QUEEN’S PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – August 2021
News from your three Queen’s Park Ward Labour Councillors Paul Dimoldenberg, Patricia McAllister and Hamza Taouzzale and Cara Sanquest
WARD NEWS AND ACTION
Flash Flooding
The recent heavy rainfall caused serious flooding leaving many basement flats in north Paddington uninhabitable and causing tens of thousands of pounds of damage. Octavia told us that one of their properties in Queen’s Park was affected. A number of properties in Ashmore Road have been affected which we reported to the Highways Team who told us:
“One of my team have been to site and we have raised a job to clear both the leaves on top of the gully (contributing to the lack of water filtering away) and for the gully to be cleared. I will be sitting down with the Drainage Team to discuss what measures we can put in place for these problem areas.”
We have called for an independent inquiry into why Thames Water’s systems failed. Here is Karen Buck MP’s letter to Thames Water demanding action and compensation for residents https://bit.ly/2W9nidL
For advice on how residents affected can get support
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/flash-flooding-westminster
For details of support for businesses impacted by the flash-flooding
https://mailchi.mp/westminster/business-update-146746?e=aee1a1aa77
Kilburn Lane/Harrow Road/Ladbroke Grove
Following another serious action at this junction, we have asked the Highways Team to instigate a full investigation of the safety of this junction following the installation of the pedestrian phase last year.
Ashmore Road/Marban Road junction
We have again asked the Highways Team to install better signage at this junction to improve road safety for drivers and pedestrians.
Fernhead Road/Saltram Crescent
Resurfacing works near the Fernhead Road/Saltram Crescent junction will be undertaken shortly. We are told that this should deal with the problem of the vibration caused to residents on either side, where there’s been a strip of repair done years ago which somehow was never solid enough.
Queen’s Park Court
We contacted the Emergency Repairs Team after residents contacted us about a problem with the electricity and water at Queen’s Park Court. Residents said, “We currently have no water around Queen’s Park Court, not sure what has happened. it started with no electricity this morning around 7am then no water, most of the residents are affected, there has been no response from Westminster, not even emergency bottle water, there are residents with children and we are not sure what to do. We are buying water but surely this should be something Westminster should be doing, please help”.
Later that day, residents told us, “Just to update you, the water has now come on, thank you so much for your input.”
Harrow Road – between Second and Third Avenues
The Highways Team is proposing a road safety scheme between Second and Third Avenues on Harrow Road. The proposals include:
- Widening of the footway along Harrow Road between Second and Third Avenue
- Removal and relocation of existing street furniture which affect visibility
- Upgrading existing loading restrictions
- Temporary Covid 19 cycle lane to be made permanent (subject to ongoing discussions).
- 2 new cycle hangars
- Installation of countdown timer on the existing pedestrian crossing.
These measures aim to calm vehicle speeds, improve intervisibility and shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
Fifth Avenue/Lothrop Street
We have asked the Tree Officers to investigate this issue:
“The young tree planted on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Lothrop was (accidentally?) decapitated a few months ago and after a while it was replaced with a new sapling. Now the new sapling has also been decapitated. No idea what is going on but the trees are much needed for shade and generally that corner seems denuded without one.”
The Tree Officer says that a replacement tree will be planted in the Autumn.
Parry Road
We have again called on the Police and the Council to take strong action against the residents of a property in Parry Road which has been the centre of serious anti-social behaviour over recent months.
Kilburn Lane
We have again asked for action on traffic speeds along Kilburn Lane. Residents say:
“The 20mph sign needs to be written in white paint on the carriageway, as well as better general signage, at the moment there is only a promotional banner. Whenever there is a clear section of road vehicles race along, over the limit including TfL buses. City of Westminster and Brent need to work together on this neglected traffic management. Banister Road and Kilburn Lane in the area surrounding the Moberley Sports centre is dangerous for pedestrians due to speeding vehicles and bad sight lines.”
Following our request to the police to take action against speeding vehicles along Kilburn Lane, the police say:
“We have managed to get some traffic resources to work alongside us to target traffic offences in Queens Park. I will brief the officers and request a unit to be posted to Kilburn Lane.”
Ha’Penny Steps
We have again reported residents’ concerns about rats being sighted around Ha’Penny Steps. The Council says, “baiting has continued at the steps each month and will continue as part of the programme to abate vermin in the area. We will continue to discourage the bird feeders who acerbate the problem in the area.”
Caird Street
Ecoworld will soon start to sell the new homes on Caird Street. This is what they say on Facebook:
“Don’t forget that the Townhouse Collection is launching on Sat 4th September at Third & Caird. 3-bedroom townhouses located in a charming residential area, Maida Hill W10. Book a viewing. Prices from £1.22 million”
Environmental and other Issues
- Kilburn Lane – we again asked the Council to clear the rubbish dumped outside Brooke Court. The rubbish has now been removed and residents say, “Thank you very much for sorting the issue of 300 Kilburn Lane. It was an awful eyesore and is less so now”.
- Kilburn Lane/Portnall Road – following our enquiries about illegally parked cars at this location, the Parking Team tell us that “12 visits have been made to the area and 4 Parking Tickets were issued and 10 vehicles are being investigated. The visits will continue.”
