HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – Late April 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.
Following our successful campaign for all Airbnb short term lets to be registered, the Government has now published its proposals for consultation. You can read the proposals and make comments online by 7th June https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-a-registration-scheme-for-short-term-lets-in-england
The Hyde Park Paddington Neighbourhood Forum’s application for financial support for the development of a Neighbourhood Plan has been approved by the City Council. The funding, up to £45,000, will provide the Forum with technical support to create the Plan. The money will come from Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which is paid by developers as part of the planning application process. You can read more about the Neighbourhood Forum at https://www.hydeparkpaddington.org/news/
The Paddington Place Plan website has gone live https://www.westminster.gov.uk/paddington-place-plan. The website will host information on emerging Place Shaping work conducted across the Paddington area and begins with the publication of a Public Realm Strategy document. This is the output of previous work and public engagement conducted in 2020/21 for the area from Royal Oak to Edgware Road stations, either side of the Westway. The strategy aims to set out the Council’s ambition and design guidance for the area that can be implemented by both the Council and local landowners.
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 4th May, 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
Bathurst Mews/Bathurst Street
At the request of residents, dropped kerbs have now been installed at the entrance to Bathurst Mews along Bathurst Street. This will enable residents using a wheelchair to get about more easily. Residents say, “This morning we tottered down the road to inspect the kerb lowering. It is perfect, what a difference it makes. Please pass on to the appropriate body our thanks.”
Bathurst Street
We asked the Highways Team to remove out of date Parking Suspension signs in Bathurst Street.
Hyde Park Square
We have asked the Parking Team to remove an out of date Parking Suspension notice in Hyde Park Square and to collect a contractors’ safety barrier from the Square. Both have now been done.
We have also asked the Team to take action against the owner of a vehicle illegally parked in Hyde Park Square which is covered in a confetti of parking penalty notices. The car has now gone.
Hyde Park Street
We have reported three Lime bikes obstructing the pavement on Hyde Park Street for removal and fining the inconsiderate riders.
Marble Arch
We have asked Highways Team to reschedule next year’s annual maintenance of the Hyde Park fountains so that it occurs prior to the nesting season for the Egyptian and Canada geese. This follows representations from the Marble Arch BID.
Kendal Street
Following our enquiries, the Parking Team has confirmed that double yellow lines should have been located outside the fire exit by the car wash on Kendal Street where there has been parking on the pavement. The Parking Team says, “My apologies that this was not identified previously and the necessary updates will be made as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we will continue to direct the Marshals to the location to deter against any footway parking, which is prohibited 24/7.”
Bayswater Road
We have continued to urge Thames Water to fix two noisy drain covers on Bayswater Road. The Council says, “Thames Water attended the same day and tightened the frames bolts as a temporary fix. They have ordered 2 new covers, but as these are made to order they can take some time. I have asked if they can look at another temporary fix, maybe using temporary tarmac to dampen the noise.”
We also asked the Road Safety Team to investigate various issues along Bayswater Road and they have been reported,
“We reviewed the available speed and volume data for Bayswater Road which shows the average speed of motorists is 17mph and is within the Department of Transports guidance of 24mph for a 20-mph speed limit. Although the data shows the maximum speed recorded per day did range between 50 to 60mph, these are isolated incidents and are believed to be emergency service vehicles.
In respect of the concerns regarding zebra crossings not being signposted sufficiently, following an inspection, two faded ‘zebra orange beacons’ have been located. A request has been made to have the beacons attended to and should replacement beacons be required this will be completed.”
Oxford Square/Cambridge Square
New cycle hangars have been installed in Oxford Square and Cambridge Square where residents can hire safe and secure cycle parking.
Cambridge Square
We have asked the Tree Team to secure a tree in Cambridge Square which is in danger of falling over. The Tree Team says, “I will get our contractors to re-stake this one.”
