HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – October 2021
News from your Hyde Park Labour Action Team – Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Dear Resident,
As more people are getting vaccinated, we hope that the worst of the pandemic will soon be coming to an end. We are doing all we can to help the local community and individual residents and their families.
Over the last month residents in Hyde Park Ward have raised issues with us and this is a summary of the action we have been taking, together with an update on a number of local issues. You can read our latest news on https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk
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
NEWS AND ACTION
The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road/Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens
Bathurst Street/Westbourne Street
We are continuing to urge the Council to take strong action against those responsible for dumping rubbish by the tree at the junction of Bathurst Street and Westbourne Street. We are pleased that new ‘Don’t Dump’ signage has now been installed but the signage alone is not enough. The signage should include details of the maximum fines for dumping and tough action should be taken against those responsible for dumping. We are working closely with residents who say:
“Residents have been asking for several years and nothing was done until we were visited by Westminster Labour. They took the time to come down on several occasions and walked up and down the street talking to the shopkeepers and the residents to see what was happening. Two of them even took the time to take the rubbish – several bags – and brought them to the bins next to the church on Sussex Gardens.”
Bathurst Street
We have asked the Highways Team to inspect the pavement outside a house in Bathurst Street where water is leaking into the cellar. We have also asked when the pavements and road surface will be renewed as some of the paving stones look in poor condition and the road is patched with areas where water gathers.
The Quadrangle
Leaseholders living in The Quadrangle have contacted us to ask for help in acquiring the freehold of their block. We have suggested a number of leaseholder advisory organisations that help leaseholders with freehold and lease extension advice.
Southwick Street
We have asked the Highways Team to fill three potholes on Southwick Street – one outside the Monkey Puzzle pub and two others a few yards away outside The Quadrangle.
Somers Crescent
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate the roadway on Somers Crescent where there is a very poor section of reinstatement which has left an uneven road surface. The Highways Team believe that the original reinstatement works were not done properly and we have asked for this section of the road to be resurfaced.
Clifton Place
We have asked the Street Lighting Team to repair the streetlight opposite 9 Clifton Place. Residents say, “It has been reported over 50 times, and nothing has been done”. The Street Lighting Team say that a repair order has now been issued.
We need to maintain our street lighting as a top priority as it is the first line of defence in keeping our streets safe at night.
Alleyn Court, Sussex Gardens
We have asked the Refuse Team to clear the bins outside Alleyn Court on Sussex Gardens which had become overflowing with bags of rubbish and attracted dumping. We have also asked if the collections can be increased to cope with the amount of waste and for fines to be issued to those responsible for the dumping.
BT phone boxes on Bayswater Road
We have repeated our call to BT to regularly clean the bank of phone boxes on Bayswater Road. Residents say: “They are all filthy. BT should not have any more reasons not to clean and sanitise the boxes, inside and outside. The BT public telephone boxes on Gt George Street, at the end of Bird Cage Walk, on Parliament Square, are pristine clean. Why do they not treat their boxes equally?”
Park West
We are helping a Park West resident with a Private Hire Driving licence application. We wrote to Transport for London and we are delighted that the licence has now been issued. The resident told us that he is so pleased that he has received his licence to and can now earn his living.
Albion Mews
We have again asked the Street sweeping team to include Albion Mews on their regular street sweeping schedule. Residents say:
“I haven’t noticed anybody coming out to clean the street on Albion Mews. There should be cleaning every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but we haven’t seen an improvement. We’d all appreciate your help because it’s getting much worse as autumn approaches.”
Porchester Place
We have asked the Council to give the pavement at the corner of Porchester Place and Connaught Street a deep clean after repeated rubbish dumping at this location. This section of the pavement looks in particularly filthy condition.
We have also asked the Highways Team to fill a pothole in the road outside the shops on Porchester Place.
Buchanans, 5a Porchester Place
We were delighted to support local businesses by attending the first ‘pop-up’ party organised by HyPER on Saturday 2nd October at the cheesemonger, Buchanans, 5a Porchester Place, London W2 2BS.
