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
Kilburn Lane/Harrow Road/Ladbroke Grove junction
We have received the following update from the Highways Team:
“The works are a huge challenge at the moment, but we are doing what we can to reduce delays.We are doing what we can also to reduce the works period, are making good progress on site at one week ahead of schedule. Also, we are investigating putting additional crew resource on evenings and weekends (subject to approval) to reduce the working period over the next two weeks, when the greatest impact will be seen on Ladbroke Grove. The final phase from 27th October that will include the closure of Kilburn Lane has been reduced from 10 weeks to 7 weeks due to BT advanced works, and we will do what we can to further expedite this. We expect to see reduced delays at the junction during the closure. The main phase of works completes on 10th December, with resurfacing following up to 16th December.We will also need to come back in the new year to put down anti-skid, but this will be relatively quick with minimal impact.”
Kilburn Lane – traffic
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate this issue
“The current works at the junction of Kilburn Lane and Harrow Road are progressing well, which is great, but the more recent road closure just south of Buller Road is sending a huge amount of traffic up a small section of Kilburn Lane.
This is causing jams on a very narrow bit of road, a lot of horns beeping and general road rage, and also some damage to parked cars. Is there any way that this can be reviewed to make our street safer? Could the road closure be taken further north to the junction at the traffic lights by Nandos to make the diversion clearer to motorists?”
The Highways Team say:
“We have set up additional signage at the junction of Bannister Road / Chamberlayne Road (Road closed ahead, Access only) to try and head off some of the vehicles that are ignoring the diversion sign and continuing down to Kilburn Lane. I think we’d expect some disruption in the early days of the closure and it may take a week or so for traffic to learn the new diversions and change routes.”
Marne Street
We have asked the Housing Department why the scaffolding on houses on Marne Street has been there for so long and when it will be removed. Residents say:
“Some residents have had scaffolding erected on their premises since late February/early March. We understand that was beginning of pandemic, but towards end of March majority of the building industry had returned to work except those working on this estate. Some residents still have scaffolding erected even though it is only street doors that require painting, causing inconvenience and darkness to their premises and not being able to go into their gardens. Some residents are so fed up with the delay they have asked for and been given paint to enable them to paint their own street door and also have replaced street door furniture themselves”
Naylor House
We are again supporting Naylor House residents who are opposing another planning application to install telecoms apparatus, poles, cabinet and satellite dishes on the roof of Naylor House. Residents say:
“We have read the telecommunications companies’ submission to Westminster Council and we are both unhappy and disappointed to have the health and wellbeing of the residents in our community compromised. We are not anti-technology, nor are we anti-progress. We do however strongly object to locating the mast in a residential area. We strongly believe that any advancement or progress must not be at the expense of residents’ health and safety.”
Kilburn Lane – housing
We have again asked the Housing Department when the long-promised improvements to the flats at Lancefield Court, Kilburn Lane will be starting. In particular, residents say, “The flat at the end of the row on Lancefield Court is an eyesore and the outside is constantly littered”.
The Housing Department say:
“Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, the 5-year programme was revised in September last year and re-programmed for 2022/23. Officers have noted some water damage which could not wait until 2022/2023, so we will progress these works via the repairs team. This will ensure that these works are carried out much sooner. “
Kilburn Lane/Portnall Road
We have asked the Council to take strong action after receiving this report about rubbish dumping:
“Two males were seen dumping bed mattress outside 334 Portnall Rd j/w Kilburn Lane NW6. One of the males is from a nearby shop on Kilburn Lane NW6. Footage is available. If officers wish to follow up please contact Brent Council on waste.enforcement@brent.gov.uk and quote ref: WD/10224/20: Fly-tipping of bed mattress… Incident ID:20651 and good footage can be downloaded if required”
Kilburn Lane – Racist attack
We were very disturbed and concerned to watch the recent BBC Newsnight item on a racist attack on Kilburn Lane which took place before Christmas 2019. You can view it here https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000npj3/newsnight-21102020
Tolhurst Drive
We have been contacted by residents of Tolhurst Drive about the anti-social behaviour in the stairwell of the flats and we have asked the Housing Department to investigate and take the necessary action. Residents say:
“Over a number of years, my family and our neighbours have reported and complained to the council about the anti-social activities taking place on the communal staircase by non-residents. I have occasionally seen teenagers hanging around on the stairs, smoking and drinking. I have heard they gain entry into the building using a copy of the fireman’s drop key. They leave behind rubbish, spit, cigarette butts and the occasional urine on the landing on the staircase.”
