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
Ashmore Road
We have again asked the Council to remove the dead tree outside 86 Ashmore Road and replace it with a new tree.
A resident has contacted us about a tree stump outside 215 Ashmore Road. Apparently, the tree stump could and should be removed but contractors need permission from the Council. We have asked for this to be arranged and a replacement can be planted in October.
We have also asked the contractors to leave the base of all trees with earth so that residents can plant bulbs etc. We have been liaising with Queen’s Park Community Council to arrange for planting around the base of trees in upper Ashmore Road
Bravington Road
Residents in Bravington Road have contacted us about roadworks starting before the permitted time of 8am and we have asked the Council to instruct their contractors to abide by the regulations. Residents say: “All week contractors have started work before 08:00am impacting the ongoing noise throughout the day, including that of the demolition of the Jubilee site.”
The Highways Team say:
“I have investigated this and it does seem that a lorry was delivering materials before 8am which is outside of the permitted working hours. I have reminded the contractors of their responsibilities in terms of working hours and minimising disruption to residents and they have asked me to pass on their apologies for this breach.”
Kilburn Lane
We have asked the Police and the Council to investigate reports of a shop in Kilburn Lane selling illegal goods.
Kilburn Lane/Portnall Road
We have asked the Council to take action on this recurring issue:
“I have emailed you about this in the past and you have been really responsive, but unfortunately the litter at the Kilburn Lane end of Portnall Road has got really bad again, particularly around the tree at the top of the road. I know some signs have recently been put up about half way down, but something really needs to be put in place at the top I think.
I have reported it a couple of times in the last week via the council website, and almost as soon as it is cleared there’s more there. It seems like people are dumping bags and foxes are getting in and spreading wrappers and food waste across the road – it’s just quite horrible having to circumvent the mess all the time. Would really appreciate it if the council could look into this to try and find a solution. Maybe there needs to be bins placed near this area of the road? “
The Council say:
“We will undertake another educational letter drop next week advising residents of the correct waste disposal methods and also alternative methods i.e. nearest Big Black Bins and recycling centre. Additionally, we will put a new ‘Don’t dump’ sign up at this location and I will liaise with Veolia to ensure they also monitor for any waste dumped outside of collections. Finally, we will also undertake Enforcement if the education is not heeded.”
A few days later residents said, “Thanks very much. I appreciate it and noticed already that it was looking a lot better today.”
Huxley Street
We have asked Nuno, our local Inspector, to arrange for graffiti on the pavement in Huxley Street to be removed. A few days later residents said:
“We are delighted at the speed of response, the follow up second visit and the result: a clean pavement. Please pass on our thanks to all those involved.”
A few weeks later residents said, “the Biffa bin has gone but not the cardboard and now a hoover has arrived. Any winds will send this all out into the street or a nice play pen for foxes and rats and general junk.”
Marne Street
We are continuing to urge the Housing Department to take action to halt the regular anti-social behaviour at a property in Marne Street.
St John’s Terrace
We have asked the Council to remove an “upside down Biffa bin on St John’s Terrace which has been dumped by the Tyre and Wheel company who have now vacated the site and people are just beginning to dump all their rubbish etc by it and it’s unsightly and a hazard.”
Ash House
We have asked the Tree Officer to investigate two trees opposite Ash House which are cutting out the light to flats in Ash House. The Tree Officer says, “these trees are on a 2-year pruning cycle having last been pruned in March 2019. They will next be pruned early 2021.”
Oak House
We have urged the Housing Department to repair the faulty intercom at Oak House. Residents say“the intercom seems to only work when the engineers carry out the test-calls and once they leave, they don’t work again.”
Birch House
We are supporting residents in Birch House who have objected to the installation of two parking bays outside a resident’s living room door and bedroom windows. Over the years, the proposed parking bays have been used for unauthorised parking, drug dealing, causing nuisance and anti-social behaviour. Following our enquiries, the Housing Department told us, “We have now erected further barriers and placed signage onto the barriers to signify bays not in use.”
