HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – November 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
Portsea Place/Kendal Street
We have asked the Council to take action on this issue raised by residents:
“Would it be possible to lobby for an anti-dumping sign by the tree, corner of Portsea Place and Kendal Street, adjacent to the car wash garage? Sofas, mattresses, fridges etc etc are always being left there and the location can be a total eyesore. Might a camera be a viable option?”
Portsea Hall
We have provided residents of Portsea Hall with information about organisation that advise on how best to go about trying to buy the freehold of their block of flats.
Albion Mews
Following requests from residents, we have continued to urge the Council to sweep Albion Mews on a regular basis and it looks like our requests have finally been heard.
Residents tell us, “Today I noticed somebody from the City of Westminster cleaning Albion Mews! This is the first time I’ve seen them, but it looks like your help worked. Thanks!”
Bayswater Road red phone boxes
We have again asked BT for an update on the action they are taking to clean and restore these phone boxes on the corner of Bayswater Road/Edgware Road to the same high standard as those near the Houses of Parliament on Birdcage Walk.
The Marble Arch area is also a high-profile tourist area and the poor condition of the iconic red phones boxes is very disappointing and is a blight on the street environment for both tourists and residents alike.
Bathurst Street/Westbourne Street
We have continued to urge the Council to issue fines to those responsible for the illegal rubbish dumping by the tree at the Bathurst Street/Westbourne Street junction. We have called on the local inspectors to search through dumped rubbish to find evidence of where the illegal dumpers live. The Council says:
“A letter drop has been sent to each property in Bathurst and Westbourne Street regarding the waste issues at this location and have spoken to each business premises in this area. The serviced apartments have offered the City Inspector their CCTV if required.”
“The City Inspectors visit every day for monitoring and enforcement purposes. We have not recently served any Fixed Penalty Notice’s on commercial premises as we have not found any evidence to enable officers to do this; however in the last week we have issued 3 residential warning letters for waste outside collection time.”
Southwick Street
The two potholes in Southwick Street, outside the Monkey Puzzle pub and outside The Quadrangle, which we reported a few weeks ago have now been fixed.
Radnor Place
We have asked the Tree Officer to arrange for the tree stake and watering bag for the tree outside 11 Radnor Place to be removed. It looks like this tree is well enough established not to need the stake and watering bag and the stake has been taken out of the ground and left on the pavement.
Sussex Square
We reported dumped rubbish in Sussex Square and asked the Council to take action against the person whose name and address was on the illegally dumped rubbish.
The Water Gardens
We have asked the police to investigate reports of anti-social behaviour in The Water Gardens.
Hyde Park Crescent
There are three tree pits covered with what looks like some sort of hard material outside 3 and 4 Hyde Park Crescent. The material has expanded and cracked creating trip hazards for pedestrians. We have asked the Highways Team if these tree pits can be be investigated and the hard material replaced.
Also, there is a broken Thames Water fitting in the pavement outside 2 Hyde Park Crescent which is causing a hazard for pedestrians and we have asked if this can be replaced, too.
St John’s Church, Hyde Park Crescent
We have been contacted by residents about noise from the church bells. They say, “Every day, from 7am to 11pm, including weekends, the bells ring as many times as the time. But it is the 21st century and people no longer need church bells to tell them what time it is every single hour.”
Is this an issue for you? Please let us know if this affects you, too.
Connaught Square/Street
We have asked the Council to remove an abandoned bike outside 10a Connaught Street. There is also an abandoned bike by the railings in Connaught Square which we reported back in July which is still there and we have asked this to be removed, too.
Kendal Street
We have asked the Highways Team to repair a loose set of paving stones in Kendal Street, close to lamppost 10, at the junction of Edgware Road. Also, the 20mph sign on lamppost 10 is facing the wrong way – towards the buildings rather than oncoming traffic – and we have asked for this to be turned the right way.
Tyburn Convent, Bayswater Road
Nearby residents have again raised concerns about the ‘loud clucking’ from the animals at the Covent. The Mother Prioress tells us:
“It is definitely not a Cockerel. Sometimes a hen will start to cluck when laying an egg, but we are not sure what can be done about this. Most of the time they are quiet. Sometimes, unfortunately for the neighbours, one or 2 hens just decide to cluck for a little while before settling down again.”
Connaught Place
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate the cracked and broken pavement opposite 10 Connaught Place and undertake the necessary repairs so that this does not continue as a hazard for pedestrians.
