WESTBOURNE WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – September 2021
News from Councillors David Boothroyd, Adam Hug and Papya Qureshi and Angela Piddock
Delays to Housing Repairs
We are hearing from many Westminster council residents that they are experiencing delays to housing repairs being raised and completed. There seems to be a particular problem with continuation after surveyors’ visits. We are raising this with the Chief Executive however we would be keen to hear about your experiences and if there is anything we can do to help.
Flooding – Notting Hill Genesis
We are continuing to support Notting Hill Genesis residents whose homes have been badly affected by the heavy rains in July. The downfall exacerbated long standing problems with management and repairs. We have met with NHG to raise residents concerns and will continue to closely monitor progress. We are aware that many residents in the area experienced roof leaks and damage to their properties at this time and we are keen to help if possible
Pavement Repairs
Residents raised with us uneven and damaged pavement close to Westbourne Park station. This was taking a long time to resolve. The pavement has now been made safe and fixed.
The ‘Windsor Castle’
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has given funding to local charity ‘The Screen Community’ to develop their proposals for a ‘multi-generational café and Cultural Hub’, intended for the ground floor unit at the Windsor Castle pub on Harrow Road. They have told us they want to ensure their plans represent the community.
The rest of Windsor Castle pub is now almost ready to open as student housing. Given some concerns about crime in the area, the managers have reassured us that they will be installing CCTV linked to a security station, and protected security lights.
Rights to light letters re 300 Harrow Road
We have heard some residents living around the 300 Harrow Road building site have been worried about letters from the Council’s solicitors about rights to light. This is actually a complex legal issue but you can be reassured that you are not in any trouble.
Properties have a legal right to light which passes over neighbouring land. If a new building on that land blocks light to your property, then you could sue them. That could stop it being built, so instead householders are made a financial offer if they agree to give up their rights.
Rights to light issue with Westmead
The same issue has come up near the Westmead site, where Westminster Council’s planning committee decided to let the Council’s development plans go ahead. They affect the light to many homes around the site. The Council is considering going to the next stage in the process which is what happens if a householder will not agree to give up their rights to light.
Councils, and only councils, can ‘extinguish’ the rights to light. When they do that, householders get paid compensation according to a standard formula. We have confirmed that the council has not yet been allowed to do so, and are pressing that they talk to all affected householders before starting that process.
217 Harrow Road update
St Mungo’s have made progress with their development plans for 217 Harrow Road and unveiled new images of their plans. Find out more at their website: https://www.217harrowroad.com
North Paddington Society revival
When any planning application is made, the Council invites the local amenity society for its views. In Westbourne the local amenity society is the North Paddington Society, but it has not been running for a few years. There is now a move to get it revived so if anyone is interested in helping, please get in touch and we will put you in touch with the group.
Cycle lanes in the area
We have been contacted by some members of Westminster Cycling Campaign about the council’s intention about the cycle lanes put in during the first lockdown. The council tells us they are surveying their use and will then recommend to the council’s Cabinet member which of the changes should be removed and which made permanent, and any other improvements and cyclist protection that are needed.
We are investigating what consultation methods will be used and have asked that residents views can be included in this process.
Fibre Broadband
We and the council’s Digital Place Team are continuing to push for Community Fibre to enable fibre broadband installation to residents in the Amberley Road area. We are hoping this will happen before the end of the year.
Oversley House flooding
A blocked sewage stack in Oversley House last month caused a ‘back surge’ into some flats in the lower floors – and yes, that does mean what you think. We have been working with the Housing department at Westminster and with Network Homes to help residents and also to make sure the stack is cleared. The blockage was caused by wet wipes, which should be disposed of in the bin rather than flushed down the toilet.
Electric vehicle charging and bike stands: do you want one?
