News from your three Queen’s Park Ward Labour Councillors Paul Dimoldenberg, Patricia McAllister and Hamza Taouzzale
Dear Resident,
We are living in very difficult times and, along with Karen Buck MP, we are doing all we can to help the local community and individual residents and their families.
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
WARD NEWS AND ACTION
Skip lorries and Fifth and Sixth Avenues – update
Following our enquiries about the continued ‘rat-running’ by skip lorries along Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the Head of Highways tells us:
“I have written to the two companies again, and await a response.The lorry ban we are proposing for Sixth Avenue should deal with this issue. We plan to go out to consultation June/July to implement this in the autumn as part of the Kilburn Lane/Harrow Road junction works.”
Ashmore Road/ Marban Road
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate the poor signage at the junction of Marban Road/Ashmore Road. Residents say that the top of Ashmore Road is a cul de sac and there should be more signage to demonstrate the restrictions at the top of Kilburn Lane. Also, children are often in Marban Road, using the road as a play area. Problems are caused by vehicles backing down Ashmore Road where there are restricted views putting children and others at risk.
In addition, the exit at Ashmore Road/Kilburn Lane is increasingly used as a dumping ground. We have suggested that tree planting could be a deterrent to dumping.
Ashmore Road
Residents have noticed the bases of the trees where repaving is taking place are being covered with resin ground gravel. Residents would like to continue planting flowers around the bases of trees and have requested they are left uncovered. We have asked the Council to inform the contractors to leave the bases uncovered.
We have also asked Nuno to take action on this issue:
“At the top of Ashmore Road, Kilburn Lane end, by the recycling bins/off license, someone has dumped a load of raw chicken and there are a couple of bin bags, unsure what’s in them but bit smelly. They are very quickly going to become a health hazard and cause considerable stench. Is there someone you can call to get rid of them quickly, please? “
Parry Road
The Council has given us this update following the unauthorized ‘block party’ on Parry Road on the evening of Friday 26th June:
“The Metropolitan Police initially responded to resident complaints about an unlicensed music event with DJs and outdoor speakers at about 3pm. The police encountered a hostile crowd that initially refused to follow instructions to disperse but eventually managed to clear the area including neighbouring Riverton Close. We’re advised the police made three arrests after bottles and other objects were thrown at officers trying to disperse the crowd. The police imposed a section 60 order over-night and seized music equipment.
Our housing team is on-site to clear away any rubbish left over from last night on both the Mozart and Lydford housing estates and will be investigating to see if further action is required in relation to breaches of tenancy agreements.”
Previously, we had asked the Police and the Council to take action to halt the continued anti-social behavior in Parry Road. Residents say:
“For the past decade, we have been putting up with harassment from youths who do not live on this road. Residents have reported the incidents to the police but were told that the Council should deal with these issues and vice versa. Between the police and the Council we have been enduring pain and suffering.”
The Housing Department say:
- We have contacted the local police team who have confirmed that police units will be conducting regular patrols to Parry Road as a priority and will act where appropriate.
- The concerns have been raised with the Westminster Neighbourhood Coordinators and the Integrated Gangs Unit in order that a partnership approach can be taken to help resolve this matter.
- Residents in neighbouring properties have been contacted and advice has been given on who they should be reporting these incidents to.
We would encourage all residents to report these incidents to the police in the first instance on 101 for non-emergencies and 999 for emergencies. Reports can also be made to the ASB Team via our Contact Centre on 0800 358 3783 or by emailing: housingenquiries@westminster.gov.uk.
Portnall Road
We have reported this issue to the Road Safety Team:
“Since working at home (Kilburn Lane end of Portnall Road which is one way), I notice normally once a day (today twice) someone driving the wrong way. I am normally alerted by hooting or shouting. I don’t know what could be done at the top end to stop traffic coming down the wrong way. If you could pass this observation onto whoever looks after this, I would be grateful “
Bravington Road
The Environmental Health Team has given us an update on the rubbish accumulating in the front garden of 145 Bravington Road:
“I write to confirm that the rubbish/waste on this property has now been cleared. A joint effort with my colleague Nuno Reis established the freeholder as the responsible person to clear the area. Nuno served a notice on this person before the works were carried.”
Play Street proposal
We have given our support to a proposal from a local young resident for a ‘Play Street’ in Queen’s Park. The proposal has also been endorsed by Queen’s Park Community Council at its most recent meeting. The young person who has put forward this idea said, it “would be great for the children of Queen’s Park as we are missing out on PE every day and will not be back to school until September at the earliest!”
Former Jubilee Sports Centre, Caird Street
We have contacted the Council about the demolition works at the former Jubilee site after receiving this message from Caird Street residents:
“I live across the street from this building site and am trying to work from home. Why there is no evidence of any dust control being in use today? The tremors are scary and it would be nice to be able to open widows, but the noise and dust are just awful. Please make sure they are using all possible means to protect the wellbeing of the neighbours”
“The 3 industrial size machines they are using to break the concrete are sitting on top of the debris when the site is opened. These machines are so huge when they are operating the walls are shaking. The noise is deafening. I’m really worried about the damage these are doing to the existing homes here some of which including ours were made in 1876.”
