HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – March 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.
As promised, the City Council has announced a freeze in the Westminster City Council part of the Council Tax for the next year, which means Westminster will continue to offer the cheapest Band D rates in the country. A two per cent increase in social care means Westminster Band D residents will have an increase of just 18p per week https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/publication-budget-papers
We attended a Crime Prevention Workshop for Westminster Hotel employees at the Hilton London Metropole Edgware Road organised by PC Harminder Purewal of the Hyde Park Ward neighbourhood police team.
We are keen to know what you think of the new food waste recycling service which started on Monday 20thFebruary. Please let us know what you think of the new service and how it is working. For more information, please see https://www.westminster.gov.uk/food-waste-recycling-expansion or contact foodwaste@westminster.gov.uk. So far, we have received the following response:
“The mini bins for inside are very well thought-through as they fit well under sinks or in garages and the bigger bins allow for households with greater volumes of waste material. And the accompanying leaflet has just the right amount of material.”
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 6th April, 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
Connaught Village Green
Residents can give their views on initial designs for the long-awaited Connaught Village Green scheme to create a new green space at the heart of Connaught Village with biodiverse planting, outdoor seating, and new paving in natural stone. The proposals include:
- Removing three parking bays at end of Kendal Street cul-de-sac.
- Enhanced pedestrian crossings and shorter crossing distances on Kendal Street and Connaught Street.
- A ‘raised table’ on Connaught Street to reduce traffic speeds.
- Pavement widening at the southern side of Connaught Street near the junction with Albion Street, with a loading area to provide servicing and potentially increase outdoor dining space (subject to pavement licenses).
- Improved cycle access between Connaught Street and Titchborne Row
- Part of Kendal Street to be made one-way west bound to Porchester Place to narrow the crossing distance and reduce the risk of vehicles driving over pavement corners.
- Support local businesses through creating a more attractive place to visit, shop and enjoy.
You can see the proposals at https://www.westminster.gov.uk/connaught-consultation and send your comments to connaughtvillagegreen@wsp.com
There will be a drop-in session on Friday 24th March at 12 Connaught Street (between 10am and 3pm) where Council officers and Church Commissioners staff will be available to show people the scheme drawings and talk through the designs.
Connaught Street
We have asked the Highways Team to remove a redundant road sign which is causing an obstruction on the pavement in Connaught Street.
We have also received an update from the Church Commissioners on the use of one of their properties in Connaught Street, “Unfortunately we believe that our new tenant is using the property as a brothel – we have instructed our solicitors to take action to regain possession as quickly as we can.”
In addition, we have asked the Road Safety Team to consider this request from a resident, “I would like to explore the possibility to have illuminated speed control warning panels installed on Connaught Street. The traffic can at times have speedy cars whizz through when the whole area is heavily pedestrianised.”
Connaught Square
We have asked the City Inspector to issue a fine to those responsible for dumping rubbish outside the post box outside 45 Connaught Square. We have also asked for the area around the post box and street bin to be jet-washed to clear the dark stains on the pavement.
Burwood Place
We were pleased to see parking enforcement in action on Burwood Place when we saw a parking enforcement officer in action at 10.30pm issuing a PCN to an illegally parked vehicle on Burwood Place by the edge of Norfolk Crescent. It’s not just badly parked e-bikes that cause problems for residents, but illegally parked cars, too.
Portsea Place
We have asked the Highways Team to fix a kerb stone on Portsea Place which has become detached from the pavement. The kerb stone has now been fixed.
Kendal Street
We have asked the Street Lighting Team to remove a loose wire from a streetlight column outside 47 Kendal Street.
Hyde Park Square
We have reported waste dumped at the corner of Hyde Park Square and Hyde Park Street.
Sussex Place
We have asked the Parking Team to deploy Marshals in Sussex Place after receiving this enquiry, “Workers for a company called Talbot park their vans along the street overnight. They sit there with engines running in the late afternoon and particularly in the morning (6:30-7:00am).”
Devonport
We are continuing to support residents’ objections to plans for two houses in the Devonport Garden. Residents say, “the central issue of access being directly through Devonport Reception going into the Garden remains. What concerns me also is that the planning application is for Somers Crescent garages, when in fact the completed flats will be inside Devonport Garden.”
Quadrangle Tower
We have received an update from the Church Commissioners about the installation of new windows at the Quadrangle Tower,
“The design for the external works at the Tower has been progressing and a window company has been drawing up designs to share with the residents’ association for us to take this forward. Unfortunately, it is not a quick process as we work through the proposals and also ensure compliance with the new Building Safety Act.”