Westminster City Council is consulting on more sustainable transport work, and has asked for suggestions in the ward. This includes Electric Vehicle chargers, Cycle Hangers, Bike stands and E bike parking. They want local councillors to send them suggestions but we want to know from residents where you want and need something on your street. Please do let us know your ideas by sending the item, suggested location and why this is important.
Street Trees
Could your street look better if it was lined with trees? The council has suggested that Bourne Terrace, Sevington Street and Surrendale Place might be suitable but if there are any other streets which would be good, please contact us. The trees won’t obstruct the pavement as the council is going to build out a small extension into the highway.
Oldbury House flytipping
We raised an incident of flytipping behind Oldbury House. This was dealt with and the likely culprits visited.
Wessex Gardens
We have continued to support residents to raise concerns about how anti-social behaviour is being handled on the estate. We attended a meeting with the council and will continue to monitor the situation.
Westbourne Green
We identified faulty lighting on the Green which was staying on during the day. This has now been fixed.
We raised resident concerns about seating on the Green as a new seat had been placed in the wrong position in the play area. This has now been relocated near the Harrow Road entrance as we had previously requested. The seating in the play area is also due to be replaced with as similar design as possible to the current circle.
Pigeons
We are aware that residents have experienced increased problems with pigeons roosting and fouling on balconies, entrances and windows. We have asked the council to install preventive deterrents where possible and put up further signs discouraging feeding in various locations.
Westbourne Park Road Noise Disturbances
Westbourne residents have raised with us disturbances they have experienced around Westbourne Park Road including noise connected to the pub, drones and cars showing off. We have raised this with the council who are continuing to monitor the situation.
Elmfield Way
We have raised concerns about maintenance of the area around the Elmfield Way Multi Use Games Area with the council and NHS Property Services. Repairs have been carried out by the council and we have requested that the foliage around the MUGA is cut back.
E-scooters
Westminster has joined the experimental Transport for London and London Councils trial of rental E scooters in London on the 2ND August 2021. There are two trial e-scooter parking bays in Westbourne ward – one on Marylands Road, the other on Tavistock Road. We are keen to hear resident comments, observations and objections as the trial progresses and prior to 22ND January 2022.
Marylands Road fly-tipping
We are working local residents and with the Council’s City Inspector to try to address ongoing problems with, letters to local residents and businesses and have called for CCTV
Marble Arch Mound
The £6 million Marble Arch Mound fiasco continues with this latest article highlighting the Council’s failures
Westminster residents’ groups have issued a scathing response to the Council’s £6 million Mound fiasco and the lack of meaningful consultation on major projects.
http://westendextra.com/article/marble-arch-mound-anger-at-top-down-tories
Following the Council’s admission that its Marble Arch Mound project is costing local taxpayers a massive £6million, three times the £2 million original cost, we called for an independent inquiry into how and why the costs escalated and who was responsible for the gross mismanagement of this project. The Council has refused to hold an independent inquiry.
http://westendextra.com/article/the-mound-fiasco-needs-a-proper-inquiry
We have identified many ways in which the £6 million could have been spent to benefit local residents
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.
Street Link
If you see anyone sleeping rough, please contact Street Link who are able offer help and assistance. You can contact Street Link 24 hours a day at www.streetlink.org.uk.
Free NHS Health Check
If you are between the ages of 40-74, you might be at risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, stroke, or dementia. A FREE NHS Health Check can lower your risk and make sure that you stay healthy for longer.
The NHS Health Check is your chance to get personalised health advice and access specialist support. The health check-up is FREE of charge and is designed to spot the early signs of high-risk conditions. You will be invited by your local GP surgery if you are eligible for this health check. Act now and enjoy a healthier life for longer. For more information, please visit oneyou.westminster.gov.uk/check-yourself
‘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
Please let us know if we can ever be of help or assistance.
Yours sincerely
Councillors David Boothroyd, Adam Hug and Papya Qureshi
Your three Westbourne Ward Labour Councillors – Here to Help, All Year Round
You can contact Adam, Papya and David by email or telephone.