Residents in Mozart Street say:
“I completely understand that the construction industry needs to resume work but prolonged drilling for 4 hours, twice a day is completely unreasonable when it impacts our livelihoods and especially when it starts so early. My windows were kept shut but the noise was still horrendous, I cannot fathom how much worse it must be for the homes and residents adjacent to the site. I would strongly urge you to review your ‘Considerate Construction’ policy in light of the fact that a lot of residents cannot work at the office at the moment and this is primarily a residential area”.
The Council say:
“Records of their dust suppression measures and noise monitor measures show that the demolition contractor is within the maximum noise levels and is recording and monitoring the dust prevent measures in use.The increased vibration this week, is due to the contractor breaking the old Jubilee sports centre’s concrete foundations. They have noted the concerns and are aiming to complete this section of work as soon as possible to mitigate any further disruption to residents”
“Officers are now working with EcoWorld in terms of a stakeholder strategy and holding the Developer to account throughout the main construction phase due to commence in August. The Council will be working to ensure that information is shared with local people in a timely way.”
Fernhead Road
We have asked the Council to contact TfL about this issue so that the bus company involved can be asked to instruct drivers not to leave their engine running:
“There is an ongoing issue that I’d like to raise with you about the 187 service at the south bound bus stop in Fernhead Road. This happens throughout the day, and the 187 sits at the bus stop with its engine idling, often for 5 minutes at a time, sometimes even longer. Not only is this both extremely noisy and dirty (they are diesel-powered vehicles), but it seems in direct contravention with all the current environmental directives. I would like you to ask TfL why the drivers can’t turn the engines off while they are regulating the service? Surely this is very easy for them to do, and it would alleviate what is both a constantly stressful situation and also a serious health issue.”
Ilbert Street
We have asked the Council to investigate this issue:
“The bins have been taken away at Ilbert Street near Kilburn Lane outside the betting shop. Obviously, it’s an extremely used bin, next to a very busy area filled with shops. And everyone in all media nationwide campaigns recently have been encouraging the general public to use bins, especially during coronavirus pandemic”
The Council say:
“This litterbin was removed several months ago because of continued abuse by commercial and households (WCC and Brent) who were using for dumping their waste. It just wasn’t used for street litter. After the trial dumping still continued so we removed it permanently. There are no plans to return this bin.”
Works to Queen’s Park Street properties – update
In April, the Housing Department temporarily suspended all major works, including the work at Queen’s Park street properties, as a result of COVID-19. In line with the government’s guidance, the work will restart from Thursday 2 July 2020.
If you have any questions please contact Paul Isaacs, Resident Liaison Officer on 07949 193449 and paul.issacs@axiseurope.com.
Kilravock Street
We have asked Nuno and Crissie Chambers to include Kilravock Street on their patrols after reports from residents of regular anti-social behaviour by irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to foul the pavement.
Bins
We have asked the Council to undertake an audit of all the bins in the Queen’s Park area so that we can assess if there are any areas which are not covered.
Environmental Issues
We have asked Nuno to take action on the following issues:
- Dumped rubbish near 139 Ashmore Road
- Dumped rubbish on the junction of Dart Street and Bravington Road
- Builders rubble dumped on the road outside 156/158 Ashmore Road
- An abandoned bike on Marban Road
- Dumped furniture outside 45 Bravington Road
- Dumped rubbish at the corner of Harrow Road and First Avenue
Harrow Road
We have repeated our request to the Council to take action to make the Harrow Road safer for shoppers. Residents say:
“There are still many pinch points all the way up this street with traders well over their boundaries making very small passing points for pedestrians. The parking is out of control. The amount of people not social distancing is extremely problematic.
Zagros need some sharp encouragement to get their rubbish off the streets and to take their stalls back BEHIND their boundaries. Why are they allowed to flout the rules so flagrantly? Retailers are also leaving pallets in the street “
The recent temporary pavement widening does not appear to be working very well:
- The temporary pavement widening is not being used by pedestrians
- There is an increase in the amount of rubbish being dumped
- The Big Black Bins have been moved into the widened footway at 558 Harrow Road.
- Residents/pedestrians think the barriers are for roadworks
- It would help if the proposed changes were more widely advertised also perhaps staff on site to encourage usage.
What do you think?
Dogs
If you have any issues with dogs you can contact Crissie Chambers(canineculture@googlemail.com)as well as Nuno Reis (nreis@westminster.gov.uk)and they will deal with them together on their twice weekly patrols.
QPG Community Hub
QPG Community and Sports Hub has been accredited with the Micro Level London Healthy Workplace Award. The Award supports and recognises investment in staff health and wellbeing, partnering local public health resource with employers. The Award is valid for four years.
