HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – August 2021
News from your Hyde Park Labour Action Team – Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
NEWS AND ACTION
The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road/Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens
Bathurst Street
We have been helping residents in Bathurst Street who have raised concerns about their waste and recycling collection.
Westbourne Street/Bathurst Street
We have again reported repeated rubbish dumping by the tree at the Westbourne Street/Bathurst Street junction. We have asked the Council if additional planters can be located around the tree to discourage rubbish dumping. The Council say:
“We undertook surveillance and spoke to a number of premises in the area. Whilst many of the business premises were not forthcoming, we did speak to one operator that suggested one of the businesses in the vicinity was a frequent offender. We will be following this up with the premises and also checking their current waste arrangements to satisfy themselves that these would be deemed adequate.
In terms of the signage at the location on Westbourne Street this has been raised with the Waste Team and we are looking to improve this shortly – with clear , visual messaging . We are also currently exploring any possible preventative measures with the Waste Team that may help to deter or restrict such activity.”
Bayswater Road
Following action by the Hyde Park Labour Action Team, BT has cleared the flyposting from the phone boxes on the corner of Bayswater Road and Edgware Road. But more regular cleaning is required by BT as the insides of the phone boxes are full of rubbish and debris which makes them unusable by anyone wanting to make a phone call.
Radnor Place
We asked the Parking Team to investigate a car parked in Radnor Place which had accumulated multiple parking tickets on the windscreen and looked as if it might have been abandoned.
Connaught Square/Stanhope Place
Following our report to the Council about rubbish dumped by the post box at the corner of Connaught Square and Stanhope Place, the Council say:
“Officers have followed up on your email where you provided evidence from discarded waste and asked for this to be actioned accordingly. City Inspectors confirmed with Veolia that collections had already taken place by the time your photo was taken and so enforcement action has been followed up with the resident in question.”
Marble Arch Mound
Westminster Council has been forced to admit that its mismanaged Marble Arch Mound project is actually costing local taxpayers a massive £6million, three times the £2 million cost originally planned. The ruling Conservative Party’s Deputy Leader who spearheaded the project has now resigned after weeks of silence since the Mound first opened.
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.”
Porchester Place
On 7 September, a Green Plaque will be installed in honour of the life and legacy of the iconic artist, Halima Nałęcz. The plaque will be located at 5 Porchester Place in Connaught Village, the original site of Halima’s most renowned gallery, Drian, and now the site of Buchanan’s Cheesemonger.
To celebrate the occasion, the Church Commissioners are funding a modern day recreation of the Drian Gallery at 14 Porchester Place. The gallery will host a brand new exhibition entitled Kaleidoscope: A Celebration of Colour, curated by art critic and admirer of Halima, Robin Dutt. The gallery will be open every Thursday – Sunday from 9 September until 10 October. Entrance to the exhibition will be free.
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Star Street/Sale Place
We asked the Council to remove a huge pile of dumped rubbish from the corner of Star Street and Sale Place. It looked like much of the rubbish was from a house clearance and we have asked the Refuse Team to remind landlords and estate agents that they can be given a large fine for illegal rubbish dumping.
Southwick Street
We have asked the Council to investigate regular household waste dumping at the base of one of the trees outside 40 Southwick Street. Residents say,
‘The dumping of rubbish on Southwick St. outside No 40 has reached scandalous proportions. Rubbish that was dumped on the pavement last Thursday has since been added. That is four days of rotting food on the street. It attracts vermin and it smells and looks a disgusting sight. Is there anything you can do enforce the law on this unlawful dumping in Southwick Street?”
The Council say:
“I will request that local City Inspector teams keep an eye out at the location as there is also local building works being carried out and seemingly a bit of fly tipping going on. Whenever in the area I will also keep an eye on things and make sure to ask Veolia to clear any ad-hoc issues as they may appear. Hopefully this will now be resolved.”
Residents said:
“Thank you for your prompt action. We all very much appreciate this.”
Star Street – dog fouling
We have asked the local City Inspector to investigate regular dog fouling in Star Street. We hope the appropriate action is taken by the Council to stop this thoughtless and unpleasant anti-social behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour
We have asked the police to investigate various premises in Star Street, Southwick Street and St Michael’s Street where residents have reported concerns about anti-social behaviour.
Setting up a Residents’ Association?
A number of residents have suggested that setting up a Residents’ Association might be a good way of tackling local problems like anti-social behaviour and rubbish dumping. A Residents’ Association might give the area more ‘clout’ with the Council, the Police and other bodies. If you would be interested in joining a residents’ Association for the Star Street/St Michael Street/Southwick Street/Sale Place area, please get in touch with us at hydeparklabouractionteam@gmail.com
Edgware Road area
Cambridge Court
We have been meeting with residents in Cambridge Court to discuss local issues and to take up issues of concern.
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Chapel Street/Transept Street
We have again reported repeated rubbish dumping outside 38-47a Chapel Street. We have asked the Council if low-level planters can be located on the pavement to discourage rubbish dumping. The Council say:
“City Inspectors are aware of this location and have recently distributed educational letters to nearby residents. This location is monitored by the dedicated ward officer and in their absence monitored by other ward officers on duty. This has been included on our night tasking list. Any waste found with evidence will be followed up with the necessary enforcement action.
We will take on board the idea of low-level planters and will contact the horticulturalist for further assistance.”
The Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Cladding scandal
We have continued to urge the Government to keep the promises they made to leaseholders affected by the cladding scandal. We have repeatedly asked the Government to protect leaseholders from remediation costs and instead pursue those responsible for the cladding safety crisis.
