motorcyclist when the car failed stop at the junction. We have asked the Road Safety Team to consider how we can slow down traffic at this junction by perhaps installing a raised table or another other physical means that is appropriate.
Hyde Park Square
We have asked the City Inspectors and Enforcement Team to investigate this issue in Hyde Park Square:
“This evening I was walking past 40 Hyde Park Square and noticed that domestic cleaners coming out of the property and depositing bagged waste around the posts outside 41/42 Hyde Park Square. I suspect that this property is being used for either AirBnB or short term lets as rubbish is regularly left at the same place. The next rubbish collection in this area is Tuesdays, so the rubbish will now remain there until then.”
The City Inspector says, “I visited number 40 to see if I could speak to anyone and get an insight into what is happening there, however there was no answer at the door. I dropped a letter through the door reminding them of the collection times for the street. The Enforcement Team is already investigating this matter and will assess the number of nights occupied, if we can establish its use. If there is evidence that they are breach of any Short Term Let offences, they will be served with a notice.”
Devonport
We are continuing to help residents in a flat in Devonport with longstanding water penetration issues and have asked the Environmental Health Team to investigate.
We have also written to the Planning Department to raise concerns regarding the proposal for the demolition of the existing garages and the erection of two new 2 storey dwellings, landscaping works, air source heat pump equipment and other associated works in the private garden of Devonport. You can see our letter here https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2023/01/14/concerns-raised-about-plans-for-devonport-garden/
We have also asked the Police to investigate the theft of a Devonport resident’s car.
Hyde Park Place
We are making enquiries with the Police and Deliveroo on behalf of residents in Hyde Park Place following the theft of a parcel by a Deliveroo driver which was captured on CCTV.
We are also continuing to urge the Council to take action to stop the unauthorised short-term letting of flats at a property in Hyde Park Place.
Portsea Mews
We have asked the Street Lighting Team to check the streetlights in Portsea Mews after residents reported that the lights are not going on until late.
Park West Place
Following discussions with residents and Pak West management, the recycling bins will be stored in the shed along 4-9 Park West Place for a trial period. Veolia will arrange for the recycling bins to be moved to the shed and start additional refuse collections for the block soon. Residents say, “Well done and a big thank you on behalf of all the residents at Park West, wonderful news.”
Stanhope Terrace
We have asked the Waste Team to investigate regular rubbish dumping outside a house in Stanhope Terrace.
Sussex Gardens
We have written to Royal Mail to ask them to take action to stop their drivers parking in the cycle lane in Sussex Gardens. This happens every day and is dangerous as it forces cyclists into the lane for vehicles.
There is no need for the driver to park on Sussex Gardens as there is a parallel side road directly in front of the flats and houses where the Royal Mail van can be parked legally and safely.
Central Line noise – update
Transport for London has given an update on the noise which some residents have been experiencing, “Our team carried out a physical track inspection of the Central line between Lancaster Gate station and Marble Arch station to see if any issues might still be contributing to the noise, but sadly, nothing obvious or apparent stood out which could explain the cause. Grinding is taking place on the Central line in late March, so we’ve asked the team to make every effort to grind the rails in your location during that time in the hope that it reduces at least some of the disturbance.”
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Praed Street
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate this issue on Praed Street, “there has been an open manhole outside my front door for months it has a hazard protection but there are no works going on. Can you find out who it is and get them to remove it”. The Highways Team say,
“BT have three areas barriered off at the junctions of Praed Street and Sale Place, but it looks like they are venting gas from the ducts. Unfortunately, it can be left in situ as long as required (until the gas is vented) but in general, it shouldn’t be longer than 3 months. I will ask the Streetworks Permit Team to chase up BT to provide an update, just to make sure they haven’t forgotten about them.”
We also asked the Highways Team to fix a large pothole on Praed Street, near the Paddington Station entrance at the junction with London Street – which has now been fixed.
Star Street
We have asked the City Inspectors if they can take action to stop First Mile collecting rubbish in Star Street at 1am in the morning. Residents say, “The rubbish collecting lorry has just left, it’s 1am. The whole street is hoping for your help as the noise wakes everyone up.”
The City Inspector says, “I have spoken to the school and they’re going to contact the waste contractor to start making arrangements for alternative collection times, I have advised collections should be between 7am and 11pm only.”
We have also been helping a Star Street resident with a housing issue. The resident told us, “Just wanted to let you know that, thanks to your involvement, most likely, NHG have now finally repaid the overcharged service charges, and hopefully removed them from the rest of my remaining rent payments for this year. I very much appreciate your help in this matter.”
Also, a Star Street resident contacted us after her Freedom Pass was cancelled due to London Councils thinking she is no longer in this world. We have reassured London Councils that she is well and recovering from a recent operation. We have asked that her Freedom Pass be reactivated as soon as possible.
Spring Street
Following our report to the Council about the poor standard of accommodation for rent at a property in Spring Street, the Environmental Health Team tell us,
“We have given strong verbal advice to the manager to improve the décor, cleaning, and general housekeeping of the premise to bring it up to a better standard of living. Strong advice was given to dispose of redundant equipment that cannot be used. Legal certificates were requested and verified. All fire related concerns reported by Mr Stewart have been passed to the London Fire Department for follow up.”
