BAYSWATER & LANCASTER GATE LABOUR ACTION REPORT – February 2022
News from Councillor Maggie Carman, James Small-Edwards and Max Sullivan, the Labour Action Team in Bayswater, and
Dario Goodwin, Ryan Jude and Ellie Ormsby, the Lancaster Gate Labour Action Team
WARD NEWS AND ACTION
Moorhouse Road
Councillor Maggie Carman contacted Notting Hill Genesis on behalf of residents in Moorhouse Road whose flat was suffering from water ingress and excessive damp. Following Maggie’s enquiries, NHG are on the case now and sending a contractor to fix the problems.
Hereford Road
Following Councillor Maggie Carman’s enquiries with Notting Hill Genesis on behalf of a resident of Hereford Road, a problem with the heating was fixed and the sitting room was redecorated in time for Christmas.
Maggie has also asked NHG to investigate problems with the fire alarm at another flat in Hereford Road. Residents say, “The central fire alarm system has been showing a fault for several weeks now and NHG are refusing to answer my question about whether or not the alarm will sound if there is a fire. They have sent an engineer round who said that he could not fix the system because he could not gain access to a flat, where the fault has apparently originated. NHG now appear to be ignoring the issue and cannot give a timeframe for when the fire alarm might be fixed.”
Westbourne Park Villas
Councillor Maggie Carman has called on Look Ahead Housing to clear the rubbish outside 89-91 Westbourne Park Villas. Residents say,
“Aside from the fly tipping from local commercial premises and neighbours the bin area and facilities for your tenants is inadequate and not maintained by Look Ahead. The exterior of the property is generally in a state of poor repair and obviously attracts the dumping of rubbish and vermin.”
Shrewsbury Road
Councillor Maggie Carman has called on Notting Hill Genesis to deal urgently with this problem in Shrewsbury Road reported by a NHG tenant, “the kitchen is flooding again. From yesterday morning I reported it and no one been able to come and see the damage from yesterday. Right now, the kitchen is full of dirty water.”
Talbot Road bollards – update
We have received the following update from the Highways Team about the Talbot Road bollards:
“This is currently being looked at by my colleague in the Public Realm Team for some mitigating measures in relation to the width restriction issues, that are causing the parked vehicles to be hit and damaged. Unfortunately, we haven’t got an answer yet in terms of a solution, but it is being looked at.”
Chepstow Road
Councillor Maggie Carman raised this issue with the Council, “The generator here is driving the residents mad with the continual noise. How long is it going on for?”
The Council say: “The generator should not be running full time so I have asked Conway to ensure that its use is restricted to the times the welfare unit is being used.”
Bayswater Road
There are two bus shelters about 30 metres apart on Bayswater Road. One is at Orme Square and the other closer to Queensway station. The latter has a digital ‘Countdown’ screen showing the bus arrival times, yet those buses shown on that screen stop at the earlier stop! We watched a 94 bus do this and it is very easy for people to get confused, as well as being unnecessary doubling up. It seems like the stop was going to be moved and it hasn’t been completed yet.
We have asked Transport for London if there is there a plan to remove the bus stop at Orme Square in favour of the one closer to the tube? If not, we have asked TfL to explain why both are needed, or remove one of them, preferably the one at Orme Square which doesn’t have the digital ‘Countdown’ screen.
Queen’s Mews
Proposals for major development in Queen’s Mews have been submitted by GMS Estates in the form of four planning applications
- 21/08721/FULL- Improvements and alterations to shopfronts at 103, 105, 121, 127 and 129 Queensway
- 21/08726/FULL- Demolition of external rear building wall and extension to the rear for a new lift shaft at second and third floors above the existing closet wing, internal refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing dwellings to deliver a total of 9 additional residential units, demolition of part of the low walls to the rear of the site at the boundary on Queens Mews and associated green roof landscaping to front.
- 21/08722/FULL- Erection of single storey extensions, 3 storey extension, 5 storey and roof extension, roof terrace to second and fourth floor, external alterations, and part change of use from office to residential to create 1 self-contained dwelling.
- 21/08723/FULL- Erection of three storey side and mansard roof extension at 1-3 Salem Road, demolition of 8-14 Moscow Road and erection of new office building, erection of upward extension to 16 Moscow Road, erection of part 5 and part 6 storey co-living building on Queens Mews, public realm improvements and installation of new energy network.