- Fifth Avenue – we have asked the Street Lighting Team to fix the broken streetlight outside 80 Fifth Avenue, has now been fixed, and outside 119 Fifth Avenue.
- Barfett Street – at the request of residents, we have asked the Tree Officer if the tree outside 20/22 Barfett Street can be pruned. Residents say, “Thank you – they did it today and it looks so much better.”
- Harrow Road – we have asked the police and Council to investigate reports from residents about anti-social behaviour outside a number of shops at Canal Flats on Harrow Road.
- Kilburn Lane – we helped a business on Kilburn Lane with a Business Rates issue.
- Marne Street – we have asked the Street Lighting Team to fix a broken streetlight in Marne Street. Residents say, “The light in the middle of Marne Street does not work for a couple of weeks now. When it’s fixed, it goes out again within a few weeks.”
- Ilbert Street – we have asked the Council to take action against a person who was photographed dumping building material from his car in Ilbert Street. His car registration number is clearly visible.
- Nutbourne Street – we have asked the Street Lighting Team to fix a broken streetlight in Nutbourne Street.
- Pink and Green Bins – you may have seen the pink and green refuse bins that have appeared in some locations. They are part of a Council experiment. What do you think of the new bins?
Housing Issues
- Pine House – we have persuaded the Housing Department to help an elderly resident in Pine House who is moving to supported living and needs practical assistance in settling into her new home.
- Bravington Road – we are continuing to assist a family in Bravington Road who are threatened with eviction.
- Third Avenue – we are helping a resident in Third Avenue who is experiencing noise issues from neighbours. We are helping another resident in Third Avenue with long-standing repairs issues.
- Birch House – we continued to help a Birch House resident with a mutual exchange.
- Kilburn Lane – we have contacted the Housing Department after residents in Kilburn Lane reported a leak to their roof.
- Holly House – we have asked the Housing Team to resolve long-standing repairs in a flat in Holly House.
- Bravington Road – we are supporting a resident’s application for a housing transfer under the Seaside and Country Homes scheme.
- Lothrop Street – following our enquiries, the Major Works Team has agreed to reschedule the timing of works to a house in Lothrop Street to enable residents to recover from a recent operation.
- Looking for a mutual exchange? – we have received this enquiry from a local family; “We currently live on the Avenues in a two-bedroom house. We would like to move to a three-bedroom property. We would like to swap with someone local, someone who might need to downsize.” Please contact us if you are interested.
Housing – families need time to grieve
Losing a close family member is a devastating experience for any family, but it can be made even worse if their death leads to their relatives having to leave the family home. Too often Westminster Housing has been far too quick to trigger eviction procedures where the main tenant has died and the remaining family do not have the right to remain housed by the council (or will be required to move elsewhere and downsize if they are eligible to be rehoused).
Councillor McAllister said, “We believe families need time to mourn the death of a close family member. They need to be treated sensitively and with understanding. Not immediately sent a formal notice to quit their family home in 4 weeks and instructions to clear their home of all personal belongings. There are necessary procedures to end an existing tenancy but they need to be changed to be more humane and compassionate for those who are suffering and grieving.”
E-Scooter hire trial
Transport for London is holding an e-scooter hire trial over the coming months. If you have any comments on the trial, please contact TfL by email at haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk.
E-scooters – what you say
“I’m sure I’m not alone in my concern re e-scooters! They are so popular being used on roads and pavements, indeed riders weaving in and out on both. They are not stopped by the police. Impossible for them to go that. But they could stop shops selling them.”
Moberly Sports Centre – what you say
“A general concern is that for Pilates the class size is as it should be, 24 instead of the ridiculous 40 pre-covid. The latter size meant teachers couldn’t teach as they were not able to walk around and point out to someone if they were doing it incorrectly. Now we have proper classes. Far better and challenging. There is concern that as EA opens up class sizes will return to 40. This will be awful both from space and teaching perspective. More classes are needed in the day and evenings not overload those already run.”
Queen’s Park Book Festival
The Queen’s Park Book Festival will return on the weekend of 18th and 19th September 2021. For further details visit https://queensparkbookfestival.co.uk/?mc_cid=a0361e24a7&mc_eid=d675de24cf
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.
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
Marble Arch Mound
We have called for an independent inquiry into the expensive £2 million Council Marble Arch Mound fiasco.
According to the ‘Evening Standard’, “the £2m Marble Arch Mound has been branded London’s worst attraction. The unbelievably depressing picture gallery lets you see why from about 27 different angles – and will save you £4.50.”
Voting by post
It is much easier, quicker and safer to vote by post. You have two weeks 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
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
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
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
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
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. For help or further information, you can phone 0208 960 5644 and leave a message, or text 07511 590 997 or visithttps://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
“Thank you so much for your help over the years, I really appreciate it.”
“Thank you so much – the streetlight has been repaired and makes such a difference.”
“I would like to thank you for all the work you do for the community. I enjoy receiving your emails with updates and great results.”
“Your intervention has made the difference, so thank you”
And finally ……..
Don’t Forget the Queen’s Park Summer Festival on Saturday 7th August, from 12 noon – 6pm, at Queen’s Park Gardens.
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 https://bit.ly/labour-news
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, All Year Round
pdimoldenberg@westminster.gov.uk
pmcallister@westminster.gov.uk
Facebook @QPLabourTeam