North Paddington Foodbank
North Paddington Foodbank has opened a branch in Queens Park, at the Avenues Youth Project in Droop Street. This branch is open 9am-3pm Monday to Friday. The best way to help them is to donate money, however food donations, dog and cat food, sanitary supplies and toiletries are also very welcome. They are also looking for drivers – and can speed track DBS checks for volunteers.
If you need the foodbank, or know someone in need please call 07511 590997
The Foodbank is on the frontline helping more people than ever before in a very difficult situation. Please donate here
If you can help the foodbank or are in need of emergency support, please see the information here: https://www.npfoodbank.org.uk/
Queen’s Park Community Council
Queen’s Park Community Councillor Susanna Rustin has written a blog ‘Beyond radical neighbourliness: the case for micro-democracy’
https://www.lwbooks.co.uk/soundings/blog/beyond-radical-neighbourliness-the-case-for-micro-democracy
Bus and Tube fares
The Government has told the Mayor that, in return for additional funds to keep London’s public transport system operating, bus and tube fares must go up next January. The Government has also insisted that free travel is temporarily suspended for Freedom Pass and 60-plus cardholders at peak times and all the time for those under 18. We have started a petition to call for the reinstatement of free travel for under 18s https://action.labour.org.uk/page/s/keep-free-travel
For an independent view of the Government’s action read https://www.onlondon.co.uk/dave-hill-governments-tfl-power-grab-is-the-wrong-direction-of-travel/
Voting by post
Voting by post is an easy and convenient way of voting. You can use this form to apply to 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.
Black Lives Matter
Councillor Hamza Taouzzale gives his perspective on Black Lives Matter
‘Westminster Extra’
You can now read the ‘Westminster Extra’ online
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 48 hours of order.
You can check when refuse and recycling is collected from your street here http://transact.westminster.gov.uk/env/streetsearch.aspx
The doorstep recycling service concentrates on the recyclable materials most commonly produced by houses so that these can be easily separated into the different material types. The link below summarises what can be put in recycling bags
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/what-can-i-recycle-home#can-recycle
Lots of other materials can be recycled but not through the doorstep collection service. The A-Z list below gives details of what and where items can be recycled or re-used:
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/a-z-recycling
Also, here are details of9 companies that reward you for donating unwanted things, from H&M to M&Shttps://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/worklife/g15049323/brands-reward-throwing-things-away/
Report It
The new Report It service has been unveiled https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it
You can register here https://www.fixmystreet.com/alert for alerts of everything reported in your area (just use your post code and it will offer you options).
Local Police
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/queens-park/
Coronavirus (Covid-19) UPDATE
For the latest information, visit the following:
Health advice
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Westminster Council’s advice and response website:
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-and-information
Queen’s Park Covid-19 Task Force
Queen’s Park Community Council has set up a Covid-19 Task Force. The Task Force is coordinating help and support for local people.
For help or further information, you can phone 0208 960 5644and leave a message, or text 07511 590 997 or visithttps://queensparkcommunitycouncil.gov.uk/covid-19-response/.
Beware the Coronavirus scammers
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/westminster-news/2020/03/27/beware-the-coronavirus-scammers/
And finally
To mark the 75th anniversary of Labour’s 1945 General Election victory, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg has written a new book, ‘Cheer Churchill. Vote Labour’ – The story of the 1945 General Election.Starting with the creation of the wartime Coalition Government and the harnessing of the entire machinery of the state to serve the war effort, the book charts the political currents and events which led to Labour’s sensational General Election victory on 26th July 1945.
‘Cheer Churchill. Vote Labour’is available in e-book and paperback format at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08975HFS7/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1590583600&sr=1-3
All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Foodbanks in Westminster.
E-scooters – what you say
“We certainly do not want e-scooters upon Westminster’s pavements. These will cause great anxiety to elderly and disabled people, also to those people with children or dogs. We fear that enthusiasm for e-scooters could lead to them gradually invading the pavements, which are the pedestrian’s right of way.”
What you say
“Thank you for sorting this out. Very much appreciated. Chickens have thankfully gone.”
“Thank you as usual for your extremely interesting and practical newsletter.”
“Thank you for your involvement and update on the fly tipping on the boxing club site. Since the last major removal there was another incident inside their premises and the council dealt with it again. I appreciate your contact with the boxing club on this ongoing issue.”
“Many thanks for sending your Queens Park Labour Report which to which I look forward and is always informative and interesting.”
“As ever, thank you for the great work you do”
“Thank you as ever for your diligent work in our ward”
“Thanks, you’re always so helpful”
“Thank you again for the QPW reports. As well as being informative, they provide a welcome reminder of ‘normality’ – the regular issues don’t go away!”
“I really do appreciate you taking the time to investigate this further”
“Thank you for always being the person who comes to our aid.”
Please let us know if we can be of any assistance.
Keep well, take care and look after yourself and your neighbours.
Regards
Paul Dimoldenberg, Patricia McAllister and Hamza Taouzzale
Your Queen’s Park Ward Labour Councillors – Here to Help
pdimoldenberg@westminster.gov.uk
pmcallister@westminster.gov.uk
Facebook @QPLabourTeam