Queen’s Gardens
We have asked the local police to investigate this issue raised by a local hotelier:
“Last week another party in Queens Gardens that resulted in a stabbing and a large-scale Police operation. Not only is this unacceptable for the residential community but as a business struggling to get back into action after Covid, my guests should feel safe in the local community.”
We have also asked the Planning Enforcement Team to investigate unauthorised Airbnb lettings in Queen’s Gardens.
Whiteley’s
Under a recent Freedom of Information request, Lancaster Gate Labour Candidate, Ellie Ormsby, has discovered over the past year Westminster Council has granted the Whiteley developers, Laing O’Rourke, near daily permissions to operate beyond their agreed working hours (8am-6pm weekdays, 8am-1pm Saturdays only).
Out of the 76 applications to work beyond their core hours sent to the Council last year, not a single one was rejected. With each single application often covering a period of days, if not weeks, in 2021 the developer had permission to work beyond the agreed working hours on over 300 days.
Craven Hill Gardens
Following our meeting with the Managing Agents for Craven Hill Gardens, we issued a follow up survey to residents via email. Preliminary findings are that the majority of neighbouring residents want access to the Gardens and the price they’re willing to pay is between £150-250 p.a. on average. We think a figure in the region of £150/£250 pa could encourage residents to sign up for access to the Gardens and secure funding to maintain the garden and deal with current security issues.
Gloucester Mews
We have asked the Street Lighting Team if there has been any progress in assessing the need for additional street lighting in Gloucester Mews. Residents tell us that they feel unsafe, particularly in the middle of the Mews, where drug dealing is a regular issue.
We have also asked the local police to continue their regular patrols to disrupt the activities of drug dealers at one of the mews houses.
Craven Terrace
Labour’s Ellie Ormsby asked the police and the Street Lighting Team to investigate this issue raised by residents:
“There has been a spike in noise, littering and ASB, including street drinking, on Craven Terrace since late December–early January. There has been frequent loitering and street drinking next to the entrance to Carroll House (by people who are not residents of the house) and on steps leading down Elms Mews, making it feel unsafe to walk the street and causing noise disturbance to residents, not mentioning litter.
It would be great to at least have prominent CCTV cameras and strategic street lighting in the area (for example, next to Elms Mews steps) to deter ASB behaviour. Having Craven Terrace incorporated in the patrol routes would be the best.”
The Street Lighting Team replied to Ellie saying:
“The area has been assessed and it has been noted that due to the tree an additional light would make an improvement to this area. And we will have a look at options and look to install additional lighting in the financial year 2022/2023.”
Westbourne Crescent
We have again asked the Cycle Team to locate a bike hangar in Westbourne Crescent after a local resident had her bike stolen. Secure cycle parking is a priority for many residents.
Electric Vehicle charging points
Bayswater Labour Candidate, James Small-Edwards, continues to be dismayed by the lack of progress on Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points in Bayswater (where only 2 are planned for 2022). James has said: “Despite promising to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, the Council are only providing 2 new EV charging points in Bayswater in 2022. Residents regularly tell me on the doorstep that they would love to get an electric car but they simply live too far away from a charging point. This lack of progress we’re seeing is unacceptable, particularly when other wards in Westminster are receiving 50 additional charging points.”
If you do have an electric car and would like a charging point installed at a lamp post near you, please complete the following form: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/request-vehicle-charging-point
£6 million Marble Arch Mound
The £6 million Marble Arch Mound is finally being dismantled after just six months, after it was branded the ‘capital’s worst tourist attraction’. The Westminster Council official in charge of the Marble Arch mound debacle was paid more than the authority’s Chief Executive with a £220,000 salary making him the authority’s highest-paid employee. You can read the latest in this Westminster Conservative Council fiasco here:
Flooding
Residents whose homes are not habitable due to flooding may not be obliged to pay Council Tax. This would apply for the period you are not living in the property.
If you are affected please email Rehana Hannan at the Council rhannan@westminster.gov.uk with details of your property, reasons it is not habitable and some indication of how long it will be vacant.
Rubbish dumping
The time is long overdue for tough action against the regular rubbish dumpers who litter the streets 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.
Residents say:
“I support your proposals for tackling rubbish dumping but feel that our public bins are either insufficient or not emptied frequently enough. The ones on the section of Monmouth Road, near where it meets Newton Road, are a case in point. Although some people do dump large items there, careful residents are often trying to squeeze legitimate bin bags into overflowing bins: overflowing not because of dumping, just that the bin provision or collection provision is insufficient.”