Hilton Hotel, Paddington Station
We continue to urge action to stop taxis queuing on double yellow lines outside the Hilton Hotel. The Highways Team say,
“A scheme for Praed Street is in initial design stage to widen the footway outside the Hilton Hotel and will link into the Paddington Square Development works, to the junction of Praed Street and London Street. The widening of the footway will ensure additional space for pedestrians and discourage taxis from ranking up. Consultation on the plans is to take place in February. The City Councils aim is to commence the works outside the Hilton Hotel in the summer; however, this is dependent on the developer’s programme as our works will tie-in with theirs.”
Sale Place
We have asked the City Inspectors to investigate the location of the benches outside The Royal Exchange pub in Sale Place which have been stacked in a way which obstructs the pavement and makes it difficult for pedestrians with prams or in wheelchairs to pass by.
Edgware Road area
Edgware Road
We have asked for spilled paint to be removed from the pavement outside 121 Edgware Road.
Cambridge Court
We have written to the freeholders of Cambridge Court, Clowes Developments, to ask that they take action against short-term letting in the block, as well as growing anti-social behaviour.
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
38-47a Chapel Street
We have asked the Housing Team to fix the door opening mechanism and rubbish chute at 38-47a Chapel Street, as well as undertake repairs to a number of flats in the block.
Cabbell Street/Transept Street
We have been making enquiries with the Parking Team about installing electric vehicle charging points in the Cabbell Street/Transept Street area. EV charging officer says;
“Looking at the area, it doesn’t seem to present many, if any, options for installation at the moment. The main problem being that the lamp columns that we would look to utilise sit on small islands apart from the kerbside, which makes it impossible to locate an earth mat at the lamp column base because we need a 60-90cm square space alongside. In addition, the proximity of basements and service hatches, as well as planning constraints, make is difficult to locate free standing chargers.”
We will continue to look for opportunities to locate EV chargers close by.
Chapel Street
We welcomed and met Pasha the owner of Taste of Lahore which has recently opened in Chapel Street and introduced him to the Council’s Waste Team so that he could make the appropriate waste collection arrangements. Taste of Lahore have branches around London, but this is their first restaurant in Hyde Park Ward. We wish them the best of luck for their business and thank them for bringing the Taste of Lahore to Edgware Road for residents to enjoy the cuisine.
Old Marylebone Road
We have asked TfL to investigate this issue, “Can anyone explain to me the reason why there is this never ending digging up of the Old Marylebone Road? It’s been going on for years and most of the time it’s the area directly outside the Catholic Church. How many times can a paving slab be replaced how many times can a pipe or cables beneath the road be repaired; it just never seem to end?”
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
5 Kingdom Street
British Land have submitted two planning applications for 5 Kingdom Street. One is to revise the approved plans to now build a lower building than previously approved. In addition, there would be a new public route from Kingdom Street to Harrow Road, via a new winter garden building on Kingdom Street. The second application is to convert the former Crossrail works space beneath podium level as a delivery, logistics and distribution hub from which online deliveries would be made by cargo bikes. You can see the application documents and comment online at www.westminster.gov.uk/planning. Please use the reference numbers 22/08597/FULL and 22/08571/FULL.
Sheldon Square
We asked the Environmental Health Team to investigate residents’ reports of building contractors working at 3am in the morning at Sheldon Square. Residents said, “we are now unable to sleep at all, as there are building works taking place outside of our windows with heavy hydraulic lifting system”. Following our enquiries, Environmental Health Team say,
“I visited the site just after 3am and met with the Duty Manager. My opinion was that it is entirely inappropriate for these works to be completed out of hours. The Contractor had submitted an ‘out of hours’ request for night time working to our Environmental Services Team. ‘The anticipated level of impact at sensitive locations’ was defined in the application as low and was clearly misleading. It failed to recognise the consequence of working at this time in a residential area and the potential for keeping several hundred residents awake. I asked them to cease works forthwith and rearrange all further operations to regular hours. The approval granted was withdrawn.”
We have also contacted Network Homes who we have asked to assist a family in Sheldon Square with a housing issue.
Marylebone Boys School, North Wharf Road
Marylebone Boys School celebrated the achievements of current and past Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils in a special awards ceremony on 5th January. The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Hamza Taouzzale, was guest of honour, alongside Councillor Tim Roca,
Councillor Taouzzale, the youngest ever Lord Mayor of Westminster, was very encouraging to students, advising them to work hard and to enjoy all aspects of their school lives; mentioning that the world after Marylebone Boys’ School and Sixth Form will be a different and sometimes more challenging experience. He advised students to take advantage of the many opportunities and different experiences on offer at the school as these might not be as available in the next phase of their lives.
Merchant Square
We submitted an objection to the licensing application submitted by Lockhouse, 3 Merchant Square, to prevent public nuisance and crime and disorder. The proposed changes to the existing license would cause a substantial nuisance to occupants of the surrounding properties and to the general area in and around Merchant Square.