Park West Place
At the request of residents, we have asked the Highways Team if they can investigate this issue:
“There is ongoing speeding at Park West Place and cars constantly race down this narrow road especially during the night. As it is such a densely populated area this represents a real risk to safety. The speeding cars also cause excessive noise resulting in noise pollution for the tenants living overhead. Is it possible to investigate some form of traffic calming measures on this road?”
Three 20mph ‘roundels’ have been installed and we hope that this has a positive impact on speeds. We will keep a close eye on this. Residents say:
“Really appreciate the speedy response and good to know the accident rate is very low. The signs will hopefully help though it is the night-time when the cars seem to speed the most and this may not have the desired effect.”
Supporting local business
We attended HyPER’s latest Pop-Up party to support local businesses, at Mud Australia, 11 Porchester Place on Saturday 6th November. Mud Australia produce a range of handmade porcelain homeware, including tableware, bakeware and vases. You can see more about Mud Australia at www.mudaustralia.com
You can join HyPER here https://hyper.uk/join/
Marble Arch Mound
Westminster Council has released its internal review of the £6 Million Marble Arch fiasco which saw costs escalate from £2 million to £6.6 million in a matter of months. As the report finds, “despite clear and repeated warnings”, the Mound was left unfinished and plans to recoup costs with entry charges had to be scrapped. The review has found:
“There was a breakdown of project management of the Mound which, amongst other issues, led to confusion over roles and responsibilities, a lack of communication between staff and contractors working on different elements of the Marble Arch Mound project and a basic lack of project coordination and documentation.”
The Council rejected Labour’s call for a full independent inquiry of how and why the costs had increased and why there was a basic lack of financial control. The subsequent ‘internal review’ has failed to ask key questions about the Council’s failure to apply basic financial controls on this high-profile project. The ‘internal review’, as expected, also fails to ask questions about the involvement of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members in making decisions regarding the cost increases.
For a report on the Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 27th October, see
https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/marble-arch-mound-council-spent-21991333
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
Karen Buck MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Short Lets Sector, says
“Recent research has shown that there was a 423% increase in the number of multi-host entire apartment listings between 2015 and 2019 in Westminster (data available here). My priority will remain urging the Government to introduce a registration system to more efficiently manage the system and better protect our communities, a move that Airbnb themselves have conceded is necessary.”
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
St Michael’s Street/Star Street – Notting Hill Genesis
We have been contacted by Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) tenants in St Michael’s Street and Star Street who say:
“A lot of us who live in the area are the tenants of Notting Hill Genesis. They do not reply to our complaints of our homes falling to pieces i.e. boilers that are in dire need to be changed, constant leaks, damp, the cheap material they use for our floors and kitchens are crumbling, holes in the wooden windows”
We sent a letter to NHG tenants in both streets and have been contacted by residents with details of outstanding repairs. As a result, we have asked NHG to take action to speed up repairs and take action to improve the state of properties for a number of tenants. NHG say that repairs to exterior of the properties are due in 2022/23 and we are pressing them to do the works in early 2022. Please let us know if we can help with any problems you might be having with NHG.
Star Street
We are continuing to urge the Council to relocate the big black bins from the corner of Star Street and Sale Place. The bins are attracting hug amounts of rubbish, sometimes making it impossible to use the pavement. The Council should also be issuing immediate fines to those responsible for the illegal rubbish dumping.
We are also making enquiries about this issue raised by a resident:
“We have lots of Seagulls in Star Street and the noise is deafening. It starts around 7am until well into the evening. Is there a specific team that might help clear these birds away?”
Bouverie Place
Following enquiries from residents, we have asked the Highways Team to take action to fix a long-standing problem with water ‘ponding’ in Bouverie Place and also to install double yellow lines on one side of the street (to replace the single yellow line) so that emergency vehicles can get through to St Mary’s Hospital. The Highways Team say:
“Works are due to be carried out on 20 November following the issues raised consequent to the resurfacing. This should rectify the ponding issues but we will continue to monitor once the works are completed.”
Residents say, “Wow! That is amazing! Thank you.”
Southwick Street
We are continuing with our campaign with residents to persuade the Council to relocate the benches in Southwick Street. Residents say: “This has got worse recently with drugs being used, drug deals and sex workers using the bench frequently.”
Sussex Gardens
We have asked the Highways Team to fix a broken bench on Sussex Gardens, opposite Talbot Square. Residents say, “Please can you fix the broken arm of the bench to prevent any accidents happening as the broken edges are sharp”.
Talbot Square
We have asked the police to investigate the anti-social behaviour in Talbot Square:
“Talbot Square is fast becoming a centre for drug dealing. Despite requests for the authorities to deal with this clear and obvious escalation nothing is being done. What was a tranquil and pretty garden square frequented by University students from the nearby halls of residence is now a meeting point for drug dealers and users. Unless something is done this situation will continue to deteriorate attracting users from further afield with all the obvious ramifications for us all.”