Parry Road
We have asked the Council to investigate a property in Bantock House, Parry Road where it is alleged drug dealing and gang-related activity is taking place.
Nutbourne Street/Fifth Avenue
We have asked Nuno to write to residents around the Nutbourne Street/Fifth Avenue junction informing them of the fines for dumping rubbish. Residents say:
“A double bed dumped on the corner of Nutbourne Street and Fifth Avenue. This is a regular occurrence by this tree. Only last weekend I removed a cardboard box full of broken glass and several bags that had been there for over 5 days. Can something please be done about this as in addition, the tree on the corner of Oliphant and Sixth this tree has become a prime dumping spot. As soon as something is left people add to it very quickly.”
Barfett Street
We have asked the Tree Officer to inspect the trees in Barfett Street after residents told us “that trees on Barfett Street are getting very overgrown and starting to intrude into porches of houses. Any chance this could be addressed?” The Tree Officer says:
“There is a works order out for the smaller trees on the Queens Park Estate. I’ll check to make sure this one is included.”
Third Avenue
We have passed on to the police allegations of drug dealing at two premises in Third Avenue.
Fifth Avenue
We have asked Nuno to investigate a report about an abandoned vehicle outside 154 Fifth Avenue.
Bruckner Street/Lancefield Street
We have asked the Parking Team to investigate this issue:
“Over a very long period of time, cars and vans have been consistently parking on the pavement at the junction of Bruckner Street and Lancefield Street. Since lock down it has got worse with as many as five vehicles sometimes parked there. It looks like a car park it can interfere with the rubbish bins not being emptied as the rubbish collectors can’t get to them as there is no space to wheel them out to the lorry. The parents and children of the local nursery have to walk in the road as the pavement is full and I have had to push the babies and buggies in the road too which is a big risk to our health and safety.”
Jubilee Sports Centre demolition
We have repeated our calls to the Council and developer EcoWorld to manage the work of the demolition contractor in a more responsible manner so that the non-stop deafening and frightening works do not continue to damage residents’ lives. Residents say:
“The demolition and building works at former Jubilee Sports Centre (right behind Banister House) are not only noisy and dusty but are SHAKING the building quite a lot!This shaking must have caused the movement in walls because our internal doors can no longer be closed and we are having problems with the external door too.”
“We’ve been subjected to severe tremors again this morning, welcoming the lunch hour now, dreading the re-start. It’s exhausting”
Following our enquiries, the Council say:
- EcoWorld have instructed the demolition contractor to reduce the height of the rubble piles to the top level of the perimeter hoarding.
- The demolition contractor has been carrying out noise, dust and vibration monitoring throughout these works. EcoWorld have now requested for additional independent vibration and noise monitoring equipment to be installed. This will add a further level of validation over these areas.
- The Environmental Sciences team are currently in discussion and working with EcoWorld to agree further working practice and mitigation measures for noise, dust and vibration for this project going forward. Community Services and the Development Team will continue to support the investigation fully and make sure EcoWorld maintains this for the remainder of the works.”
Moberly Leisure Centre
A number of residents have asked us when the Moberly Leisure Centre will be reopening. The Council says:
“From 1st August, all our leisure centres across Westminster will reopen. Our team have been working hard to reopen and a range of measures are now in place to keep customers and the community safe. The full complement of reopening measures are now listed on our leisure centre partner, Everyone Active, site. “
Tyre & Wheel site, Harrow Road
We have been informed that Westminster Community Homes has acquired this site and are currently working with their architect to produce options for discussion with the planners. More news when we get further information.
Bench outside St John’s Church, Kilburn Lane
We have asked the Council to repair the damaged bench outside St Johns Church Kilburn Lane/Harrow Road. The Council say “a work order has been raised for the repair of the bench.”
