BAYSWATER & LANCASTER GATE LABOUR ACTION REPORT – June 2021
News from Councillor Maggie Carman and the Labour Action Teams in Bayswater & Lancaster Gate
WARD NEWS AND ACTION
Prince’s Square Gardens
Councillor Maggie Carman is supporting Prince’s Square residents who are concerned about plans to sell off Prince’s Square Gardens, for over £5 million, which might see them no longer able to use the Gardens. There is considerable concern amongst the 300 residents who currently use the beautiful square that it could become a private garden or be turned into a venue for noisy functions and corporate events.
Maggie is calling on the Council to support residents’ legal fight to continue to be able to use the square in the future and to investigate taking the Gardens into Council ownership to secure public access to Prince’s Square Gardens. This would safeguard a community asset for the public and increase usage to a wider number of people.
Councillor Maggie Carman said, “The careful stewardship, hours of voluntary work and generous donations by Prince’s Square residents has made this beautifully landscaped and well-preserved Garden. Now the owners are trying to profit from residents’ hard work and dedication.”
Prince’s Square Gardens is presently used by residents on an annually renewable membership basis. The controlling shareholders of the Gardens have put the Gardens up for sale and if a sale goes through it is almost certain that the Gardens will become an exclusive money-making business which will let out the Gardens for high-end events. Residents will no longer be able to use the Gardens.
Maggie is also supporting the Friends of Prince’s Square Gardens in their campaign to have the Gardens listed as an Asset of Community Value. She says:
“For many years it has provided an oasis of tranquility in the busy heart of W2. It has been lovingly cared for by volunteers and many have donated generously to enhance the Gardens, including the provision of a new children’s play area. It has helped foster community cohesion among neighbours in this densely populated area and, especially during lockdowns, provided a welcome sanctuary and distraction and has played its part in preserving mental health. It is dismaying to find it now for sale on the open market and at risk of being lost to the local community. I urge the Friends of Princes Square Gardens to explore all avenues to save this community asset, including opening access to the wider community.”
You can read more here https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9574471/Acre-garden-near-Notting-Hill-built-1856-goes-sale.html
Hereford Road
We have asked the Environmental Health Team to investigate the considerable noise coming from a building site in Hereford Road. Residents say:
“The noisy works were supposed to end in April, it is still going on today. Some days, they even bring in a huge electric generator and a big truck (engine idling for a long time), the noise and air pollution become even more disruptive.”
We have also repeated our request for extra electric car charging points in Hereford Road following the regular problems with the existing charging points which are often not working.
Councillor Maggie Carman is also helping shared ownership residents in a house in Hereford Road managed by Notting Hill Genesis who have been suffering from persistent leaks for the past five years. Residents say:
“I originally requested a repair in February 2016. Some contractors came and left giving me no idea when the leak would be repaired. I complained multiple times over the past four years. Again, I had visits inspecting the leak but no action was taken. The Genesis repairs process is extremely bureaucratic and it may take up to two months (including consultation with tenants) before the work can start. The damage over the past four years is now significant.”
Porchester Road
Councillor Maggie Carman has asked if the siting of bus stop J, on Porchester Road can be moved 50 yards. Maggie says, “What happens now is that the 36 bus sails past the bus stop and stops further up the road to the annoyance and inconvenience of people waiting. The proprietor of the Porchester newsagents by the stop said his customers were always complaining about it and an elderly lady in the shop told me how she had badly sprained her knee while hurrying to catch the bus. Moving the bus stop to the lamp column would be much more convenient.”
Following Maggie’s request, the Highways Team say, “Good news – the team have agreed that this lighting column is suitable and will move the sign.”
Also, Maggie has objected to the planning application for the continued use of the Basement and Ground Floor 54 Porchester Road as a restaurant and hot food takeaway. She says: “Residents of Celbridge Mews already suffer problems with delivery drivers congregating in the mews and with the continual noise of vehicles coming and going. There is also sometimes blocking of the entrance and illegal parking in the mews”
Porchester Square
Councillor Maggie Carman is continuing to help a resident in Porchester Square whose flat needs urgent repairs to be undertaken by the Council.