During the event, we sampled three excellent cheeses, including the legendary Mrs Kirkham’s creamy Lancashire, together with a glass of fine cider. To find out more about Buchanans visit http://www.buchananscheesemonger.com. The cheese was so good that we had to buy some to take home.
You can join HyPER here https://hyper.uk/join/
Marble Arch Mound
We have called on the Council to remove the £6 million Marble Arch Mound as soon as possible. The Mound project has been a major embarrassment to Westminster Council who have lost £6 million of taxpayers’ money. It highlights the incompetence and arrogance of a Conservative administration that has been in power for far too long.
The Marble Arch Mound fiasco continues with this article highlighting the Council’s failures
We have identified many ways in which the £6 million could have been better spent to benefit local residents
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 is 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
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Star Street
We have asked the Council to relocate the black bins on the corner of Star Street and Sale Place. The bins are clearly a magnet for all sorts of dumping, residential and commercial. Residents have asked that the bins be relocated to somewhere less offensive and have suggested round the side of the pub on St Michael’s Street. St Michael’s Street is wide enough for a refuse vehicle to access and there is a single yellow line so parking will not be an issue.
We were very concerned to learn that the Council has issued no fines for dumping at this location this year and have urged the Council to take a much stronger line against rubbish dumpers.
Southwick Street
We are continuing to urge the Council to relocate the two benches on Southwick Street which are a regular location for late night/early morning anti-social behaviour, including drug dealing and prostitution.
Star Street/Bouverie Place
We asked the Council to remove a bath dumped at the corner of Stat Street and Bouverie Place. This looks like the work of a local landlord or their contractors and we have asked for an investigation to find out who is responsible.
Edgware Road area
Cambridge Court
We are delighted that the scaffolding around Cambridge Court at the corner of Star Street is now being removed after we supported residents’ long-running campaign and contacted the developers and the Council to urge action. Residents say; “Yes it started on Monday!!!!! Very pleased!!”
Edgware Road
The pavements from 238 Edgware Road northwards are in a filthy condition with a number of areas which are regular dumping hotspots and need a deep clean following constant dumping. We have asked the Council if this can be arranged. It would be good, too, if fines could be issued to those responsible.
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
38-47A Chapel Street
At the request of residents, we have asked the Housing Department to install a cycle parking stand in a convenient location in the block. There are at least 6 residents with bikes and so there is an obvious need for safe and secure cycle parking.
The entrance to the flats is in Transept Street and this creates a lot of confusion for delivery people as sometimes people can’t find the entrance to the flats. We have asked for better signage on the Chapel Street frontage to direct people to the entrance on Transept Street.
We have also continued to urge the Council to take strong action against those responsible for dumping rubbish outside 38-47a Chapel Street. Following our reports to the Council, new ‘Don’t Dump’ signage has been installed.
Chapel Street newspaper bins
Following our enquiries about the newspaper recycling bins on Chapel Street next to the bus stop and the waste that is often seen dumped next to these receptables, the Council says;
“I have made further enquiries with the Waste Team and they are hoping to collate some data on the capture rates of these facilities. This information will be help determine their effectiveness in improving recycling rates at this location near the tube station entrance.”
We are pleased to see that the newspaper bins have now been removed and the area is much cleaner and tidier.
The Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Cladding scandal
Residents of the Muckenbeck & Marshall buildings have tweeted
“Don’t even think about being ill while your building is being remediated… no chance of being able to sleep with this relentless noise. Just one of the many realities of living on a building site as a result of the Conservatives caused Building Safety Crisis”
The Labour Party has pledged to create a Building Works Agency that will “assess, fix and certify” tall buildings and to legislate to ensure that leaseholders do not have to pay for building safety work. The agency would then “pursue those responsible for costs” and Labour would “put in law that leaseholders won’t pay” for building safety work.