Praed Mews
We have asked the Refuse Collection Team if they can investigate this issue and take action to deal with the many problems in Praed Mews:
“In Praed Mews (just off Norfolk Place) we have had ongoing issues of fly tipping, drug use, rats, prostitution and using the mews as a toilet for the last year or so. Really not nice to have on your doorstep. The way the bins are positioned creates a small dead end alley way which gives you privacy from the main road and the mews itself and this is where the illicit action is taking place”
We hope that the structure built here without planning permission will be removed soon.
Praed Street
We have asked the Highways Team to remove or relocate the large signs on the pavement on Praed Street and London Street. Residents say:
“Two large notices have been on the pavement of the corner of the old London Street and Praed Street for more than a year. Given the flow of pedestrians in this area, they make walking on Praed Street quite perilous, let alone make any kind of social distancing possible. Removing those two large notices from the pavement would at least free up a bit of very needed space for pedestrians at the entrance of Paddington station.”
The Highways Team say:
“We have investigated the information signs on Praed Street near the junction with London Street in reference to Tanner Lane. We have today removed them as the new layout has been in place for over a year.”
We told residents about this small success and they say:
“I would not call it a small success, but a great success! Thank you so much for your involvement, and congratulations on making this happen. I know it is not always easy to make the bureaucracy move. Thank you once again.”
Norfolk Place
We have asked the Street Lighting Team to fix a broken streetlight outside the hotel at 9 Norfolk Place.
Edgware Road area
Cambridge Court
The scaffolding around Cambridge Court, at the corner of Edgware Road and Star Street, has now gone! Residents are very pleased and say,
“The scaffold removal has been a long haul, but it looks as though it’s getting there. Such a relief and improvement.”
“I’m very pleased that the scaffolding is completely gone at Cambridge Court.”
The scaffolding had been in place since January 2016 and we are delighted that our emails to the developers and to the Council helped to secure the removal of the scaffolding.
Edgware Road
We have asked the Council to clean the area around the phone box and rubbish bins and around the bin area outside Nasslam Pharmacy, 19 Edgware Road. The pavement is also in need of deep cleaning to remove the grease and dirt.
We have also asked the Council to remove graffiti from the wall at the bottom of Edgware Road, near Marble Arch.
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Chapel Street
We spotted a lamppost with the wires exposed on Chapel Street near the side entrance to M&S and have asked the Street Lighting Team to arrange for it to be fixed.
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2021/10/12/call-for-action-on-chapel-street-lighting/
We have also asked the Street Lighting Team to fix two non-working streetlights outside 38-47a Chapel Street. Without these streetlights working properly the street is very dark at night and a danger to the safety of residents and visitors walking to and from buses and the underground station.
We are also continuing to press the Housing Department to install cycle parking stands in the basement car park for residents who have bikes.
Old Marylebone Road
The Zen Al-Sham restaurant at 269, Old Marylebone Road, was given a hygiene rating of zero after an inspector discovered staff did not follow appropriate hygiene standards and there was not even soap in food preparation areas. You can read more here:
https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/london-restaurant-given-worst-hygiene-22042797
The Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Cladding scandal
Labour MPs have accused the government of a “toothless” approach to enforcing building owners’ failures to fix unsafe aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding.
Sheldon Square
We have continued to press Notting Hill Genesis on the installation of the promised air conditioning to their apartments in Sheldon Square.
We have also asked Paddington Central to let us know how security measures will be increased to ensure that there is no repeat of the situation earlier this year when three apartments in Sheldon Square were let to a gang undertaking criminal activities, involving drugs and prostitution.
Harbet Road
Following reports from residents about rubbish on the street at Harbet Road, we asked the Council to investigate the situation. The Council says:
“Harbet Road is privately owned and maintained so it isn’t included in the Council’s street cleansing services. The council sweeps and cleans outside the red boundary line whilst the green area is cleaned and maintained by London Metropole.
City Inspectors have visited the London Metropole to remind them of their legal duty to maintain their land in a clean and litter free condition and to undertake regular checks to ensure the standards of cleanliness in Harbet Road are enhanced and maintained. The Manager for the hotel stated that the area is cleaned between 11am and 7pm but could not produce a cleaning schedule to evidence this arrangement. After discussion with the City Inspector, the manager has agreed to instigate a more formal process to ensure cleaning of this area is carried out regularly. They will provide a copy of this to the City Inspector in due course and the area will be regularly inspected to ensure the Hotel is managing this area responsibly.”
