News from your three Harrow Road Councillors Ruth Bush, Guthrie McKie and Tim Roca
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.
ASB and criminal activity
After much effort from us and Karen Buck MP, we have been assured that the Maida Hill Marketplace, Lydford Estate and surrounding area are currently receiving more attention than usual from the police.
Road safety
We had an online meeting with Council officers at which we pressed again for far clearer signage that this is a 20mph area (as is the whole of Westminster now, after years of our campaigning for this). Council speed checks show only a few cars speeding but we know from personal experience how dangerous this can be. We are also asking for SatNav instructions to be looked into, so that cars are no longer directed to use streets like Warlock and Edbrooke Road as cut-throughs. We’ve also resumed pressure to improve safety measures on a number of streets, including Chippenham Mews and to introduce more play streets where residents wish this.
Harrow Road shops forecourts
After years of pressure from us, most shops along the Harrow Road are complying with the requirement to keep their outside displays within their legal forecourt area. We thank our City Inspectors, Steve and Nuno, for the work they’ve done to bring this about.
Maida Hill Marketplace improvements
What is known as the Harrow Road Place Plan had to be put on hold during Covid-19 lockdown but is being taken forward again. Progress is slow but promising (though we have had promises before). We will keep you informed.
Chippenham Co-op
We’ve just heard from the Co-op that the owners of the former pub have had to delay finishing works to the building, so the Co-op is not yet able to get in. They assure us, though, that they remain committed to putting a Co-op store in the premises.
Lydford Estate– Anti-Social Behaviour update
We have received the following update from the Housing Department following the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) on the Lydford Estate during the summer:
- Individuals identified – We have identified residents who have been causing a nuisance and are contacting the households to discuss how they have breached their tenancy conditions. They will then receive a letter from our solicitors firmly warning that any further nuisance caused by the individual could result in legal action.
- Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras –Temporary CCTV cameras will be installed for six months inareas identified by the local Police and our engineers, including Riverton Close. In February 2021, we will review the situation and, if required, move the CCTV cameras to other locations identified.
- Reporting ASB and crime –If you witness an incident taking place or you suspect criminal behaviour please do not approach any individuals. Instead, contact the 24-Hour non-emergency police line on 101. In all cases of emergencies, where a crime is taking place, please dial 999. You can also contact Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. We also need you to report ASB to us via 0800 358 3783 or housingenquiries@westminster.gov.ukor gov.uk/yourhousing/report. Please rest assured you can remain anonymous when providing any information to us or the Police. All reports are confidential.
Fernhead Road – traffic jams
We are also making enquiries with the Highways Team after receiving this message about“horrendous traffic jams we’re having to endure daily on Fernhead Road, for hours at a time (at least three hours). Fernhead Road is a residential street that is simply not designed for this volume of traffic. The air pollution is awful and I’m having to keep my living room windows closed all the time to try and avoid the worst of it.”
Frankfort pub
We have written to the Council’s Cabinet member for Public Protection about residents’ concerns about activities outside the Frankfort pub. Also, the feedback from residents generally is of increasing issues with crime and ASB.
North Paddington Foodbank
If you can help the foodbank or are in need of emergency support please see the information here: https://www.npfoodbank.org.uk/
Eat Out to Help Out
The Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme government ended on 31 August. However, some Westminster restaurants, cafes and bars have opted to extend it throughout September. The scheme offers diners the chance to get up to 50% off their food and non-alcoholic drinks up to a total value of £10 per person, when they eat or drink in on specific days during the week.
You can see a full list of restaurants and venues that have opted to extend the scheme here https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=37f33b5340&e=49e8db8b98
‘Westminster Extra’
You can now read the ‘Westminster Extra’ online
Bus and Tube fares
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
Transport for London Travel App
Transport for London has launched a new travel app, TfL Go, to help everyone get around London. The app is now available to download for Apple devices and can help you to plan your journeys and follow the safer travel guidance. An Android version will be released in Autumn 2020 and TfL continue sharing data with other travel apps.
For every station TfL is sharing real-time train times, plus peak travel times for the busiest stations, to help you travel during quieter times. As well as the fastest public transport routes, the app offers alternative routes to give you more travel options and provides walking and cycling routes to consider for all or part of your journey.
TfL Go features the latest service status for all Tube, Tram, London Overground and TfL Rail lines. Real time bus arrivals will also be added later. With step free mode you can customise the map to show step free access to train and platform, and plan journeys accordingly. New information on toilet availability, platform access and lift status will also be added in the coming months.
If you have an Apple device, you can download the app from the Apple App store. If you need larger type, use your phone in landscape mode, or make use of iOS’s VoiceOver capability. You can send your feedback about the app to tflappfeedback@tfl.gov.uk
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.
Report It
You can report dumped rubbish, broken street lights, graffiti and more using 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).
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 of 9 companies that reward you for donating unwanted things, from H&M to M&S https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/worklife/g15049323/brands-reward-throwing-things-away/
Westminster Extra
You can now read the Westminster Extra online
Coronavirus (Covid-19) UPDATE
Volunteer to help find the vaccine for COVID-19
You can be part of the fightback against the virus by volunteering to be contacted by researchers to take part in COVID-19 vaccine research. There are a number of vaccines being identified and safety-tested at the moment, but only large-scale studies can give researchers the information needed about how effective they are.
The NIHR is working with the NHS and aims to recruit half a million people onto the registry by October, which will allow people to be put in touch with the vaccine studies in the coming months. Researchers are looking for people from all backgrounds, ages and parts of the UK – including both people with or without existing health conditions – to take part in vaccine studies, to make sure that any vaccines developed will work for everyone.
The service is available to anyone aged 18 or over, living in the UK. There is no obligation to join in any study, if you are contacted. But by taking part, you could help researchers find vaccines to protect us all more quickly – which in turn could help the NHS and save lives. You can sign up here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/research/coronavirus-vaccine-research/
Health advice
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Westminster Connects COVID-19 phone line– 020 7641 1222
Beware the Coronavirus scammers
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/westminster-news/2020/03/27/beware-the-coronavirus-scammers/
Speeding traffic – what you say
“I live on Edbrooke Road, just opposite the main entrance to Edbrooke Gardens, and I am constantly horrified – and terrified – by the speed so many motorists drive at. How can this be allowed? This is a particularly dangerous location, as the park means a vast number of kids, prams and dogs constantly traversing the street. Driving speed must be limited! and limit must be enforced”
What you say
“Very many thanks, as ever or even more than usual, for this most informative and helpful newsletter.”
“Thank you for all the work you do”
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
Please keep well, take care and look after yourself and your neighbours.
Regards
Councillors Ruth Bush, Guthrie McKie and Tim Roca.
Your Harrow Road Labour Councillors