Sussex Square
After being contacted by Sussex Square residents about a commercial event being held in a house in Sussex Square, we asked the Council’s Events Team for the background. The Events Team say,
“We agreed to support a disabled access ramp and a disabled access portaloo in 2 suspended parking bays. We were content to support it in principle, on the understanding that the organiser carried out resident engagement in advance. Unfortunately, the organiser did not circulate the letter early enough. The activity is taking place inside private premises and as such, we can’t stop the activities that are planned to take place.
However, if the venue isn’t accessible then it is not fit for purpose and it is not for us to remedy this by allowing public land to be used for an accessible ramp and toilet. I have therefore asked officers to withdraw our support for those elements.”
Cambridge Square
We asked the Highways Team to fix a number of potholes in Cambridge Square which are a danger to both pedestrians crossing the road and to cyclists.
Hyde Park Estate security
For residents living on the Hyde Park Estate, the Croma mobile security supervisor contact number is 07880 680257. The mobile team provides 2 patrols each evening between the hours of 19.00pm – 07.00am. This is paid for via the service charges at blocks managed by the Church Commissioners, who also pay for the patrol at Portsea Mews and around Connaught Village.
Please note, you can only use this number to report incidents within the boundary of the Hyde Park Estate as Croma are paid to operate within that area only.
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Praed Mews
We have asked the Council to take action to remove the illegal bin store in Praed Mews. Residents say, “We have a constant flow of people dumping rubbish, sleeping rough behind the bins and using the area as a toilet and a place to take drugs.”
Praed Street
We have asked the City Inspectors to investigate whether some of the shop displays along Praed Street might be encroaching on the pavement, after receiving this message from a resident, “I was at the Praed Street entrance to the Tube and was astonished at how the merchants nearby have begun to take over the pavement from pedestrians. This is a very, very busy area and people are having to walk into the street to navigate the area.”
The City Inspector says, “The advertising boards belonging to the shops on that stretch of Praed Street are all situated on their private forecourts so there is very little enforcement action the Council can take unless they are encroaching the public highway. We will visit during my day shift and make sure none of the A boards are encroaching on the highway.”
We have also contacted TfL again about the noise from the Underground below 33/35 Praed Street and the hotel next door. The building owner says, “I have suggested they slow the trains down even if only to run tests against the noise and vibration.”
Star Street
Following our report to the police about prostitutes operating from a flat in Star Street, we are pleased to hear from residents that the prostitutes have now moved.
Praed Street pavement improvements – what you say
“It is with great enthusiasm that I saw the plan for the Praed Street pavement around Paddington Station. For years now, it has been an overcrowded area, terrible for both local commuters and for tourists. It appears to be the only way to chase the parked taxis that have plagued the area for a couple of decades, whilst providing the first cycling path around Paddington station. The plan would certainly be a great step in making the street more friendly for all types of users. I very much hope it can go ahead.”
Edgware Road area
Paperchase unit – what you say
“We would love to see a great organic grocer like Planet Organic either in the Paperchase store or what was the old As Nature Intended next door. I used to love that store.”
“In Edgware Road and some of the surrounding streets there is a serious imbalance in the variety and choice of retail outlets to serve the whole community. The last thing the area needs is more restaurants or coffee bars.”
Sussex Gardens
We have asked the Recycling Team to find a new location for a small electrical recycling bin Hyde Park Ward following the loss of the small electrical recycling bin in Sussex Gardens some time ago.
We have also asked the Street Lighting Team to fix the amber beacon and the street light by the zebra crossing outside the Monkey Puzzle Pub entrance on Sussex Gardens.
49 Edgware Road
We have asked the Planning Enforcement Team to investigate the building works at 49 Edgware Road. Residents in Connaught Court say, “Drilling is still going on in the commercial premises. Drilling was going on all weekend and every day until late. The noise is constant. Last Thursday, the builders drilled into a pipe creating a water leak. They then entered the residential part, went to the roof and switched off the boiler. As a result. we had no heating or hot water for 4 days.”
61 Edgware Road
Following our report to the Council about rodent activity at 61 Edgware Road, The Environmental Health Team say, “The officer did find evidence of some mouse activity, but the health risk condition was not fulfilled and there was no imminent risk. That said, the officer determined that the most appropriate course of action was to serve a Hygiene Improvement Notice. This requires the operator to take such steps as necessary to control and eliminate the mouse activity within a specified time period.”
Residents say, “Oh, what a great change to the restaurant area! I walked around this morning and I am delighted to say there has been a good clean up. For the first time I saw the fridge room door locked in almost 3 years. I also saw mice traps around. I am so very grateful thank you.”
BT phone boxes
We have heard from Adam Davis of Marble Arch BID that three BT phone boxes along Edgware Road are scheduled for removal in March – outside Capital House, outside Regent House and outside Shishawi.
Park West
We are liaising with the management of Park West to take action against leaseholders who let their flats to short-stay visitors, including passing on CCTV evidence of Airbnb tenants checking in and out of flats to the Council’s Enforcement Team.