Bridgefield House
Councillor Maggie Carman has objected to the planning application for the installation of six antenna apertures, four dishes and eight cabinets all at rooftop level at Bridgefield House. She says: “It will be an unsightly jumble and will spoil the skyline and views from Porchester Road and Queensway. It is also adjacent to the listed Porchester Centre.”
Westbourne Park Road
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate this issue:
“There has been a huge increase in heavy lorries using Westbourne Park Road over the last few months. Some of this is no doubt caused by the closure of Westbourne Park Villas, but as the lorries should not be using WPV either, the problem is the same. My guess is that lorries have worked out that they can circumvent the road narrowing bollards opposite The Cow using the emergency services access route, and this affords them a speedy alternative to Westbourne Grove or The Harrow Road to traverse our area.
The lorries also cause considerable vibration driving over the speed humps which causes structural damage to the houses along the road. Could you explore ways to either enforce existing traffic regulations and /or monitor the traffic on the road if further evidence is needed the drivers are abusing the emergency service access route.”
Junction of Chepstow and Talbot Roads
Residents have asked:“Would it be possible to have a pelican crossing at this location? It never seems very safe when crossing, it is not clear when pedestrians can cross, and there does not seem to be enough time allowed to do so.”
Councillor Maggie Carman says: “Exactly what I thought! I’ve been successful in persuading the Council to install green man crossings. Work should start this summer.”
Artesian Road
We have raised this issue with the Environmental Health Team:
“Residents of Artesian Road, Needham Road, Moorhouse Road, and Sutherland Place have had today comprehensively disrupted by the arrival of a ‘party’ bus that arrived and was parked outside the Church of St Mary of the Angels before pumping out ‘dance music’ at a thunderously loud volume so loud that it made windows in neighbouring houses shake.”
The Environmental Health Team say:
“A party style bus parked in Artesian Rd for about 45 minutes and played music from the open top deck. This party bus had nothing to do with the licensed premises and was apparently the subject of different complaints from other locations, and it apparently started its journey in Soho area.
Secondly, the residents of a basement flat in Needham Rd were playing amplified music from their front garden. They had an audience of about 30 people dancing in the street, drinking their own alcohol. We then received 3 further complaints about loud music in the basement flat; they were visited and advised, sometime after midnight. We are drafting a letter to residents as a warning regarding noise nuisance.”
Queensway – delivery bikes
Following our enquiries about delivery bike riders unlawfully using the pavement, raised by residents, the Highways Team say:
“Our team have raised the issue of cycling-related deliveries on Queensway to the Neighbourhood Coordinator and they have escalated the issue at their regular partnership meeting, where traffic contraventions against the Road Traffic Act (1988) are dealt by the (MPS) and cycling on pavement or against one-way traffic can result in fixed penalty notices (FPNs) being issued. As a result of this, enforcement actions have been taking place on Queensway commencing 10 May 2021 and additional activities are expected to tackle the ongoing issues in the area. Regarding non-delivery cyclists, the same enforcement actions apply. Locations are reviewed periodically for appropriate signage to aid road user compliance.”
Gloucester Terrace
We are continuing to press G.Network to speed up the installation of high-speed fibre broadband in Gloucester Terrace, following requests from residents.
Planted Front Gardens
We have welcomed the campaign from the Notting Hill East Neighbourhood Forum to protect planted front gardens from being lost by their conversion to unattractive paved and concreted parking areas.
Bishop’s Bridge Road and Gloucester Terrace junction
Pedestrian ‘green-man’ safe crossing facilities will be installed at all arms of the junction of Bishop’s Bridge Road and Gloucester Terrace, starting on 21st June. This will include footway widening and carriageway resurfacing. Works are expected to last for 16 weeks.