Third Avenue
We have asked Nuno, our local Inspector, to investigate this issue:
“We have noticed a parked car outside our house that looked like nobody really used it. In the past couple of weeks, we noticed somebody sleeping in it during the day, we contacted the council and they said they couldn’t do anything to call the police. We called the police and because the car is not reported as abandoned they can’t do anything and advised us to contact the council. We did it again, and again they told us that they couldn’t do anything. It is unsettling”
Nuno says:
“I have visited the location and have identified the vehicle. I have contacted the parking services as the vehicle doesn’t have a parking permit. It has valid Tax and MOT so we cannot report it as abandoned, we will have to wait for the parking enforcement. We also have someone sleeping inside, so will contact the rough sleepers team”
Enbrook Street
Residents have contacted us about this issue:
“Last night was the third night this week we have been woken by the foxes screeching at each other. They are so tame that even when I hissed at them they came back to their noisy games and woke me a second time. In the current environment sleep is the most important thing for coping well and the foxes are eroding this. They come into our garden in pairs, defecate on our patio and crouch outside my son’s window”
The Council has issued the following advice https://www.westminster.gov.uk/foxes
Queen’s Park Gardens
We have received the following message from pupils at St Marylebone Bridge School on Third Avenue which we have asked the Parks Department to investigate:
“We go to play football every morning at Queens Park Gardens. There is a crack in the concrete in the football cage. I keep trying to score goals but I keep missing because I fall over. This might happen to other people. I think it is dangerous and it is getting much worse. Please can you fix it so it is much safer for the other people who want to play football.”
Ha’Penny Steps
We have asked the Council to take action with the Canal & River Trust to deal with the increase in rats around Ha’Penny Steps. Residents say:
“Big plants have grown below the bridge and the roots have created holes in the ground and a large number of rats can be seen night and day on the pavement, the small square next to the footbridge and the flowerbeds along the bridge”
We have also again asked the lights on the bridge to be fixed.
Fernhead Road
Following our enquiries about locating a zebra crossing outside St Luke’s School at the top of Fernhead Road, we have received the following update from the Highways Team:
“To support 20mph around the local school, a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) was placed as a reminder for drivers and riders to comply with the speed limit. Along with slowing down traffic, it will also gather data to determine traffic conditions and allow us to determine how best to address speed and safety issues at this location in future.
A feasibility study was commissioned to review the potential installation of a zebra crossing outside the school, in response to a similar prior request. The City Council have been in contact with the school directly to provide updates during the study and our Road Safety Officer will be briefing local ward Councillors regarding the proposed safety scheme outside the school later this month.”
We are also continuing to make enquiries about this issue:
“The traffic in Fernhead Road continues to be utterly awful and the pollution is horrific. I cannot have any windows open between 3pm and 7pm and it is definitely affecting my health. On top of the pollution there is the noise, where there are often three buses, engines all running, stationary in front of our house at the same time, and people hooting their horns constantly because they seem to think that will make a difference”
Mulberry Court
Following our enquiries about Mulberry Court, Octavia House have told us:
“Our Property Surveyor’s inspection does not indicate that there is a subsidence issue at Mulberry Court. The holes appear to be only around the drainage area and the initial thought is that this may be due to rodent activity. We have asked our drainage company to carry out a CCTV survey of the drain in question just in case there is a related issue, we have also instructed our pest control contractor to visit, inspect and start a baiting programme as appropriate.”
Mozart Estate
We have asked the Housing Department to look at opportunities to introduce more planting and greening on the Mozart Estate.
Young People
You can watch a short film whichfilm follows the journey of local young people at the summer programme that Queen’s Park Community Council put on in conjunction with HLEP with partnership funding through the Ward budget.
Queen’s Park Station
We have received the following update from TfL about plans for a lift at Queen’s Park station:
“The provision of step-free access at Queen’s Park is at the design stage and this work is being undertaken by Network Rail as it owns the infrastructure. It remains subject to further consideration of affordability, value for money and feasibility as the design is progressed. As such there is no date for the installation of lifts at the moment but we are contacting Network Rail for an update on how the design study is progressing.”
Electric scooters
We have raised residents’ concerns about the use of electric scooters with the Council. Residents say:
“Riding electric scooters on the Harrow Road today I have seen a mother with her young child and shopping, three separate men/women, and a man riding both on the road and pavement. Then on a side street a teenager riding on the road.