Skip-hire lorries
We have asked for an update on the continued use of Fifth and Sixth Avenues by skip hire lorries using the area as a ‘rat-run’.
Cycle hangars
Because of the increased demand for cycle hangars, the Council has announced three new sites in Queen’s Park Ward:
- Kilburn Lane/Illbert Street
- Fifth Avenue/Droop Street
- Sixth Avenue/Harrow Road
Following consultation with residents over the coming months, we hope the hangars will be installed before the end of the year.
Environmental issues
We have reported the following to the Council:
- Dumped mattresses outside Brooke Court, 300 Kilburn Lane
- An overgrown garden bush on Sixth Avenue
- Rubbish piled up in a garden in Bravington Road
- Rubbish dumped at the top of Portnall Road
- Rubbish dumped on private land on Lancefield Street/Mozart Street
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.
Royal Mail issues
We have written again to the Royal Mail after receiving this message from a resident:
“We are having a few issues as the Royal Mail collections office is still only open 7am-9am (closes Wednesday). It’s proving difficult for many to collect at these times due to work commitments (especially key workers). It’s also a very long walk for many of us, including elderly residents (I’ve been 8 times and, on several occasions, have seen elders tired and fed up & confused at what to do).”
North Paddington Foodbank
The 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/
Thank you to all the volunteers
Thank you to all the volunteers for their outstanding and dedicated work and to the generosity of local businesses, Ida’s Restaurant, QPG Hub, QPCC Volunteers, North Paddington Foodbank, The Felix Project, Black Lock Chops, The Avenues. This video clip from the Jo Cox Foundation shows the impact their work has had on the community.
We are also helping Ida’s Restaurant to get permission to have tables and chairs on the pavement outside the restaurant so that they can serve customers with the necessary social distancing.
Play Streets
The Council has introduced ’Play Streets’ in the following locations:
- Kilravock Street (between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue)
- Oliphant Street (between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue)
- Peach Road (between Oliphant Street and Ilbert Street)
- Marne Street (between Fifth Avenue and Third Avenue)
There are also ‘Street Play’ sessions for the Avenues Youth project to allow youth work/activities to take place on Droop Street (between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue) adjacent to Queens Park Primary School.
Summer Activities for Young People
The Young Westminster Foundation has organised summer activities for young people within the programme in the following link, which will be updated weekly: http://www.ywfoundation.com/2020/07/20/whats-young-people-westminster-summer/
Summer Programme for Children
We are supporting Queen’s Park Community Council’s summer programme of activities and outdoor courses available for 14-16 year olds with funds from the Ward Budget. The programme will start on 10th August and run for 2 weeks. You can sign up here https://qpccsecretsummer.eventbrite.co.uk
Children’ Art and Poetry Competition
The Westminster Faith Exchange, a long-standing initiative to facilitate and encourage dialogue between the council and the different faith communities, has announced a Children’s Art and Poetry Competition.In this exceptional year, children are invited to send their artwork or a poem which fits the theme ‘Covid-19, Lockdown and My Faith’. The competition is open to children and young people of all faiths, entry is free and there are prizes to be won. Entries must be submitted by Friday 21 August. For more information and to submit your entry, click here.
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.
‘Westminster Extra’
You can now read the ‘Westminster Extra’ online https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=09649383-4dbb-4a3d-b164-9d26398578f3
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
You can report dumped rubbish, graffiti, broken paving stones and street lights and more to the Report It service 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/
What you say
“Thanks as ever for your help and support”
“Thanks for your usual most informative report”
‘Thanks for the wide range of topics and issues covered in your emails. It’s much appreciated.’
“I would like to voice my concern re e-scooters. Owners of these will not give a fig about legislation just applying to rental scooters. And who will monitor this? E-scooters have been bombing along roads and pavements, with many riders not wearing hats etc, and nothing has stopped them.”
Please let us know if we can be of any assistance.
Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to your neighbours.
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