PIMLICO
Raw sewage dumping
The River Trust map of raw sewage dumping indicates several sewers along the river by Churchill Gardens, Dolphin Square and Tachbrook Estate spilled raw sewage for hundreds of hours last year. We will continue our campaign to ban raw sewage disposal
https://www.theriverstrust.org/key-issues/sewage-in-rivers
Tachbrook Estate
Pimlico South candidates Liza Begum. Robert Eagleton and Jason Williams have been speaking with Tachbrook Estate residents to understand how we can improve the local community and are working hard fix the issues we’ve found. We have helped residents facing housing issues (over-crowding and the threat of eviction) and called on Peabody to speed up maintenance, repairs, and the installation of double-glazing (a vital issue given rising energy prices).
Thomson House, Bessborough Place
We have contacted Peabody to urge them to take action to resolve long-standing repairs issues in Thomson House.
Dolphin Square
We are supporting residents who are calling for food waste recycling collection service at Dolphin Square:
“I live in Dolphin Square, and we have no food collection for food waste. While this is something I think it would be good for the management to address, if the council can organise a weekly pickup, or organise places close by we can take food waste, I think it would be good. With 1200 flats in the blocks, what a huge amount of waste we must be making.”
Longleat House
Following our enquiries about water penetration into flats in Longleat House, the Housing Department tells us:
“We are aware several properties along the same walkway are all experiencing similar issues with leakage from the staircase/slope above, brickwork stringer or walkway surface. We have requested our roofing contractor to provide a quotation to resurface the staircase/slope, repoint the brickwork stringer and partial resurface of the open communal walkway.”
Hugh Street
We have again asked the Council to take action to improve state of the pavement outside the Blue Cross Animal Hospital on Hugh Street. Residents say, “unless it rains, the pavement is filthy with urine and dried excrement stains.”
The Council has investigated the situation and has told us:
“It appears the member of staff responsible for washing the frontage each morning has left the organisation, but they will reassign it this week and ensure it is spot checked daily. The hospital do provide dog bags and have also promised to convey the need to clean up to their clients. The Council’s animal welfare team will provide them with a good stock of bags and erect some signage and posters to reaffirm these messages.”
Housing issues
You can read Churchill Ward Councillor Liza Begum’s recent Council speech about the dire state of the local housing situation
http://camdennewjournal.com/article/homes-crisis-kills-people
Proposed merger of Westminster Cathedral and St. Vincent De Paul primary schools.
We have heard from many residents concerned about the proposed merger of Westminster Cathedral and St. Vincent De Paul Catholic primary schools.
Unfortunately, Westminster Cathedral is under-subscribed because there is a lack of genuinely affordable housing and families cannot afford to live in Westminster. We are now working with parents, staff, and councillors to get answers to basic questions.
Pimlico Academy
Councillor Liza Begum recently met with the Pimlico Academy principal, along with Councillor Tim Roca. Liza says:
“I am cautiously optimistic after hearing that there have been a number of positive changes, including student representation and direct engagement with the Senior Leadership Team. I was also pleased that Mr Oulton was very honest and frank about the errors of his predecessor. Students and parents have gone through a traumatic time and I look forward to working with Mr Oulton to rebuild trust.”
Sir Simon Milton University Technical College, Sutherland Street
The Sir Simon Milton Westminster University Technical College is to close. It opened in September 2017 and specialised in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for 14–19 year-olds. The Council says:
“Due to continued low pupil numbers, the Department for Education has now taken a decision to close the UTC in August 2022. A listening exercise taking into consideration the views of students, parents, staff and stakeholders has concluded and a final decision will be taken by the Dept for Education. The site will remain in educational use whatever the outcome of the current discussions and a small number of education providers have expressed an interest.”