There are more and more of these silent electric scooter riders whizzing up and down on main roads among cars, buses and cycles and I’m concerned there is an accident waiting to happen… no lights, no helmet, no road training, under age and so on.”
Environmental Issues
We have reported the following issues and asked for action on
- Sixth Avenue– Residents say “All streets lights in the section of Sixth Avenue between Droop Street and Ilbert Street are not working and haven’t been for a few days now. Very dark along the whole street”
- Ashmore Road– persistent dumping of rubbish in the street
- Ha’Penny Steps– removing graffiti from the bridge and replacing defective lights
- Parry Road– “There is a hole forming in the pavement – concerned it might collapse completely soon with all the wet weather. Located on pavement outside 40 Parry Road”
- Nutbourne Street–Residents say the“street hasn’t been swept in a couple of weeks”
- Galton Street – residents have reported an increase in mice so we have asked the Environmental Health team to investigate.
- Bravington Road – we are supporting a request for a bike hangar
- Portnall Road – we have asked for an improved street sweeping service
- Ilbert Street – we have asked for the street lights to be fixed. Residents say “it is very worrying because as its getting darker now I would appreciate something done”
- Shirland Road– regular rubbish dumping by the green road works barriers. We have asked the green barriers be removed urgently so they do not continue to attract more rubbish dumping
Housing Issues
- Bravington Road– We have asked the Housing Team to investigate reports of persistent leaks in flat in Bravington Road
- Fifth Avenue– We have asked the Housing Department to install lighting in the hallway of a house in Fifth Avenue. The current arrangement is very dark and hazardous.
- Fir House – We have asked the Housing Team to investigate reports of persistent leaks in flat in Fir House
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.
Dog Mess
We have asked our local Inspector, Nuno, can arrange for more bins in the area. Residents say:
“Every time I walk anywhere, I inevitably come across 2 or 3 piles of dog mess on the pavements. There are currently none (or so few that I haven’t spotted them) public bins of any sort in the Avenues. I think it would be welcomed by everyone who lives here if we could get dog-mess bins installed to encourage people to clean up after their dogs?”
North Paddington Foodbank
The North Paddington Foodbank has opened a branch in Queens Park, at the Beethoven Centre. 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/
You can read a report of a recent North Paddington Foodbank customer survey here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J6jKmGhJB_0vDiG2jZLdZahLm7jqCSCK/view
Blood Donors
The NHS Blood and Transplant service is appealing for donations from people who have recovered from coronavirus to help save lives as London moves from “medium” to “high” alert. Donating blood plasma is a simple procedure and very similar to giving a normal blood donation but the red blood cells are returned to the patient and the process takes a little longer.
The nearest donor centre is at 26 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia. W1. Anyone who has had coronavirus, either a test result or the symptoms, can offer to donate by calling 0300 123 23 23 or visitinghttps://www.nhsbt.nhs.ukto arrange an appointment to donate.
Warm Homes Discount Scheme
You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2020 to 2021 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The Warm Home Discount Scheme for winter 2020 to 2021 will open on 12 October 2020. The money is a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between September and March. See here for more details https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Jobs and Skills
Microsoft and LinkedIn have produced a free programme to help those looking for a job and learn new skillswww.opportunity.linkedin.com
Cycle Mechanics
If you’re between 18-24 and looking at building a new skill that is in high demand, Westminster Wheels offers a paid six-month programme in cycle mechanics. By joining the project, you will be able to (1) learn how to refurbish unwanted bikes and provide affordable high-quality bikes for Westminster residentsand (2) get a training and employment experience to help prepare you for a career in the growing cycle industry. https://www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-wheels-programme
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:
Test and Trace Support Payments
You may be entitled to a Test and Trace Support Payment of £500 if you are self-isolating because of COVID-19 and you are either employed or self-employed. The payment is to support people on low incomes who are unable to work from home if they are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace and lose income as a result.Get full details on how to claim a Test and Trace Support Payment
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
“Thank you for your support and assistance in regards to Mulberry Court”
“Smashing update, thank you!”
“I thank you very much for your support”
“Thanks for your excellent update as usual”
“I’ve recently moved to Fifth Avenue, and wanted to say it is such a great thing to have real local representation, so thank you!”
“Just wanted to say a big Thank you for all your help with the red bikes situation – they have gone and not returned”
“Thank you. You do amazing tireless work, it is much appreciated”
Please let us know if we can be of any assistance.
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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