HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – May 2021
News from your Hyde Park Labour Action Team – Judith Southern, Paul Fisher and Paul Dimoldenberg
Dear Resident,
As more people are getting vaccinated and the number of people testing positive for coronavirus is falling, we hope that the pandemic will soon be coming to an end. We are doing all we can to help the local community and individual residents and their families.
Over the last month residents in Hyde Park Ward have raised issues with us and this is a summary of the action we have been taking, together with an update on a number of local issues. You can read our latest news on https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
If you know of anyone else who might like to receive this report, please send them this sign-up link http://bit.ly/signuplabnews
NEWS AND ACTION
The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road/Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens
Sussex Square
We have asked the Council to investigate this issue and to take the necessary action.
“We live in Sussex Square, and noticed now that there are significantly more Uber cabs (since easing of lockdown). There are also more cabs stopping during late evening/night and pouring out their liquid onto the street. I recently read an article discussing how Uber drivers urinate into bottles whilst they are waiting for fares, and wondered if the liquid that they are pouring onto the street could be somehow investigated and stopped? It cannot be a good thing in 2021 that they have nowhere else to urinate, but also the health aspects to urine in the street?”
The Council say:
“I have contacted Uber and asked them to put out a warning to drivers not to behave this way in future. In addition, local City Inspectors and the police have agreed to keep an eye out for any transgressions at this location and will take appropriate enforcement action should they witness anything.”
Portsea Place
We have asked the Council to remove two abandoned bikes from the bike racks on Portsea Place, at the Kendal Street junction.
Tyburn Convent, Bayswater Road
Following our letter to the Prioress of Tyburn Convent, the problems caused by the noise from the cockerels has now been resolved to the relief of many residents in St George’s Fields next door.
St George’s Fields
We have asked the Environmental Health Team to investigate an overcrowded flat in St George’s Fields which suffers from extensive damp.
Titchbourne Row
There is a loose post on the pavement outside 3 Titchbourne Row which we have asked the Highways Team to secure.
Talbot Square – update
Following our request to the Council for area in front of the hotel at the corner of Talbot Square to be cleared of waste, the Council say:
“The waste is being stored on private land, however the City Inspector requested that they get rid of the bulky waste such as the plastic crates, wooden pallets and the cardboard to improve the appearance and risk of further refuse accumulating in this area. The contractors have a collection almost every day.”
Hyde Park Estate Residents – HyPER
HyPER, a new residents’ group has been established by Hyde Park Estate residents. For more details, visit https://hyper.uk/
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Bouverie Place/Star Street/St Michael Street
We have asked the local police to investigate residents’ reports of crack being used in the Bouverie Place/Star Street/St Michael Street area. The police say, “We will investigate and keep you updated with any progress.”
Junction Place
We have asked the Council to remove an abandoned bike chained to the railings on Junction Place.
Sale Place/Star Street
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate the water ‘ponding’ outside the laundrette on the corner of Sale Place and Star Street.
St Michael’s Street
We contacted Notting Hill Genesis about the very poor state of the outside of a number of properties in St Michael’s Street to asked when repairs will take place here and in Star Street. NHG have told us that they hope to include the repair works for St Michael’s Street and Star Street in the programme for 2022/2023 and say:
“I was hoping they would be added to this year’s programme however, due to it being a conservation area and having some leaseholders, we have a lengthy process to follow before carrying out works”
We will continue to press NHG to undertake the works as soon as possible
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2021/04/20/call-for-action-in-st-michaels-street/
We have also asked the Street Lighting Team to repair a broken street light junction box outside 18 St Michael’s Street.
Praed Street – taxis outside the Hilton Paddington Station – what you say
“How many more years are we going to put up with TfL and the Highways department saying they are going to look into it? This has been going on for at least five years and only stopped during the pandemic because there were no train passengers. The local residents’ association tried to raise awareness, I have personally sent emails to TfL and followed up to no avail. Once in a while they’ll put a warden there to tell them to move on but that’s usually just for one day and the next day the taxis are back again.”
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Chapel Street/Cabbell Street
We have asked TfL to remove the derelict and vandalised phone box outside Edgware Road underground Station.
Chapel Street
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate the water ‘ponding’ on the Chapel Street pavement, opposite the Transept Street junction.
The Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Cladding scandal
A number of buildings in the Paddington Basin area are seriously affected by the cladding scandal which has turned the dream of owning a home into a nightmare. Innocent residents are trapped, unable to sell and paying extortionate ‘waking watch’ charges. The Government has done next to nothing to help. They expect residents to foot the bill to fix a problem that wasn’t their fault, leaving them facing unaffordable leaseholder charges. We say:
- All unsafe cladding should be replaced by 2022.
