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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
Naylor House
We are pleased that the Planning Department has refused planning permission for 6 mobile phone antennas, 3 cabinets, 6 support poles on the roof of Naylor House, following opposition from residents and ourselves. The reason for refusal of permission was the damaging impact on the appearance of the building and the area. Residents say:
“I would like to thank you all for your support and your zeal for the common good of our community. Together we will continue to stand to promote the health and wellbeing and the overall good of our community.”
Kilburn Lane
Following our enquiries on behalf of residents about the smells coming from Sam’s Chicken shop at 338 Kilburn Lane, the owners have now installed a filter/extractor that will hopefully eliminate the nuisance in future.
Harrow Road, Kilburn Lane and Ladbroke Grove junction
We have received the following update:
“Works are nearing completion. The remaining works include carriageway resurfacing which will be undertaken between 8th December and 18th December 2020, with the majority of works been delivered at night between 8.00 PM and 6.00 AM.
A number of diversions will be in place overnight which will also impact bus services 28, 52, 316 and 452, please visit TfL Journey Planner for full details, advanced notices will also be placed in the affected bus stops/shelters.
Whilst we will endeavour to minimise the impact of noise on local residents, some of our works will be noisy. Breaking out the existing carriageway and ironworks, which is the nosiest aspect of works will be completed according to times agreed with the respective borough councils, the latest this work will be carried out is 23:00.”
Sixth Avenue
We have asked the Highways Team to take action on this issue:
“Sixth Avenue is a narrow road, but it is being used as a detour to get on to Harrow road or Kilburn Lane after the recent road closures. This is causing a lot of noise and congestion, as many lorries pass up and down Sixth Avenue. Also, cars do not exit Sixth Avenue until they reach Ilbert Street or beyond to get into Fifth Ave.The traffic noise is from 6.30am until late evening.”
We have also urged the Council to take strong action against those responsible for the regular rubbish dumping in Sixth Avenue.
Fernhead Road
We have repeated our request to the Highways Team for a zebra crossing outside St Luke’s School on Fernhead Road. Residents say:
“There used to be a “lollipop lady” who helped children across the street outside of St Luke’s School, the lady has since been removed. I sometimes watch with knots in my stomach as children, who are not met by adults, journey home, waiting for cars and buses to give them the right to cross, as the pavement outside the school becomes busier or a bus has stopped outside the school/church for passengers to alight or enter, and then I see the anxiety in the children trying to judge whether it’s safe to cross.
I’m afraid that crossing is an accident waiting to happen, and it’ll be either one of the children or one of our older residents seriously hurt, Fernhead Road is a high traffic road including buses, singular and double deckers and more recently accommodating bus route 52 and 316, right outside the school, as well as trucks, delivery mopeds and cyclists, and emergency vehicles who often speed down Fernhead Road.”
“Can I please add my voice to the request for a zebra crosssing outside St. Luke’s school on Fernhead Rd. One of the big problems here is that cars shoot across the junction from the Salusbury Rd side at high speed. When they enter Fernhead Road, they are travelling so fast that they don’t know that they have entered a 20-mph zone and continue to speed down Fernhead Road. I’ve had quite a few near misses myself; if I was a parent, I would be very anxious.”
We have also raised concerns about the recent increased levels of pollution while buses have been re-routed along Fernhead Road.
Portnall Road/Marban Road junction
We have again asked the Road Safety Team to take action following concerns raised by residents at the number of collisions and near-misses at this junction.
Bravington Road/Mozart Street junction
We have again urged the Council to take action against those responsible for the daily rubbish dumping by the tree and raised this matter with the Cabinet Member at the Council meeting on 11th November.
Queen’s Park Gardens – Dog run area
We have taken up this issue with the Parks Manger as well as presenting a petition to the Council meeting on 11th November;
“Without any consultation with other members of the community, including the dog owners that use the dog enclosure in Queens Park Gardens, a bench near the entrance for disabled access has been uprooted and moved to an area of the dog run raising risk to both dogs and dog owners.”
In response, the Parks Manager says:
“I agree that splitting the dog run into two sections would be counter-productive so will not be considered. I have instructed the grounds maintenance contractor to re-turf the very muddy area as soon as weather conditions allow, in the meantime we have erected advice notices on both entrance gates advising on the ground conditions.
We intend to review the bench location in 6 months to obtain from all parties the best position for it. The Police and City Inspectors have advised that inquiries are ongoing in relation to the other issues highlighted in the email and petition.”
Queen’s Park Gardens – Games area
We also asked the Parks Manager to investigate this issue raised by St Marylebone Bridge School on Third Avenue:
“The ‘caged’ area in the Queen’s Park gardens has been closed and locked – this has caused our school a lot of problems. The school uses this area for recreation at lunch times and for our PE lessons (especially as the Moberley is closed to schools at present). As we are a special needs school many of our students find any changes to day to day arrangements very difficult to manage.”