David Walker, the Bishop of Manchester, explains why builders should pay for the mistakes that led to the cladding crisis
Sheldon Square – late night drinking
At the request of residents, we have asked the Paddington Central management if signs could be attached in prominent positions to licensed premises in Sheldon Square limiting outside drinking to before 9pm, as happens in many other residential areas in Westminster. Currently, there are a couple of ‘mobile’ signs that are brought out from time to time urging patrons to be quiet when they leave, but permanent signs could be a better way of dealing with this particular issue.
Sheldon Square – air conditioning
Following our request to Notting Hill Genesis for a date when the long-promised air conditioning will be installed at NHG flats in Sheldon Square, NHG say:
“As things stand currently, we are awaiting permission from British Land that they will agree to a deed of variation to our lease, this will then allow us to locate the external air con units on their land.”
Travis Perkins site, Harrow Road
So far, 119 objections have been made to the proposals for a building of between 7 and 22 storeys in height providing accommodation for 843 students. You can make comments online at https://idoxpa.westminster.gov.uk/online-applications/ using reference 21/04536/FULL
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.
The latest we have heard is the following:
- There is no date yet for the Planning Committee to consider the planning application.
- The developers are said to be considering making revisions to the scheme
- If this happens, residents will be consulted again on the revised proposals or on a new planning application.
We will continue to support local residents’ objections.
Westbourne Terrace area
Westbourne Terrace
We are continuing to press Transport for London to take action to require National Express to use Eastbourne Terrace as its coach route, and not Westbourne Terrace.
Westbourne Crescent
After visiting residents in Westbourne Crescent, we have asked Notting Hill Genesis when they will be repairing and refurbishing the common parts of their properties. NHG say:
“I agree the internal and external parts are in need of updating and have been chasing up these works with our assets investment team. The cyclical works are due to be carried out on the Crescent this financial year. In the meantime following my recent visit, I noticed that a roof leak has caused further damage to the plaster board and ceilings on multiple floors. A roof job is currently in progress and once this is complete a contractor will be attending to make good the affected areas and redecorate.”
Chilworth Street
We have asked the Highways Team to give us the latest update on the situation in Chilworth Mews after residents made this enquiry:
“When the Crossrail cabins were finally removed from Chilworth Street about six months ago, the site was closed off with new barriers. My understanding is that this is for the eventual use of the street for the construction of the hotel projected at 40 Eastbourne Terrace.
Why have the pavements on both sides of Chilworth Street been made to be so narrow by those ‘temporary’ barriers. It is impossible for pedestrians to cross each other, especially when someone coming from, or going to, Paddington station has luggage. In the meantime, there is a huge space in the street that has been unused for months. Could it not be possible to move the barriers into the street so that the pavements can be clear for pedestrians.”
We have also asked the Tree Officer to investigate a broken tree outside 2 Chilworth Street.
Other Issues
Rubbish dumping
Westminster’s streets are littered with mounds of dumped rubbish from Pimlico to Paddington despite the Council spending £50 million a year with Veolia whose contract has just been extended for another three years. The time is long overdue for tough action against the regular rubbish dumpers who litter the streets of Westminster and who are currently getting away with this particularly selfish and nasty form of anti-social behaviour. We have put forward a 5-point plan to tackle the rubbish dumping menace.
Electric Car charging points
Charging points have been installed in lamp columns across the area and you can register your interest in having a lamp post charger installed near you by completing the form below. You can also register an interest in having stand-alone charging posts installed in your local area.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/request-vehicle-charging-point
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.
Local Police
The Hyde Park Ward Safer Neighbourhood Police Team of PC Olivia Hill, PC Ruaridh Wood and PCSO Grant have been joined by PC Lukashenko and PC Purewal, bringing the team total to five.
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 10 days 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.
‘Westminster Extra’
You can read the ‘Westminster Extra’ online https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=09649383-4dbb-4a3d-b164-9d26398578f3
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
“A short note as ever to say how much I appreciate this regular work and updating. Means a lot to the community locally. Thank you.”
“We have been receiving your various regular reports for a long time now and have been very pleased to see your efforts as regards the Bathurst Street tree rubbish dumping. As long-time residents of the street we welcome some interest being shown in our street which has been in our view overlooked for years”
“Very many thanks for your very helpful and quick response.”
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