- Leaseholders shouldn’t have to pay for repairs.
- Leaseholders should receive government support to replace cladding.
- End exorbitant charges for ‘waking watches’.
Karen Buck MP questioned the Housing Minister recently over revelations that leaseholders in new build blocks of flats are facing huge safety bills despite previously being assured their buildings were fine.
‘Don’t’ punish the innocent’, says The Guardian
Sheldon Square
We have contacted Notting Hill Genesis on behalf of shared ownership lessees who are concerned about the costs to lessees of installing long-awaited air conditioning units. NHG say “We are hopeful we will be able to cover the majority (if not all) of the costs of the air conditioning, although we need to receive the feasibility report from our consultants before we can confirm this to our residents.”
Montgomery House – parking
We are continuing to press the Council to increase the number of residents’ parking spaces in the area. If parking is a problem for you, please get in touch with us at HydeParkLabourActionTeam@gmail.com
Canal towpath
We have written to the Canal & River Trust about this issue:
“Since the new Aldi Little Venice opened, we social housing residents at Sheldon Square have been making a beeline as there are no cheap grocery shops near us. The shortest route to the new Aldi is via the tow path which is in bad disrepair and shopping trolleys can’t be taken on it because of the uneven surface due to overgrown tree roots and wonky cobble stones. Before Aldi the tow path disrepair wasn’t an issue as people weren’t carrying shopping, but now it is as carrying heavy shopping can lead to twisted ankles or broken wheels.”
Paddington Central
Plans to improve the amphitheatre and shop fronts at Paddington Central have been approved by Westminster City Council. The central area will be revamped with new planting, increased seating capacity, improved accessibility, a new permanent screen, and enhancements to the existing retail façade.
https://www.prolandscapermagazine.com/paddington-central-amphitheatre-gets-green-light/
Travis Perkins site
We are waiting for a date when the planning application will be submitted. For details of the Unite student accommodation proposals visit https://www.balticwharfpaddington.co.uk
Former Paddington Green Police Station
You can read the latest on the plans for the former Paddington Green Police Station site here https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/new-skyscraper-could-replace-mets-former-counter-terrorism-hq/
A planning application has now been submitted and you can make comments on line at https://idoxpa.westminster.gov.uk/online-applications/ using reference 21/02193/FULL
Other Issues
Mews Survey
Our local Mews are great places to live – and we want to keep them that way! Over recent months we have been getting out and about, talking to residents about their concerns and taking up issues on their behalf. If you are a mews resident, it would be great if you could let us know which issues are important to you by filling in our mews survey below.
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/uncategorised/2021/04/12/hyde-park-mews-survey/
Marble Arch Vaccination Walk-In Centre
You might like to take advantage of the walk-in COVID-19 vaccination service (for first vaccines only) located at etc.venues Marble Arch, 86 Edgware Road, W2 2EA and is open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 7pm.
You can receive a vaccine if:
- You are at high risk from coronavirus (ie. are ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’)
- You are at moderate risk from coronavirus (ie. are ‘clinically vulnerable’)
- You live or work in a care home
- You are a health and social care worker
- You have a learning disability
- You are the main carer for someone who is at high risk from coronavirus.
There is no need to book an appointment. Simply bring proof of your age, name and address and your NHS number if you have it.
Food Waste collections – update
Following our enquiries about food waste collections, we have received the following update:
“Our food waste collection pilot schemes were unfortunately curtailed due to covid but we are currently finalising plans to recommence the roll-out of food waste collections to all residents. We expect to start introducing food waste collections from September this year but the timetable for services to individual wards hasn’t yet been agreed.”
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/hyde-park/
Voting by post
It is much easier, quicker and safer to vote by post. You have two weeks in which to cast your vote and you can vote at home.
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.
‘Westminster Extra’
You can read the ‘Westminster Extra’ online
Coronavirus (Covid-19) UPDATE
Dispelling the vaccination myths
Here is the link to a video featuring Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic celebrities dispelling myths about the vaccine and encouraging people to have the vaccination
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2Ald__AhbI
Interactive Map
You can see the latest data for your area here
https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map
What you say
“Well done. Wishing you all the best”
“I can’t thank you enough for your support and especially assistance in dealing with this very extraordinary issue”
“Many thanks for your swift response, very impressive”
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
Please feel free to pass this report 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
Please keep safe, stay well and look after yourself and your neighbours.
Regards
Judith Southern, Paul Fisher and Paul Dimoldenberg
Your Hyde Park Labour Action Team – Here to Help, All Year Round
You can contact us at HydeParkLabourActionTeam@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook @LabourHydePark