News from your three Harrow Road Councillors Ruth Bush, Guthrie McKie and Tim Roca
Dear Resident,
We hope you are well.
With the number of people getting vaccinated increasing every day and the number of people testing positive for coronavirus decreasing, we hope that we will soon be through the pandemic. 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://www.westminsterlabour.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. If you know of anyone else who might like to receive this report, please send them this sign-up link http://bit.ly/signuplabnews
Maida Hill Market
After years of lobbying, we have welcomed a court decision to grant Westminster Council’s application for a pre-emptive injunction at Maida Hill Market. The injunction imposes legal restrictions on the type of behaviour that Maida Hill market has experienced for a long time.
Residents have often complained about anti-social behaviour, however without formal complaints the police and council had few legal powers to act. The injunction prohibits such behaviour and is location specific, not person specific, allowing much greater enforcement action when needed. Local councillors were quick to point out that the injunction would need to be enforced sensitively, to continue to allow genuine community activity and need active co-operation between the council and police.
Betting shop at 357 Harrow Road
We are very disappointed that the Council’s Licensing Committee granted a licence to ‘Star Sports’ to open in the former William Hill premises at 357 Harrow Road, opposite Maida Hill Marketplace, despite strong representations against from your Harrow Road councillors, Karen Buck MP and local residents.
The Police (not our local police) originally opposed it but withdrew their objections after more conditions were imposed. This is most disappointing and concerning and we will keep as close a watch on how things go as we can.
Edbrooke Road
Residents have raised this issue with us:
“Why without any consulting of residents in Edbrooke Road and Goldney Road, our local park/gardens are once again being dug up apparently for picnic tables to be installed? During the first lockdown period in March last year a multi gym was installed taking away grass space and a table tennis table also appeared in the pathway! This green space is very small and is used mostly by local people. We have asked for the last 3 years for the trees to be pruned back and this has not happened but all of a sudden Westminster seem to have the funds to dig up most of the grass and install picnic tables and benches. “
Councillor Tim Roca says:
“I was as surprised as you to receive notice from residents earlier in the week that this was happening. The city inspector tells me the council were approached directly by residents asking for the picnic tables. I can’t say that I was contacted myself about this. My main correspondence with residents in the area has been about speeding.
Some neighbours have raised with me a concern about drainage in the gardens with the additional tarmac, and I’ve taken this issue up. Particularly in view of the path being waterlogged after the heavy rain last week.”
Speeding cars
We have begun a negotiation with the Cabinet Member for City Management to see what can be done about the random reckless speeding that is so terrifying for residents in otherwise quiet streets. Councillor Tim Roca will take Councillor Caplan on a socially distanced walk-about to experience this for himself. We look forward to the Council taking action.
Fernhead Road
Following our enquiries with the Highways Department to tackle speeding vehicles along Fernhead Road, two Vehicle Activated Signs will be installed – one on the lamp column outside No144 Fernhead Road and one on the northeast corner of Croxley Road at its junction with Fernhead Road.
Marylands Road
We have asked the Road Safety Team to investigate this issue after being contacted by shopkeepers on Marylands Road who say:
“There is no loading bay on Marylands road and we are 8 shops along that parade and delivery drivers have to double park, which is dangerous. Also, Marylands Road is a cut through from Harrow Road and I have seen far too many accidents on the corner of Marylands and Goldney Road ask for some speed restrictions, especially as there are two schools along that that stretch.”
Maida Hill Neighbourhood Forum
The Maida Hill Neighbourhood Forum will be holding their online AGM on Tuesday 9 March at 7.15pm. Do sign up for this, to hear what the Council plans for this area as well as for all the Forum’s news. More information is in their latest newsletter here
https://mailchi.mp/5d967107336a/maida-hill-matters?e=576440201c
Census 2021
Census Day is Sunday 21 March. The information collected every 10 years forms a vital basis for pressing central and local government for services. Everyone is required by law to fill in the form – online if possible, but it can be done by phone or on paper and help will be available. The personal information you provide is kept secure for 100 years by the Office for National Statistics. Only anonymous information is used for policy decisions and analysis.
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/
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 visiting https://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 skills
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
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/
Mayoral Election on 6th May – Voting by post
The Government has announced that the London Mayoral and GLA elections will be going ahead on 6th May 2021.
Some people may be concerned about going to the polling stations in person, having to wear a mask and waiting in a socially-distanced queue.
It will be much easier, quicker and safer to vote by post.
You can use this form to apply for a postal 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.
Rita Begum is Labour’s candidate for West Central in the GLA Elections
You can visit Rita’s website at https://www.ritabegum.com/
‘Westminster Extra’
You can now read the Westminster Extra online
Coronavirus (Covid-19) UPDATE
Interactive Map
You can see the latest data for your area here
https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map
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.
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/
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