Park West Place
Following our request for a replacement tree be planted in Park West Place, the Tree Team say, “regrettably the tree can’t be replaced in the original location as a new street lighting column has been installed almost next to the tree pit. I therefore propose to plant a new tree closer to the junction with Burwood Place.”
Grosvenor Court Mansions
We have again asked the City Inspectors to take the necessary action to ensure that the big black bags from Grosvenor Court Mansions are not dumped on the Edgware Road pavement. The City Inspectors say, “I have sent an email out to Plaza Estates to obtain big black bins, or to keep their bags of waste within their private property for collection by Veolia. If none of these are agreeable we will have to serve them with a Section 46 Notice which requires managing agents to present their waste and recycling in the way set out in the Notice.”
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Hyde Park Mansions
We have asked the Council’s Short Term Lets Team to take action against the leaseholder of a flat In Hyde Park Mansions. We have passed the Team photographs of short-term tenants arriving and leaving the flat with bags and suitcases.
Old Marylebone Road/Marylebone Road
We have asked the City Inspectors to remove graffiti from Griffith House at the corner of Old Marylebone Road and Marylebone Road.
Transept Street
We have asked the City Inspectors to report a water leak between block 5 and 9 in Transept Street to Thames Water and to ask that it is fixed urgently.
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Sheldon Square
We are supporting residents in Sheldon Square who are very concerned about the costs of running the long-awaited air conditioning units at 7 and 27 Sheldon Square. We have written to Network Homes to ask them to reduce the running costs so that residents can afford to turn on the recently installed air conditioning units in the summer when the apartments suffer from over-heating.
Harrow Road
We have asked the Highways Team to remove the ‘lane closed’ sign and sandbags on Harrow Road now that the pavement works are complete outside the Premier Inn.
We are pleased to see that bike stands have been installed in the pavement outside the Premier Inn.
North Wharf Road
We have asked Lime to remove a number of bikes dumped outside Aster House and to find the riders.
2 Hermitage Street
We have written to Octavia Housing on behalf of residents to ask why the service charge for next year has increased by over 60%.
Former Paddington Green Police Station
The Planning Committee has refused planning permission for proposals for a 39-storey block of flats on the site of the former Paddington Green Police Station Particular concerns were raised at the increased height of proposed Block K, which while reduced in footprint from the rejected 2021 drawings, was increased by 7 floors, from 32 to 39 storeys. The application will now be referred to the Mayor of London for a final decision.
Other Issues
Cost of living support for families
The Council is proposing to increase rents by 7%, in line with the increase set by the Government. To help Council tenants who do not qualify for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, we have introduced a Rent Support Fund to help those in financial difficulties.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/ps1m-fund-offers-tenants-lifeline-rent-payments
Primary School aged pupils now receive a free school lunch in Westminster. This 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
This was increased on 8th March when the offer was extended to include three and four-year-olds across all our early years settings offering free entitlements, and also include 11–14-year-old resident children at Westminster secondary schools.
This means that children aged three to 14 in Westminster will be able to receive a free school lunch https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/westminster-rolls-out-free-school-meals-14000-children-huge-expansion-lunch-scheme
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
How to retrofit an air source heat pump
An air source heat pump is an environmentally friendly way of heating buildings. It’s a low carbon alternative to gas boilers that can reduce your carbon footprint, may save you money, and could future-proof your home from regulation changes. Our new ‘How To Retrofit’ guide explains how heat pumps work, their benefits and any practical issues to consider when installing one. It also outlines what permissions you may require from and how you can make a successful application.
The Council has also produced a guide on how to make your windows more energy efficient
Environmental Justice
The Council has produced an ‘Environmental Justice’ map which shows the distribution of environmental conditions, climate impacts and access to green, sustainable resources across Westminster.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3f7bf2a160e047748e2526b3f2536902
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, PC 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
The Report It system has been updated and improved https://marble-arch.london/news/westminster-council-overhauls-report-it/
You can tell the Council about dumped rubbish, broken streetlights, dumped bikes, graffiti and more by using Report It https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it
Who to call in the event of a power cut
https://www.powercut105.com/?dm_i=1T2Q,86RF6,A4QRUV,XK8HG,1
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
What you say
“I think the rubbish issue in Connaught Place is less now so that’s good but please ensure this continues to be focused on.”
“Appreciate the efforts and the regular communication you have made since being elected.”
“Another great update. Thank you for taking the time, not just to do the work, but to report back to us. Believe me, it is greatly appreciated.”
“Thank you all for your excellent feedback report.”
“Once again, thank you for your prompt action.”
“How wonderful of you to reply so swiftly, thank you.”
“Once again, my sincere thanks for your thorough investigation.”
“We really appreciate your regular updates and are impressed by how quickly you deal with any problems arising.”
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
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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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