ST JOHN’S WOOD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – August 2021
News from the St John’s Wood Labour Action Teams in Abbey Road and Regent’s Park Wards
WARD NEWS AND ACTION
Flash Flooding
We are assisting residents in Abbey Road whose basements were flooded during the recent floods. The Highways Team say:
“All the gullies and areas that were affected by the flash flooding have all been cleared and are being monitored both from a routine and reactive basis to mitigate any potential issues. Additionally, we have been liaising with Veolia/Cleansing Team to ensure that all the footways and carriageways are swept for leaves, waste material etc. at these locations to prevent any surface blockages, should there be any heavy rain.”
Here is Karen Buck MP’s letter to Thames Water demanding action and compensation for residents https://bit.ly/2W9nidL
https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/maida-vale-flash-floods-leave-basement-flats-uninhabitable-8142056
For advice on how residents 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
Wellington Place public toilets
We have raised this issue with the Council:
“I have found you very responsive in the past. This time I would like you to investigate the closure of the public toilets next to the park on Wellington Place. There is a children’s playground there and a public toilet is necessary.”
The Council say:
“The Wellington Place toilets are scheduled to permanently re-open on Wednesday 11th August. They will also be open and available for the Lords ‘Hundred’ cricket matches on 29th July, 1st and 3rd August. A number of scheduled repairs are being done to the floor, ceiling and some of the taps, toilets, doors and electrics.”
St John’s Wood High Street
We have raised this issue with the Council’s Al Fresco Team:
“I am writing in regard to the appalling tacky appearance of the High Street caused by the crash barriers in place and their unsightly coverings. The wicker work outside Feast is one of the worst offenders. Outside seating is a welcome addition but if it is to be remaining permanently, I think the owners of the restaurants should be made responsible for providing suitable barriers/coverings North Audley Street in Mayfair is a good example of how this can be dealt with sympathetically. it should not be difficult for the council to impose restrictions to approve the appearance to create an attractive and appealing environment for all.”
The Al Fresco Team say:
“There is an emerging highways project that has been awarded Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy funding to design and implement permanent public realm improvements for the High Street with widened footways and greening. The proposals are at a very early stage will be consulted on with residents at the appropriate time. The permanent scheme will provide some additional space for al fresco dining set against the building without the need for temporary barriers.”
Clifton Hill
You can make comments on the proposed Getir depot and distribution centre on Clifton Hill here https://idoxpa.westminster.gov.uk/online-applications/ using reference number 21/04115/FULL.
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
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 Mound
Westminster Council has been forced to admit that its mismanaged Marble Arch Mound project is 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.”
Voting by post
It is much easier, quicker and safer to vote by post.
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, potholes, uneven pavements and other hazards to the Council’s ‘Report It’ service https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it
Coronavirus (Covid-19) UPDATE
Interactive Map
You can see the latest data for your area here
https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map
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/
What you say
“Great newsletter, thanks for sending.”
“Thank you as always for your informative update – these are very helpful in keeping the community abreast of issues of concern. In particular thank you for pressing on the recent flooding- many neighbours are still badly affected and I know that many residents in Maida Vale have experiences far worse than our inconvenience in Carlton Hill.”
“Thank you for asking about lights on the Loveday development. It seems a dreadful waste of energy and unnecessary light pollution”
“Thank you so much for your very prompt response and it is amazing how you were able to contain such quick reply from Westminster Council. I am impressed as you certainly are able to make things happen!”
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 https://bit.ly/labour-news
Keep well, take care and look after yourselves and your neighbours.
Regards
Your St John’s Wood Labour Action Team – Here to Help, All Year Round