News from your three Westbourne Labour Councillors David Boothroyd, Adam Hug and Papya Qureshi
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.
You can read our latest news on http://labourwestminster.org.uk
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
Please feel free to pass this report on to any of your neighbours who may be interested.
Brunel Estate
We are working with the Council’s Housing and ASB departments to try to respond to issues around urination, excretion and drug paraphernalia being left on the walkway of Derrycombe House, as well as wider concerns about anti-social behaviour. We have raised concerns with the Police and Council about crimes where someone impersonating at policeman robbed an elderly resident. We have also been urging the council to proceed lift repair programme for the estate in a phased manner, ensuring that residents with mobility difficulties get the support they need, with a lift and carry service being provided so far for one resident who needs it for hospital appointments.
Great Western Road
We have been working with a number of residents on Great Western Road about issues with the delayed major works programme.
Wessex Gardens Estate
We have been supporting residents with problems with the sewerage and drainage on the estate, trying to get the Council to move more swiftly to address the blockages and prevent their return through more regular preventative action and efforts to reduce the use of moist wipes that have led to some of the blockages on the estate.
Westmead redevelopment
Westminster Council is planning to redevelop Westmead care home on Tavistock Road, where current residents are expected to move to the new Beachcroft House on Shirland Road this autumn. The council is proposing a mix of private, intermediate and social housing on the site. The current proposals would see 40% of the units and just under 50% of the floor space designated as affordable (due to the social units being among the larger flats), with the other units retained by the Council for private rent, cross-subsiding the affordable units. We are working with residents groups to help ensure their concerns (including on light, height, cars and trees) are properly heard and responded to, including setting up a virtual discussion with council officers.
Fallodon House
Residents of Fallodon House have told us of the disturbing situation whereby the building’s drains clog and back up, leaving foul smelling pools which contractors have to pump out. We have been working with residents to make sure this problem (which is sadly not new) is fixed for good. The council agreed to replace a section of the pipework in the main drains, with a rodding that they tell us “will allow for easier future maintenance to stop the issue reoccurring in this manner”.
Woodfield Road
Following concerns by residents on Woodfield Road, we have requested a tree to be trimmed that was obstructing the pavement near Wood House.
Elmfield Way
We have been working with the police, Council and Catalyst Housing to try to respond to the ASB in and around Ashgrove and Lockbridge Courts on Elmfield Way. The recent tragic murder in the area needs to lead to more action to address the problems in this area.
Alfred Road Playground
We have been working with the Council’s sports unit and parks department to get them to remove the graffiti from the playground behind Westminster Academy (opposite the Harbour Club) and install a protective coating to make it harder to graffiti in future. We are also working with them to sort out new management arrangements to encourage it to be better looked after by the Council.
Amberley Road and Foscote Mews
We have been working to address problems with fly tipping on Foscote Mews/Amberley Road, as well as working with Ark Academy to improve safety at school pickup and collection times.
Brinklow House
We worked with residents to push Westminster Council housing to speed up their repairs of the Brinklow House lift that was taking too long.
Oldbury House
We have been raising residents concern about anti-social behaviour in the stairwells and common parts.
Bourne Terrace Graffiti
We have reported the graffiti on Lime restaurant on Bourne Terrace and worked with the council to get it removed.
Stowe Centre
We have worked with the Stowe Centre and the Council to try and address issues around the overflowing textile recycling bin. The company that provides the service has not committed to removing donations on a weekly basis to try to resolve the problem.
Gaydon House
When fire broke out in Gaydon House on 7 May, we were in touch with council officers to make sure residents were being properly cared for. We have worked with a number of residents about issues arising from the fire. We also have been continually requesting the council better maintain the area around the bins, including quicker removal of dumped waste around the bins.
Building sites
We have heard complaints that the Windsor Castle and Neeld Arms, both now building sites, are looking neglected. We are not sure what work is currently going on and are looking into it, with the help of council officers.
Network Homes blocks on the Brindley Estate
We have been working with Karen Buck MP to tackle the many longstanding problems in the Network Homes block Brindley House on the Brindley Estate. In addition to regular email and phone discussions an action meeting was convened between Network Homes, Westminster Council Housing, Karen Buck MP and ourselves to push Network to commit to a clear plan of action.
On pest control, Network Homes have committed to
- weekly visits by pest control to check baits and remove dead rodents
- approval for every flat to have the option of pest control treatment (a schedule will be given to residents shortly)
- deodorisers have been installed to try and mask the smell of dead rodents in the walls
- a commitment has been given to look again at removal options if the problem doesn’t subside
- and a commitment to undertake further external proofing works including around the electric cables and cupboards.
Westminster Council will be providing signage to deter residents from feeding pigeons and birds in the communal areas, which encourages further rodent activity. The Council’s housing team and ourselves are in discussions with the Canal and Rivers Trust and the Council’s Parks Department and about what actions can be done around addressing the rodent problem on the canal side.
Network have confirmed they are preparing works to fix the leak in the roof. Once this has taken place they have committed to undertaking cyclical redecoration to paint and decorate the internals of the building. On anti-social behaviour there has been joint actionbetween Network Homes and the police to address issues around loitering in the stairwell.
In Brindley House and in other Network blocks on the Brindley Estate we have been working with some residents who are concerned about fire safety to request Network address their concerns.
In Oversley House, we have raised residents’ concerns about rubbish being dumped and not cleared out of the bin chute rooms, as well as some waste being thrown out of the windows.
Cycle hangers
Westminster Labour Councillors have been urging council officers expedite the rollout of Cycle Hoop cycle hangers across Westminsterand in Westbourne we been working with residents and council officers to identify sites. The Council is now rolling out new hangers in two phases: in late August/early September and then a second phase later in the year. The three new hangers being introduced in August/early September are
- Sutherland Avenue (opposite Surrendale Place)
- Harrow Road (opposite Sutherland Avenue)
- The corner of Bloomfield Villas and Harrow Road.
Canal-based business
The government support for small businesses forced to close was based on their premises, so businesses based on the canal were not covered – including the popular local Floating Classroom. A new scheme to help businesses not previously covered has recently started. We have pressed Westminster to make it clear that canal-based business will be covered, and make it easy for them to apply.
Support the Foodbank
The North Paddington Food Bank has been doing amazing work over the last few months to support local people. If you are able to volunteer, donate or need assistance please visit https://www.npfoodbank.org.uk/
Please lets us know if we can be of assistance on any matters
regards
Councillors David Boothroyd, Adam Hug and Papya Qureshi
Your three Westbourne Labour Councillors