Travis Perkins site, Harrow Road
A planning application has been submitted for the Travis Perkins site proposing the demolition of the existing Travis Perkins buildings and erecting a building (plus basement) of between 7 and 22 storeys in height providing accommodation for 843 students. A new Travis Perkins’ builders’ merchants will be on the ground floor of the new building.
Sheldon Square residents have described the proposals as ‘gross overdevelopment’ and we have submitted an objection to the Council.
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2021/07/15/travis-perkins-site-planning-objection/
We have also written to the Mayor of London urging him not to approve the plans.
So far, over 75 objections have been made to these proposals. You can make comments online at https://idoxpa.westminster.gov.uk/online-applications/ using reference 21/04536/FULL
We also met with Sheldon Square residents recently to plan the campaign against the proposals
Residents told us, “Thank you for your help so far with the whole operation, the advice and support has been invaluable”.
Finally, while researching the history of the area we came across this website which tells the story of the discovery of the historic Brunel Bridge in 2004
https://hydeparknow.uk/2019/12/30/whatever-happened-to-brunels-bridge/
Sheldon Square – air conditioning
At the request of residents, we have written to Notting Hill Genesis to ask when the long-awaited air conditioning will be installed in flats managed by NHG. Network Housing has already agreed to install air conditioning to their flats in October at no cost to tenants and shared ownership leaseholders.
Montgomery House
We are helping residents in Montgomery House with various housing related matters.
Paddington Square
Property Week reports on plans for a 15,000 sq ft working, dining and shopping “concept space” at the forthcoming Paddington Square building which is due to be completed in Spring 2022. The Exchange will provide occupiers with a concierge, all-day and evening bar, event spaces, a yoga suite, meeting rooms, multimedia suites and an outdoor terrace overlooking a 1.35-acre public piazza, a new entrance to the London Underground station and a series of commissioned artworks.
Westbourne Terrace area
Westbourne Terrace Coach traffic
Following our representations to Transport for London, via Karen Buck MP, we have been given the following good news from TfL;
“Following the completion of the majority of works on Eastbourne Terrace related to Crossrail, the main route for the National Express A6 was moved to Eastbourne Terrace from Monday 26 July 2021. The NationalExpress A6 continues to be permitted to use Westbourne Terrace as an alternative route during times of network disruption (i.e. road closures) when no other alternatives are available.
No further services, with a London Service Permit are authorised to use this section of Westbourne Terrace, although we are aware of instances of the A1 service (to Luton Airport) using the road and we are addressing this directly. TfL will continue to work with coach operators and trade associations advising them that coaches should avoid using this section of Westbourne Terrace wherever possible.”
We will continue to press TfL to take strong action if the coach operators do not use Eastbourne Terrace in the future.
Other Issues
Helicopter Noise
We have again asked the police to reduce the use of helicopters to observe demonstrations in the West End. We understand the need for surveillance of demonstrations but, we asked the police “why don’t you use drones? This would be considerably cheaper and less invasive.” The police response was as follows:
“There are advantages to using a helicopter rather than a drone, where necessary, as they play an important role in keeping people safe. The Met has invested in drones, and they are being used, but the technology is not sufficiently advanced to replace helicopters their entirety. Investment in drones will remain, but helicopters will continue be an essential tool for policing in London. As always, we endeavour to balance any disruption caused to the public, with the need to ensure safety.”
We will continue to press the police to use drones as the technology improves and hope that the use of helicopters can be reduced.
Noisy cars
The Council is considering creating a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to help deal with persistent anti-social behaviour caused by the excessive level of noise, nuisance, annoyance, danger or risk of harm or injury caused by motor vehicles to members of the public and property in St James’s and Knightsbridge & Belgravia wards. We have asked for the PSPO to be extend to the Hyde Park Ward, the West End and Marylebone.
The Council is seeking the views from residents, businesses and other stakeholders. The consultation will be open until 29 September 2021 and you can complete the survey here https://www.westminster.gov.uk/nuisance-vehicles-public-spaces-protection-order-2021
Anti-social behaviour by dog owners
We have asked the Council to take strong action against dog owners who allow their dogs to foul the pavement. Residents say:
“Have you noticed the unpleasant increase in dog mess left on our pavements within the Hyde Park area recently? Just this morning I found myself having to dodge quite a few. What action if any can be taken to combat this anti-social behaviour?”
Mega-basements
A new study has found that “London basement extensions as normal as loft conversions”. You can read about it here
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.
Marble Arch Vaccination Walk-In Centre
The walk-in COVID-19 vaccination service (for first vaccines only) is located at etc. venues Marble Arch, 86 Edgware Road, W2 2EA and is open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 7pm.
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.
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/
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 street lights, graffiti and more by using Report It https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it
North Paddington Foodbank
If you are in need of emergency support, please contact your support worker or Westminster CAB for a referral, you will then be contacted by the food bank to arrange a delivery or collection. If you are struggling to access a referral or are concerned for someone you know, please call the food bank directly on 07932 623443.
The Foodbank is on the frontline helping more people than ever before in a very difficult situation. Please donate here
The Food Bank is in need of volunteers of all ages across all roles. From lunch hour delivery drivers to evening packers and daytime support. If you would like to find out more please get in touch at volunteers@npfoodbank.org.uk
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.
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
‘Westminster Extra’
You can 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
What you say
“I appreciated receiving this – and especially on your actions for us at Paddington Walk. Thanks so much. I will also be objecting to the Travis Perkins development – it’s awful!”
“Yes, the rubbish has now been cleared. Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.”
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 https://bit.ly/labour-news
Please keep safe, stay well and look after yourself and your neighbours.
Regards
Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Your Hyde Park Ward Labour Action Team – Here to Help, All Year Round
You can contact us at HydeParkLabourActionTeam@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook @LabourHydePark