HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – March 2022
News from your Hyde Park Labour Candidates – Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Md Shamsed Chowdhury has lived and worked in Westminster since 2016. He is experienced in the business and hospitality industries and keen to use his knowledge to support young people into work. Shamsed is also a volunteer with a homeless charity in Westminster. He speaks English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Bengali and is keen to support all residents in the ward to ensure everyone has a decent home and feels safe on our streets.
Paul Dimoldenberg has been a Queen’s Park Labour Councillor for nearly 25 years and was a Harrow Road Councillor for 8 years before that. He is a former Leader of the Labour Group and led the Team that uncovered the ‘Homes for Votes’ and ‘15p Cemeteries’ scandals. Originally from Manchester, he has lived on Marylebone Road since the 1970s. Paul’s knowledge of the Council has enabled the Hyde Park Labour Action Team to ‘get things done’ for local residents.
Judith Southern grew up in rural Cumbria and trained to be a nursery nurse. She then worked in West Yorkshire as a bus driver before starting nurse training. She worked at Paddington Green Children’s Hospital and has lived in Hyde Park ward since 1985. Before retiring she worked at Trinity Hospice at Clapham Common where Judith says she felt privileged to be able to give the best palliative care possible.
Don’t forget, you have three votes in the Council elections on 5th May. You can vote for all three of us. Use your three votes to vote for Shamsed, Paul and Judith.
Our priorities for Hyde Park Ward
- Freeze Council Tax for all residents until 2024
- Keep our area safe with more police to tackle crime
- Stop illegal rubbish dumping with fines for offenders
- Put residents first in the planning system
- Stand up for better NHS services against cuts and sell-offs
- Deliver cleaner air, and greener homes and transport
- Stop the financial waste – no more £6m Marble Arch Mound disasters!
NEWS AND ACTION
The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road/Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens
Seymour Street
There are number of large potholes on Seymour Street, outside Lanchester Court. We have asked the Highways Team to fill in the potholes as they look like a potential hazard for cyclists, as well for pedestrians crossing the road. The Highways Team say, “I have passed this to one of my team to action.”
Cambridge Square
The basement areas of two houses in Cambridge Square are in a terrible state. Both houses look as if they might be abandoned or not lived in for a long time. We have asked the Council if they can contact the owners or managing agents and require them to keep their property tidy. It must be awful for the neighbours to live next to such a tip.
Southwick Street/Cambridge Square
We have asked the City Inspector to secure the lock to the telecoms box on Southwick Street, at the corner of Cambridge Square. If the box contents are vandalised it will create huge inconvenience for residents. The City Inspector says:
“This was raised with BT in November. I have been securing myself when I have been in the area. I have chased this today with BT.”
Westbourne Street
We have asked the City Inspector to investigate a bike chained to the railings in Westbourne Street and which has lost its wheels. The City Inspector has told us, “I attended the location this morning and have placed a notice on the bike”.
Sussex Mews East
Following conversations with residents in Sussex Mews East, we asked the Council about clearing the weeds from the pavement on a regular basis. The Street Cleansing Team say, “I have asked Veolia to visit this location and address the weeds, as we enter the weed-growing season again.”
The same day, residents told us, “I am delighted to report that a very nice Veolia operative is in the process of clearing the Mews.”
Bathurst Street – what you say
“We were “disturbed” a few days ago by a loud noise outside. A high-pressure pavement wash! The first we can remember in all our time here. Didn’t realise the pavement slabs are speckly! Thanks again for all your help.”
£6 million Marble Arch Mound
The scale of Boris Johnson’s Westminster Conservatives’ £6m Marble Arch Mound financial mismanagement has now come into sharp focus as Westminster Council unveils its budget for the next financial year. As a result of the Conservatives’ financial blunders:
- Council rents are going up £5 a week, bringing in £3m extra income.
- Parking charges are going up, too, raising £1m extra income.
- Adult Social Services are being cut by £500,000 and
- Mayfair Library is under threat of closure to save £200,000 a year in rent.
Marble Arch
We asked the Council to fix a damaged traffic light post at the top of Park Lane, close to Marble Arch. The Council told TfL, “Signal post and head at the top of Park Lane has been hit and in need of urgent attention.”
TfL responded, “This has been raised as an Emergency.”
Titchbourne Row
There was very worrying news that a young man was stabbed in Titchbourne Row on Saturday evening. His injuries were not life-threatening, according to the news report.