25 Porchester Place
We have again urged the Church Commissioners to take strong action against leaseholders who allow their flats to be used for short term lettings. Working with residents, we have passed on photographs of short-term visitors moving in, together with the ‘agents’ who arrange the lettings.
Connaught Village Coronation events
Connaught Village will be celebrating King Charles III’s Coronation in style, with all the independent tenants transforming their windows displays to reflect the theme ‘Crown & Glory’ across the Bank Holiday weekend. You can read more at
https://connaughtvillage.cmail19.com/t/t-e-fuituyk-jiiullhkn-yd/
Park Lane ‘Countdown’ update
We have asked TfL if the ‘Countdown’ live bus update monitor can be moved from bus shelter J4 on Park Lane, which is a stopover for coaches, and re-installed at bus shelter W where normally buses stop for passengers. TfL say,
“Thank you for flagging the issue with location of the Countdown timer! We’ll look into its positioning and confirm if it should be at the shelter opposite Stop W or if a decision was made to site it near the crossing point to the bus stop island. My understanding is that it should be at Stop W.”
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
Star Street
We have again asked the Highways Team to include Star Street in the next round of the pavement renewal programme.
Norfolk Square
We have asked the Council to fix the water ‘ponding’ at the entrance to Norfolk Square Gardens on London Street.
Norfolk Square Gardens
A Planning application has been submitted for the temporary installation of 4 free standing sculptures, ‘Paparazzi Dogs’ in Norfolk Square Gardens. The application documents can be viewed online at www.westminster.gov.uk/planning Please use the reference number 23/02298/FULL as the primary search criteria.
Norfolk Place/Sussex Gardens
We have asked the Highways Team to chase Thames Water to fix a water leak at the junction of Norfolk Place and Sussex Gardens.
Praed Street
We arranged for an upturned flowerpot on the pavement in front of the Rose Cafe, 57 Praed Street to be tidied up.
We have also asked Thames Water to fix a water leak outside the post office on Praed Street.
St Michael’s Street
We have asked the City Inspectors to issue fines to those responsible for rubbish dumping in St Michael’s Street, at the Edgware Road end.
Sussex Gardens
We have asked the City Inspectors to fine the hotels on Sussex Gardens who are leaving their rubbish on the Sussex Gardens pavement for collection outside the permitted hours.
We have also asked Paddington BID if they can persuade the Sussex Gardens hotels to direct laundry vans to use the internal road in front of the hotels to deliver/pick up laundry rather than parking in the cycle lane. Residents say, “Laundry vans frequently park in the cycle lane on Sussex Gardens during evening peak hours, causing cyclists to have to merge with the heavy traffic.”
Paddington BID say, “I will endeavour to get this message out to our hotels on Sussex Gardens, I understand this must be infuriating to cyclists and poses a real safety risk.”
Edgware Road area
Edgware Road – noisy drain cover
We have asked TfL to fix a noisy drain cover outside 240 Edgware Road which bangs every time a vehicle passes over the drain.
Edgware Road – broken street plan
We have asked the Highways Team to fix a ‘Legible London’ street plan on the corner of Edgware Road and Kendal Street which has been vandalised.
Edgware Road – BT phone boxes
Marble Arch BID City Inspector Adam Davis reports, “I am very pleased to say that all 3 of the units that were planned for removal in March along the Edgware Road are now gone. The street space looks so much less cluttered. All 3 of the units have been used for storing bedding down items inside, suffered from constant vice card stickering, open toilet use inside, graffiti, smashed windows and at times discarded drugs paraphernalia.” Well done to Adam for all his efforts!
49 Edgware Road
We are continuing to urge the Noise Team to take strong action against the contractors working on the ground floor unit at 49 Edgware Road. Noisy evening and late-night working has continued despite repeated complaints from residents.