5 Harbet Road
We have received the latest update from Octavia Housing on the fire alarms: “We’ve been seeking information from Rendall & Rittner on the strategy for dealing with occupants with mobility/other issues that affect evacuation. Our Fire Project Manager is reviewing the information. If he is happy, we will give notice to remove the wardens and let the residents know.”
Montgomery House
We continue to urge the Parking Team to increase the amount of residents’ parking for residents in Montgomery House. The Parking Team say, “I’ll confirm back on the position regarding the addition of resident parking and the reallocation of the existing taxi space as soon as possible.”
Dudley Street
We have asked the Highways Team to install double yellow lines on the corner of Dudley Street to stop cars parking across the dropped kerb and blocking the way for pedestrians.
Aster House
We have reported a Human Forest dockless e-bike obstructing the pavement outside Aster House and asked the company to remove it.
We have also asked Octavia Housing to fix a water leak in a flat in Aster House and to compensate the resident for the damage done to furniture, carpets and decorations.
Harrow Road
We are pleased that work has finally started on installing new pavements outside the Premier Inn on Harrow Road. The works are anticipated to be completed in early February 2023.
Brunel Building – Update
The Brunel Building management have updated us on the noise caused by their fire alarm and sprinkler system, which is connected to a generator and flue pipes. They have carried out remedial works in their sprinkler system and then they will replace the components that are producing the noise to fix the problem. We hope this works.
Former Paddington Green Police Station
You can see the revised proposals for former Paddington Green Police Station site at: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/planning-building-and-environmental-regulations/planning-applications/search-and-comment-planning-applications (using ref: 21/02193/FULL). You can make comments on the revisions by 10 February 2023 online via: https://planning.london.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i4J000006c8AyQAI/20211194
Other Issues
Cost of living support for families
The Council has announced that Primary School aged pupils will receive a free school lunch in Westminster from January. This now includes Years 3 – 6, as well as pupils in reception, years 1 and 2, who are already receiving this offer https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/free-school-lunches-all-primary-school-aged-children
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
Help getting your shopping or prescriptions delivered
If you are vulnerable and cannot get to the shops, the Westminster Connects shopping service volunteers can collect your shopping and prescriptions and deliver it to your home. Please email westminsterconnectsshopping@westminster.gov.uk to get help through this service. You can read more here
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/advice-vulnerable-residents/food-delivery
Cultural funding
After the announcement of the Council’s new £1.8 million cultural budget in November, local organisations can now apply for funding for two programmes:
- Culture and Community Grants Programme – this fund invites local organisations and schools to bid for between £1 and £10k of funding to help them deliver community-based projects in partnership with residents. The deadline for application is 27th January.
- Inside Out Grant Programme – this fund invites venues, Business Improvement Districts, agencies, artists, curators and performers to apply for between £1 and £10k of funding to bring their cultural activities into the streets and open spaces of Westminster. Deadline to apply is 10th February.
For any questions, please contact Michelle Salerno msalerno@westminster.gov.uk
Making your windows more energy efficient
The Council has produced a guide on how to make your windows more energy efficient
Animal Welfare
The Council’s Animal Welfare Team addresses animal cruelty cases and offers support and advice to those that need it. The Team has delegated authority to enforce the Animal Welfare Act and, in worst case scenarios, authority to seize animals. You can contact the Team at animalwelfare@westminster.gov.uk
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
Voting By Post
It is much easier, quicker and safer to vote by post. Find out more and download a form to fill in here
You can email your completed form to electoralservices@westminster.gov.uk or post it to Electoral Services, Westminster City Council, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP.
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 is also available as a digital copy with geolocation.
https://footways.london/digital-map
The Ramblers’ Association has organised Wellbeing Walks in central London. You can read more at https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/ramblers-wellbeing-walks.aspx
Dockless e-bikes
The Council has a Team removing dockless e-bikes which are obstructing the pavement. You can also report dockless e-bikes left in dangerous positions by using Report It and the Council Team will remove the bike if it is obstructing the pavement https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it
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
A resident who used the service says, “We booked the handyman to put up a shelf. Excellent result. He came earlier than he was due (by arrangement) and got straight to it – shelf erected in no time at all. Pleasant, efficient and tidy. 10 out of 10.”
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
Bike 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
You can book a bulky waste collection service with the Council for £32 for up to 6 items. We aim to complete your collection within 3 working days. If you do not have 6 items for collection you can ask your neighbours if they have any and then share the cost.
If you receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support, the service is free. This is limited to one collection of up to 6 items, every 90 days. You can read more here
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/collections/how-dispose-bulky-waste
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
Report It
Please tell the Council about dumped rubbish, broken street lights, dumped bikes, 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) Interactive Map
You can see the latest data for your area here
https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map
What you say
“An excellent year. Great communication. Real offer to help.”
“Thanks as always for the excellent newsletter.”
“Thank you for the excellent newsletter. It is always full of useful updates about activities in the ward.”
“Thank you so much for your support, I really appreciate that I had at least one other person on my side.”
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
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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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