Supporting Leaseholders
Local leaseholders have given us details of two organisations which are able to help leaseholders in battles against freeholders:
The Leasehold Partnership (run by leaseholders and solicitors)
https://www.leaseholdknowledge.com
The National Leasehold Campaign (set up leaseholders)
https://nationalleaseholdcampaign.org
Policing
For the latest local police statistics see https://www.met.police.uk/a/your-area/met/westminster/bayswater/ and https://www.met.police.uk/a/your-area/met/westminster/lancaster-gate/
Parties at Airbnb premises
There have been a number of parties in flats let out as short lets. A number of residents have experienced massive disruption as a result and it’s unacceptable. As soon as parties begin it’s crucial to both contact the Council’s Noise Team and the police so they can turn up to break up the party. Both need to be there to intervene effectively and preferably they should be called out as soon as possible.
- Contact the Council’s noise team: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it or 0207 641 2000
- Contact the police on 101 or tag them on twitter on @MetCC
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/
Survey of Residents’ Views
We want to know what you think the Council’s priorities should be over the coming years. Please let us know by completing this short survey so we can take action on your priorities. Thank you
https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90333853/Westminster-Labour-Survey
E-scooters
The police have told us the following:
“Currently in the UK, you can legally buy an e-scooter, but you cannot ride it on a public road, cycle lane or pavement. The only place it can be used is on private land. The reason for this is that e-scooters are treated as motor vehicles by the Department of Transport and are subject to the same legal requirement as other vehicles, such as MOT, licencing, tax and insurance. Because they don’t always have number plates, signalling ability or visible rear lights, they cannot be used legally on the roads.
What happens if I am stopped by the police? The police will advise you on the law and may ask you to take your e-scooter home. They may, however, still penalise you depending on the seriousness of the offence. If caught riding an e-scooter, fines you may receive can include: (a) a Fixed Penalty Notice for no insurance, with a £300 fine and six penalty points, (b) a Fixed Penalty Notice for no driving licence, up to £100 fine and three-six penalty points.
Other offences which may result in penalties include riding on the footpath, using a mobile phone, riding through red lights and drink driving offences.”
‘Westminster Extra’
You can read the ‘Westminster Extra’ online
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
Report It
You can tell the Council about dumped rubbish, broken streets, graffiti and more by using Report It https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it
Coronavirus (Covid-19) UPDATE
Dispelling the vaccination myths
Here is the link to a video featuring Black 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 Covid data for your area here
https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map
Westminster Council’s advice and response website:
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-and-information
Volunteers at the he Bayswater Mutual Aid & Community-based Response Group are offering to shop or run errands. You can contact them on 020 8123 7839 and bayswatercovid19@gmail.com
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/
Hyde Park – what you say
“I would like to bring to your attention the fact that in spite of the clear prohibition of riding bicycles outside the dedicated cycling routes in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, there are a growing number of cyclists and electric scooters who regularly use the walking paths, sometimes travelling at great speeds, with little or no consideration to pedestrians. I discussed the fact with a few of the park staff who are equally frustrated but appear to be powerless since this is a matter for the police.”
What you say
“Thank you for an excellent, informative newsletter!”
“Thank you for this – I too am a resident on Westbourne Park Road and have experienced the exact same thing with speeding cars. The whole house shakes and I have complained several times about this.”
“Thanks for your informative newsletter”
“Thanks also for your latest Labour Action Report. I always enjoy catching up with all that you’re doing with and for the community.”
“Brilliant Maggie. Well done! And thanks for your prompt reply”
“Thank you for the report. The first I have received and I found it most welcome, a report that I found both useful and informative. Keep up the good work.”
“Thank your providing your periodic updates which I follow with great interest as a resident of many years in Bayswater.”
“Thanks so much Maggie for your support!”
“Wonderful work Maggie. You certainly are motivated and get action. I am sorry to keep referring you to people, but you are so good. “
“Many thanks for your help, you will be pleased to know that the fact that we get stuff like zebra crossing and road resurfacing done convinced me to keep voting Labour!”
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
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Keep well, take care and look after yourself and your neighbours.
Regards
Councillor Maggie Carman, James Small-Edwards and Max Sullivan
Bayswater Labour Action Team – Here to Help, All Year Round
Bayswater@westminsterlabour.org
Tweet @bayswaterLabour
Angela Piddock, Elizabeth Whitmore and Simon Wyatt
Lancaster Gate Labour Action Team
Tweet @LancGateLabour