The Parks Manager told us: “I understand schools are exempt so will arrange to have a key delivered to the school on a temporary basis”.
We also asked for the cracks in the games area surface be repaired and received the following reply:
“We have commissioned repairs to the crack in the ballpark area, this is a minor repair but will resolve the problem in the playing surface. Any other changes to the playing surface will be discussed with colleagues in the sports team in the long term.”
Harrow Road
We have asked the Environmental Health Team to contact Kensington & Chelsea Council about the light pollution coming from a building site on Kensal Road on the other side of the canal. Residents say, “Everyone here is being blasted all night by lights from the building site on Kensal Road – the ambient levels are far too high”.
We have also asked the police to investigate the regular evening crowds and lack of social distancing outside the café at 549 Harrow Road.
Shirland Road/Ashmore Road junction
We are delighted that that volunteer gardeners have planted new shrubs and plants in the large planters on the corner of Ashmore Road and Shirland Road, with financial help from Queen’s Park Community Council. This brightens up this junction where there have been previous problems with rubbish dumping. Ulla Johnson, who is coordinating the planting, told us:
“The Ashmore/Shirland Road planters have been brought back to life and are now fully planted. While we’ve been out planting and doing the works we have been blown away by the number of positive comments & feedback from local residents expressing how happy they are to see the new plants & how the planters enhance the area particularly in the midst of lockdown/Covid19.
In the last week, we’ve also managed to accrue 6 local residents who have volunteered to help with the on-going maintenance of the planters (weeding, watering etc) which is great news.”
Ilbert Street
We asked the Street Lighting Team to repair broken street lights in Ilbert Street and they have told us:
“I attended Ilbert Street last night and I found that one column was not working on Ilbert St outside Queen’s Park Court column 4, and one to the rear of Queen’s Park Court column 27, I would like to confirm I have raised jobs for these to be repaired.”
Farnaby House
We have asked the Police to continue their patrols around Farnaby House after residents reported anti-social behaviour by intruders:
“They keep ringing residents’ buzzers saying they are either the postman or they have forgotten their key. And the door is being opened for them! They are back on the 3rd floor landing smoking drugs, charging their electric scooters, spitting in the lift and throwing rubbish everywhere. They also congregate on the stairwell.”
Portnall Road/Marban Road
We have asked Nuno, our local Inspector, to take action on these issues:
“We could also use some signs about picking up after your dog around Marban/Portnall, because at least one person is not and their dog pooped at my front gate. Please can a ‘no dumping’ sign be put up on the bin on the corner of Portnall and Marban Road as bags and other items are constantly dumped here.”
Ha’Penny Steps
We have asked for larger signs urging residents not to leave food – “People take huge quantities of bread and even rice or chips and dump it there to feed the pigeons during the day but of course it ends up feeding the rats.”
Also, we asked the Council to resurface the area around the bridge where the rats are gaining access, as well as clean away the graffiti. The Council say:
“I have arranged for a meeting with different agencies over this area and we have built in a monitoring schedule to prevent the feeding of birds. I have reached out to my counterpart in RBKC to have a round table meeting to discuss enforcement from both sides. The resurfacing has been raised along with the structural works to the bridge’s foundations. These are currently with Highways who are responsible for taking this forward.”
Environmental Issues
We have reported the following issues and asked for action on
- Enbrook Street – we have asked for more regular visits from the parking wardens to curb illegal parking.
- Portnall Road and Bravington Road – we have asked Nuno, our local Inspector, to investigate the poor state of a number of front gardens where furniture and rubbish has been dumped.
- Peach Road – we have asked Nuno if a pair of trainers hanging from the phone line can be removed.
- Kilburn Lane and Beethoven Street – we have asked for street sweeping to be improved
- Ashmore Road – we have asked for an abandoned car to be removed and for street sweeping to be improved.
- Marne Street – we have asked for dumped rubbish to be removed.
- Selby Square – we attended a meeting with A2Dominion where they outlined plans to improve the gardens to improve security and make them more attractive and welcoming.
Housing Issues
- Ashmore Road – We have contacted Network Housing about numerous unresolved housing issues in a flat in Ashmore Road, such as damp and no gas, which no one has been to fix.
- Third Avenue – We are supporting a resident who says he has been evicted illegally.
- Fernhead Road – We are helping residents sort out their Housing Benefit entitlement.
- Nutbourne Street – We are supporting residents who are affected by the major works next door being undertaken by Axis on behalf of the Council.
- Parry Road – We have again urged the Housing Department to re-let the empty house on Parry Road which has been vacant for many months.
- Oak House – We have asked the Housing Department to investigate reports from residents of unauthorised parking by non-residents.
Queen’s Park Court
We have asked the Housing Department to fix a broken gutter which residents told us, “is discharging bucket loads of water onto the brick wall below. This water has ended up penetrating the wall and is now in my living room. Every time it rains the situation gets worse and worse”.