Council Tax
We have called for No Rise in Council Tax until at least 2024. As residents face a challenging winter with rising prices and energy bills, they want to know that they aren’t going to have any nasty surprises in the spring in when it comes to Council Tax.
Labour Councillors will vote against any increase in Council Tax until at least 2024 to try to help residents through these difficult times. We think that at the very least Council Tax should be frozen at its current rate, while further efforts are made to protect those on low incomes.
Council Rents
We are also calling on the Council to freeze Council rents. We have been told that the upcoming Council budget in March will include a Consumer Price Index inflation plus 1% rise in rents for council flats, shops, and other commercial properties owned by Westminster’s Housing Department. That’s the maximum rise local authorities are allowed to impose.
Energy bills
We have called for local action to help with energy bills.
Supporting Leaseholders
Local leaseholders have given us details of two organisations which are able to help leaseholders in battles against freeholders:
The Leasehold Partnership (run by leaseholders and solicitors)
https://www.leaseholdknowledge.com
The National Leasehold Campaign (set up leaseholders)
https://nationalleaseholdcampaign.org
Policing
For the latest local police statistics see https://www.met.police.uk/a/your-area/met/westminster/bayswater/ and https://www.met.police.uk/a/your-area/met/westminster/lancaster-gate/
To assist the Bayswater Ward police officers in prioritising their time and work within the ward, please take a few moments to fill in the short survey to have your say on how Bayswater is policed.
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/BayswaterJanuary22/
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’s 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
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.
Green Doctors service
Green Doctors are expert energy advisers who help residents save money, stay warm, and improve energy efficiency in the home. They are now offering pre-booked home visits/phone consultations to help families and individuals to maximise their income by:
- Sharing easy tips on how to save money on their energy bills
- Helping to switch onto cheaper tariffs to save money
- Delivering free energy-saving items such as draft proofing strips/LED light bulbs/showerheads, etc
You can call 0300 365 3005 or email greendoctorsldn@groundwork.org.uk
Bike Hangars
Please let us know if you would like to suggest locations for additional bike hangars where bikes can be stored safely and securely.
‘Westminster Extra’
You can read the ‘Westminster Extra’ onlinehttps://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=09649383-4dbb-4a3d-b164-9d26398578f3
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
Recycling small electrical appliances
Any household electrical and electronic item that operates on a battery or has a plug and is smaller than 60cm in length and under 30cm in width and height, can be put in an on-street small electrical appliances recycling bin. For details of locations see https://www.westminster.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/reusing-and-other-recycling-services/how-recycle-electrical-appliances/small-electrical-appliances
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
Coronavirus (Covid-19) UPDATE
Interactive Map
You can see the latest Covid data for your area here
https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map
Westminster Council’s advice and response website:
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-and-information
Westminster Connects COVID-19 phone line – 020 7641 1222
What you say
“Thank you for all this information and your timely, effective actions.”
“Thank you so much, the very best newsletter in my inbox and we appreciate the news.”
“Thank you all for your terrific work for our community. Bravo!”
“Thank you all for your care of us citizens. The mound a disgraceful way of spending money, I am upset the council voted it through.”
“Thank you very much for the recent newsletter and the link to Labour’s Green New Deal for Westminster, which looks very promising. It all sounds fantastic – especially the greening of the streets and more trees, as well as recycling food waste.”
“Thank you very much for taking interest and time on this matter. It is appreciated.”
“I also want to thank you for your support throughout. I seemed to be getting nowhere with NHG and I was in great distress until you got involved, so I want to extend huge thanks to you, Maggie. This really has made a big difference to my life.”
“Thanks Maggie you’re a star!”
“Mission Accomplished! I was on tenterhooks because I hadn’t received a letter or email for confirmation, but at 8am there was a buzz & they arrived …it took all day! Now I have a smashing New DOOR”
“Thank you very much for being our favourite and most effective Councillor!”
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 yourself and your neighbours.
Regards
Councillor Maggie Carman, James Small-Edwards and Max Sullivan
Bayswater Labour Action Team – Here to Help, All Year Round
Bayswater@westminsterlabour.org
Tweet @bayswaterLabour
Dario Goodwin, Ryan Jude and Ellie Ormsby
Lancaster Gate Labour Action Team – Here to Help, All Year Round
Tweet @LancGateLabour
Email: lg@westminsterlabour.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancGateLabour/
