Liza Begum is Labour’s candidate for the Churchill Ward by-election – 6th May
Liza Begum has been selected Labour’s candidate for the Church ward by-election on the 6th May, at the same time as the London Mayoral Election. It comes following the sad resignation of Andrea Mann, for family care reasons. Liza has been a tireless and visible campaigner on local issues. Her campaign to save Walden House and Cundy Street Flats received national media attention and it resulted in a victory for residents: winning the right to return for long established local social housing residents.
You can read more about Liza here https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/westminster-news/2021/03/18/liza-begum-for-churchill/
Darwin House and Balmoral Castle proposals
Over 500 Churchill Gardens residents have signed a petition to Westminster Council opposing the redevelopment plans for Darwin House.
https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/pimlico-residents-say-plans-knock-20265109
Liza Begum says:
“I am in support of Darwin House residents having new homes, but the scheme does not offer any additional council housing, which should be made a priority in any redevelopment especially since Westminster has over 4,000 people on their housing list. With many residents upset about the redevelopment, the sensible step for WCC would be to delay any decision. Under the pandemic we cannot guarantee that all residents can engage in a thorough and meaningful consultation, especially elderly residents that have found themselves digitally excluded under lockdown.
Residents have many concerns, for example the height of the proposed new block (for intermediate housing) means a loss of a riverside view for Shelley House residents and the impact on the conservation area. It is essential that any scheme meets the highest possible environmental standards and does not undermine Westminster’s aim to be Carbon Neutral by 2030. Residents have legitimate concerns and it is only right that the Council address those concerns before proceeding with the redevelopment.”
Chelsea Bridge Road
We have asked the Highways Team and the police to investigate the traffic situation on Chelsea Bridge Road. Residents have reported “excessive traffic noise from Chelsea Bridge Road, including revving engines, use of the car horns, music, sound of speeding vehicles.”
Tintern House
We are assisting a resident in Tintern House who has applied for a place in the bicycle hangar near where he lives. Following our enquiries, the Council told the resident, “Our team has already logged your application to this hangar and they will be in touch in due course regarding your application status and if successful, how to pay for the subscription service.”
Denbigh Place
We have asked the Council to investigate the condition of a Sanctuary Housing flat occupied by an elderly couple in Denbigh Place. The flat is riddled with damp and despite repeated requests for action, Sanctuary have done nothing.
Longleat House
We are continuing to assist residents in Longleat House who are experiencing problems with their heating.
Stourhead House
We are continuing to press the Housing Department to clear a blocked drain at Stourhead House.
Charlwood Street
We are helping residents in Charlwood Street in their dealings with Sanctuary Housing. They say, “Thank you so much for helping us with this, and with so many other Sanctuary problems over a number of years. You have been a great help to us and our daughter”
Thames Bridges
The combined repair bill for Westminster, Lambeth and Vauxhall bridges over the next decade could be in the range of £85 million to £130 million, according to Transport for London.
Some £43 million of public money was spent on the Garden Bridge, the pet project of Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he was Mayor of London. £24 million of that funding came from TfL while the rest was spent by the Department for Transport.
‘Passport to Pimlico’
You might be interested in the trailer for the late 1940’s film ‘Passport to Pimlico’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKrc0nIBHFs
Local writer
Local resident, Jennifer Kavanagh has written a book called Let Me Take You by the Hand, to be published in June. It makes parallels between Victorian London and the present, and cites Westminster as an example.