Following our enquiries, the resident told us:
“I just wanted to update you on my case as the gutter was FINALLY repaired today. After all the debate of whether they’d use scaffolding or abseil down from the roof, which probably caused a two or three week delay to the repair, they finally ended up using a ladder and the repair was done in less than an hour! Can only but laugh! Now the drying process begins… Thanks again for all the support. You have been most kind.”
Play Streets – Update
We have received the following update from Queen’s Park Community Council:
“During October half term children and young people were back out regularly using the street space in Queen’s Park to play. Kilravock Street and Ashmore Road residents used the temporary road closures to provide extra space to play. Young residents used the space to practice and learn cycling, skating and skipping and use chalk for games and art. PCs Dave and Helena from the Safer Neighbourhoods Team popped down to speak with the children and build community relations.
With a great turnout for the new sessions on Ashmore Road and continued usage on Kilravock Street residents want to run more in the future. Westminster have currently closed applications for Play Streets during lockdown however we will look to facilitate more sessions with residents when restrictions lift.”
‘Let’s Dance Not Fight’
LIVESTREAM Sunday 13th December at 5pm
Paddington Arts Youth Dance Group perform live ‘Let’s Dance Not Fight’
‘Let’s Dance Not Fight’ is a commissioned piece of dance theatre, and a programme of outreach workshops aimed at young people from West London. The aims of the project are to:
- Promote youth dance across West London
- Provide a showcase for diversity and excellence in youth dance
- Make a stand against intolerance, hatred and violence
- Give a platform to those (particularly young people) who have been affected by violence or intolerance and/or are campaigning against it
To reserve tickets info@paddingtonarts.org.uk
Remembrance Service
We attended the Remembrance Service at St John’s Church, Harrow Road on Sunday 8th November and laid wreaths in memory of those brave service men and women who were killed in both World Wars.
Congratulations to Ryan Dalton!
Congratulations to Ryan Dalton at QPG Hub who, after delivering hot meals to the community daily since the start of the pandemic, was recently selected by the team at Oxford Street W1, as this week’s 2020Hero and had his name shining along Oxford Street for the entire week. QPG Hub will continue to deliver hot meals to residents until Christmas.
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.
Festive Lights
The Festive lights in the tree at Ha’penny Bridge were turned on at 3pm on 1st December.
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/
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
You can read a report of a recent North Paddington Foodbank customer survey here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J6jKmGhJB_0vDiG2jZLdZahLm7jqCSCK/view
Queen’s Park Community Council
QPCC gets a mention in this article on how ‘Local people have had to improvise during the pandemic’;
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.uk to 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 residents and (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
Housing
Queen’s Park Ward Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg has written a new book, Building the New Jerusalem: How Attlee’s Government Built 1 Million New Homes.
The book explains how Labour went about its task of building homes and fulfilling post-war housing aspirations; how it dealt with the post-war scarcity of materials and labour and how it dealt with the dire economic situation and other ‘events’. The book also includes suggestions as to how a future Labour Government might go about the task of rebuilding Britain’s housing infrastructure following the next General Election.
The book is available in paperback and Kindle format
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08N1H3PYL
All royalties from sales of the book will be donated to Foodbanks in Westminster.
‘Early Voting’ – Voting by post
Voting by post is an easy and convenient way of voting. Millions of people in the USA voted early by using a postal vote. You can, too!
You can use this form to apply to vote by post:
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 of 9 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
NHS Responders and Westminster Connects
Residents have raised with us that there is a shortage locally of NHS responders (volunteers) to support residents who are self-isolating with tasks such as picking up prescriptions from chemists. We were also told that Westminster Connects (the Westminster council service that supports residents during lockdown) was also not supporting residents with such tasks as they were thought to be the responsibility of NHS responders. However, after we raised this issue with them, Westminster Connects officers confirmed that their volunteer team would now pick up prescriptions for residents so there should not be any more difficulties in the future.
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.
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. If you can spare some time and would like to volunteer during lockdown please sign up here
For help or further information, you can phone 0208 960 5644 and leave a message, or text 07511 590 997 or visit https://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
“Brilliant as always”
“Thank you as always for covering so much in such a clear way. The update on the Kilburn Lane junction looks like good news – even though it is causing a lot of disruption now, it will hopefully be a real benefit for pedestrians into the future.”
“Without doubt you guys make a sure big difference to the area, thank you. It is very reassuring to know you on the case.”
“A really detailed update. Thank you.”
“Thank you for the updates on local issues. Thank you all for the good works and your service to our community.”
“Your support helped kick start the kitchen repair and the process has been completed.”
“Always a pleasure to receive your newsletters and keep up to date with what’s happening in the neighbourhood”
“Thank you very much. Really appreciate your action on trying to make our neighbourhood nice.”
“I cannot thank you enough for your incredibly speedy response to my earlier request regarding the bicycle hanger. It has quite made my day.”
Please let us know if we can be of any assistance.
Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to your neighbours. If you know of anyone else who might like to receive this report, please send them this sign-up link http://bit.ly/signuplabnews
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