Residents have subsequently sent us photos of Harbet Road in an unswept and dirty condition and we have asked the City Inspectors to take this up again with the Metropole Hotel.
Dudley House
We have asked the Environmental Health Team to investigate this issue and take the appropriate action to reduce the noise from the building opposite:
“The neighbours facing Brunel Building are having to suffer an unbearable noise every time they test the sprinklers pump, which happens at least once a week for about two hours. They only do it on working hours, but it is nevertheless nerve-wracking. Even with the windows closed and the music on, we can still feel the vibration.
Many of us have contacted the building manager and we have only received a very flimsy excuse. It is very hard to believe that this is the way the infrastructure is supposed to sound, or that this complies with any environmental noise regulations. None of the multiple buildings in the area emits a similar noise and I am sure they also have to test their sprinklers regularly.”
Montgomery House
We have again asked the Parking Team if residents’ parking can be increased in the Montgomery House area.
Travis Perkins site, Harrow Road
So far, 124 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
The latest we have heard from the Planning Officer is the following:
“The applicant is currently deciding whether to amend the scheme by reducing the height, they are aiming to confirm by mid-November. If they do decide to amend we will undertake a full re-consultation. Either way, if they decide to amend or not, the aim is currently to get the application to committee for determination at the end of January / early February”
We will continue to support local residents’ objections.
Westbourne Terrace area
Westbourne Terrace coaches – update
Along with Karen Buck MP, we have been pressing TfL to get coach operators to use Eastbourne Terrace, rather than Westbourne Terrace. Karen received the update below from TfL:
“The A2 (towards Luton Airport) route remains suspended and is being covered by the A1 under an emergency timetable. The A6 (to Stansted) remains on an emergency timetable and is not serving Paddington.
The A1 route is therefore the only coach service with a London Service Permit serving the Paddington area and its main route is via Bishops Bridge Road, Westbourne Terrace (the other end to where the resident concerns are from) and Harrow Road in both directions. It is authorised to use Eastbourne Terrace as an alternative route as required.
We are aware that a few coaches continue to use Westbourne Terrace and we have raised this concern with National Express. Please be reassured that we will continue to work with coach operators and trade associations advising them that coaches should avoid using this section of Westbourne Terrace wherever possible.”
Residents say, “I genuinely appreciated your detailed reply to this. Hopefully National Express will collaborate with your efforts.”
Other Issues
Council leaseholders face higher charges
In their latest example of overspending and failing to deliver what they promised, Westminster Council has admitted their costs have gone massively over budget for their day-to-day services for leaseholders, leading service charges to hit an average cost of £1,631.41 per household. This is a massive 8.6% over the Council’s original estimates to leaseholders for 2020/21.
Green New Deal for Westminster
We have launched a Green New Deal for Westminster which sets out a clear, ambitious agenda to achieve the change we desperately need. Key measures include:
- Appointing a Cabinet Member with responsibility for climate action. This will be pivotal to driving change from day one of a Labour Council.
- Implementing a Net Zero Test for all decisions to assess the climate impact of decisions made, and a sustainable approach to procurement.
- Seeking to refurbish first, rather than demolish, putting real emissions standards on all developments, and retrofitting our existing housing.
- Driving a green recovery and a just transition, with a Local Climate Bond for investments in our neighbourhoods, a focus on green jobs, and training available to all.
- Starting recovery in the streets, with a commitment to 15-minute neighbourhoods, new tree planting, and high streets that attract customers with active travel infrastructure.
In the spirit of working collaboratively with others we are keen to hear from residents, experts, and other stakeholders about how to develop and build on this plan. So please do get in touch with us to share your thoughts.
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 Ruaridh Wood and PCSO Grant have been joined by PC Lukashenko, PC Oddy 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
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.
Warm Homes Discount
You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2021 to 2022 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
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
“Very good and lots of content”
“Thank you for all your efforts. I thoroughly enjoy reading your newsletters. Thank you for all the time and effort you take in writing them and carrying out action.”
“Thank you very much for your support!”
“Your work is noted and appreciated”
“Huge thanks for your hard work and good wishes”
“Thank you for your hard work trying to improve our area. The rubbish dumping is a disgrace and I would push for heavy fines and more for these anti-social selfish idiots to be brought to heel. CCTV cameras might deter but perhaps they are too expensive and difficult to maintain.”
“Many thanks to all members of the Hyde Park Labour Team for all their highly appreciated support and efforts.”
“Thank you for your continued interest and your reply”
“Thank you for your note and your dedication in following through on this matter”
“Thanks for your efforts. It is much appreciated”
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 hplabour@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook @LabourHydePark