Grosvenor Court Mansions
We have again urged the Council to require the management of Grosvenor Court Mansions to keep the rubbish from the flats, many of which are let out on Airbnb, in paladins so that they can be collected by Veolia rather than dumped on the pavement for many hours, as currently happens
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Hyde Park Mansions
We have asked the Council’s Enforcement Team to take action against the leaseholder of a flat in Hyde Park Mansions for continuing to let the flat out on Airbnb. Freshwater, the block’s freeholder, told the leaseholder, “These “guests” of yours have no consideration for the neighbours – why would they when they consider their stay in central London to be like a hotel? – and they bang and crash about at all hours and even your cleaning team are working beyond normal working hours over the weekend.”
The Enforcement Team say, “We are actively investigating the case and will be making a visit to the premises this week.”
Chapel Street/Transept Street
We have asked the Road Safety Team to investigate ways to tackle speeding traffic in the Chape Street/Transept Street area. Residents say,
“I have raised the issue of 20 mph speed límits, bumps, camera etc on Chapel Street and Transept Street many, many times. Even with the signs, the amount of cars that go above 20 mph is ridiculous and dangerous and it is a matter of time for an accident or a fatality to occur.”
38-47a Chapel Street
We have asked the Housing Department to undertake repairs to flats at 38-47a Chapel Street. We have also asked the City Inspectors to issue fines to those dumping rubbish by the planters at the entrance to the flats.
Chapel Street
We have reported a dumped and broken Lime bike next to the bus stop outside Edgware Road station to be removed and the rider fined. We have also reported dumped bikes to Lime and Tier and asked for the riders to be fined.
Chapel Street/Edgware Road
We have asked the City Inspectors to remove an abandoned bike from the bike stand at the corner of Chapel Street and Edgware Road, outside M&S.
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Harrow Road
At the request of residents, we have asked the Parking Team if additional residents’ parking spaces can be located in the parking area in front of the Pentecostal church on Harrow Road. The Parking Team say
“The parking bays opposite the Pentecostal building are already shared-use parking facilities, providing kerbside access to both resident permit holders and visitors. Unfortunately, the associated time plate necessary to advertise and enforce the existing parking restrictions, has been removed, and, due to a contractual error, has yet to be replaced.
Steps have already been taken to have the shared use sign restored as a matter of urgency, as this will help increase the availability of parking for local residents. In addition, our Marshals will once again be able to take enforcement action against non-compliant vehicles parking in the bay, without a valid permit or payment, during the existing hours of control (08:30 – 18:30, Monday to Saturday).”
Harbet Road
We have asked the Highways and Parking Teams to investigate the parking situation on Harbet Road (Praed Street end) which is a private road managed by the Hilton hotel. Residents say, “Vehicles are continually parking and worse idling engines are adding to our air pollution issues. It also harbours people hanging around at all hours as they have free reign on this road.”
We have also asked the street sweeping to be improved along Harbet Road.
Eastbourne Terrace
We have asked the Refuse Collection Team if the bins on Eastbourne Terrace can be emptied more frequently. Residents say, “They are not emptied during the weekends and inevitably end up overflowing with the rubbish getting blown around the street. Addressing this would be beneficial both for residents, and for the first impressions that many visitors get of London.”
The Refuse Team say, “I have asked Eastbourne Terrace to be added to the list of hotspot streets for our mobile weekend litter-picking team. This should alleviate the current strain on litter bin capacity and mean the area is kept clean at weekends. The mobile weekend team comprises 5 sweepers with electric bikes, who are able to quickly move around the city to address hotspot litter areas. They will empty litter bins and remove any litter they see from the long stretch of station entrance.”
Eastbourne Terrace/Praed Street
A planning application has been submitted for the temporary installation of a free-standing bronze sculptures known as the Wild Table of Love by Gillie and Marc Art from 14 May 2023 until 14 September 2023 on the area of public realm on the corner of Eastbourne Terrace and Praed Street. You can see the application documents online at www.westminster.gov.uk/planning Please use the reference number 23/02288/FULL as the primary search criteria.