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Southwick Street
We have asked the police to investigate reports of a property in Southwick Street being used as a brothel.
We also asked the City Inspector to investigate persistent rubbish dumping by the trees on Southwick Street.
In addition, we have asked the Tree Team to inspect the condition of the trees in Southwick Street following the recent storms.
Star Street and St Michael’s Street – Notting Hill Genesis properties
We are helping a number of NHG tenants living in Star Street and St Michael’s Street with individual housing issues.
We have also asked NHG to clear the smelly rubbish from the basement area of one of their properties in St Michael’s Street.
Update – The rubbish has now been cleared.
Star Street
Residents in Star Street have started to ‘name and shame’ people responsible for illegal rubbish dumping. Residents are displaying CCTV pictures of the illegal rubbish dumpers on a wall next to Number 1 Star Street as a way of deterring further illegal rubbish dumping. We are supporting this initiative and are asking residents:
What do you think of this as a way of tacking the epidemic of illegal rubbish dumping?
Should the Council be taking a lead on this by ‘naming and shaming’ rubbish dumpers on the Council website and displaying their pictures at rubbish dumping ‘hot spots’?
Residents say, “There is a strong pattern emerging here. It’s quite clear that the majority of dumping is conducted by a small group of repeat offenders.”
We have also asked the police in investigate reports of a property in Star Street where residents are involved in late night drug dealing/ASB.
Sussex Gardens
We have asked the Council to contact the hotel at the corner of Sussex Gardens and Talbot Square which continues to use its forecourt to store building materials as well rubbish. We have asked the Council to require the hotel to keep the area clear, as, at present, it is a real mess.
We have also asked the Council to return a bike that was removed from a car park in Sussex Gardens that belongs to a resident.
Praed Street
Following our call on Royal Mail to re-open the sealed post box on Praed Street, the Royal Mail told us:
“The post box was sealed due to keys being misplaced. The keys have now been located and the post box has been reopened.”
South Wharf Road
Gregg’s is coming to South Wharf Road
We received this enquiry from a resident:
“Do you happen to know what’s happening with the William Hill on South Wharf Road? I notice that there are often people smoking cannabis etc outside – I think that the right kind of establishment on the site could prevent that happening, definitely not another bookmakers!”
We walked past the former William Hill unit and spoke to the shopfitters. They told us that it is going to be a Gregg’s.
Edgware Road area
Edgware Road/Sussex Gardens
We have again called on the Council to sort out the mess around the tree at the corner of Edgware Road and Sussex Gardens, next to Boots. The green plastic fencing keeps being blown or knocked down, the tree roots are a pedestrian hazard and food is regularly deposited there causing a health hazard.
Edgware Road/Harrow Road – closed subways
We have again asked the Council to clear the closed subway underpass entrances of the rubbish that has accumulated on the steps and walkways. The Council say, “When subways are closed to the public, they are the responsibility of the landowner i.e. TfL. We’ve previously asked TfL to improve the hoardings to prevent littering and fouling and will contact them again.”
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
38a – 47 Chapel Street
We have continued to press the Housing Department to install bike racks for residents in the car park at 38a-47 Chapel Street. We have also asked for an update on when a permanent sign will be placed on the Chapel Street gate directing deliveries to the entrance on Transept Street.
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Travis Perkins site – planning application refused!
Following over 150 objections to the 20-storey development submitted by Unite Students and Travis Perkins for the Baltic Wharf site at the junction of Harrow Road and Bishop’s Bridge Road, the Planning Committee has refused planning permission because “the development would have a significant negative impact on the amenity of adjacent residential occupiers and does not provide adequate on-site servicing.”
From the start, we supported residents’ objections to the proposals and submitted two objection letters to the Council, including this one
This is a great result for local residents and the Labour Action Team. Residents say:
“That’s great news. Thank you for your help with this.”
“Well done!”
“Thank you for your assistance throughout. Much appreciated.”
Here is a video showing us with residents opposing the plans last July
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1gd7OR7RsJ0
We will be urging the Mayor to support the Council’s decision to refuse this application.
Sheldon Square
We continue to liaise with NHG and First Port on the fire regulation works to their front doors which residents have been told to install at their own cost.
Residents also say that service charges have increased considerably. On resident says, “mine has increased 60% since 2020. That’s because of building remedial works that should be done by the freeholder (fire safety, water leaks, replacement of broken equipment) as well as a spending spree by the managing agent on unnecessary things, all being passed on to residents.”
Montgomery House
We have asked Peabody to inspect a defective boiler in a flat in Montgomery House and to undertake the necessary repairs.
2 Hermitage Street
We are helping residents in 2 Hermitage Street who are having problems with the heating and hot water system. We have asked Octavia Housing to investigate and take the necessary action to resolve the problems.
Harbet Road – street sweeping
Residents continue to tell us that the Hilton Hotel is failing in its responsibility to sweep Harbet Road on a daily basis. Following our earlier enquiries, Council officers have been in contact with the hotel to remind them of their responsibility, but this appears to be falling on deaf ears. We have asked the Council if they can now take a tougher line with the hotel to ensure they sweep Harbet Road daily.
Harbet Road – parking
We have contacted the Parking Team after receiving this message:
“As a local resident it would help if the parking restrictions were enforced along that section of the road opposite the hotel next to the Brewdog, as at the moment it is a free for all. Word has got around, and it seems as though cars can park there for as long as they wish without any enforcement. I think the hotel is missing out on some extra revenue here from either not giving the cars tickets or by making this stretch pay and display. The Merchant Square guys seem to do a good job further down with controlling the parking and dealing with any issues.”
The Parking Team say:
“This section of Harbet Road is indeed private property. For this reason, our parking Marshals are unable to carry out enforcement action or act as a visual deterrent against vehicles parking inappropriately there. According to the on-street signage, UK Parking Controls (UKPC) Ltd are the responsible enforcement agent.”
We have written to UKPC to urge them to enforce the parking regulations on Harbet Road.
Hermitage Street – End the cladding scandal
The ‘End the Cladding Scandal’ campaign has written a new report, ‘Dereliction of Duty: how housing associations failed leaseholders trapped in the building safety crisis’. You can read the report here
The Campaign has also responded to the recent LUHC Select Committee’s Inquiry on Building Safety: Remediation and Funding.
https://endourcladdingscandal.org/legislation/our-submission-to-luhc-inquiry-on-building-safety/
Canal clean-up needed
We have asked the Canal & River Trust to clear an accumulation of rubbish in the canal under the canal bridge by Nissan Design Europe at the entrance to Browning’s Pool. Residents say, “It is full of rubbish. Somebody needs to clean it up – it really looks awful.”
The Canal & River Trust say, “this information has been passed over to our local team so that they can look into this and establish the best course of action.”
Westbourne Terrace area
Eastbourne Terrace/Praed Street
We have asked the Highways Team to repair the road at the corner of Eastbourne Terrace and Praed Street which is in very poor condition. There is also a piece of the kerb which has become dislodged and is pedestrian hazard. The Highways Team say: “One of my team have been to site today and will be raising a job.”
Gloucester Mews
We have continued to liaise with the police and residents about the anti-social behaviour at a property at Gloucester Mews. We have also urged the Council to improve street lighting in the Mews. The Street Lighting Team say:
“We will look into installing an additional wall-light at this location above no.52, but that would be subject to getting an approved wayleave from the property owner to attach the light to their building.”
Bike thefts
We have been told about a number of bike thefts in the area. Following a theft of a locked bike in Westbourne Crescent, we have received this message,
“My husband tells me he encountered a very angry and upset woman as he walked along Gloucester Terrace yesterday whose locked bike had been stolen in broad daylight. It feels as if bike thieves can just help themselves whenever they feel like it.”
It looks like there may be a gang operating in the area, and we have passed this on to the police.
Other Issues
Ukraine Appeal
We are standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine in their hour of need. You can support them in their struggle against Putin’s invasion here
https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
Council Tax
We voted for No Increase in Council Tax at last week’s Council meeting. 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 when it comes to Council Tax.
We are 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.
Service charges – huge increase in insurance costs
We have been contacted by leaseholders who have received massively increased bills for insurance cover as part of their service charge – in one case, an increase of 20%. Please let us know if you have had a similar experience
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.
Westminster Libraries under threat
It seems Westminster Conservatives have been quietly planning radical changes to Westminster’s libraries – seemingly without any intention of telling people about them before Council elections on 5th May. An internal paper entitled ‘Westminster Libraries and Archives: Overview of Transformation and Next Steps’ outlines the key findings from the Council’s review of the library service. Based on the information in this document it seems that the Council is preparing to:
- Close Charing Cross Library and merge it with the Westminster Reference Library
- Close the Westminster Archives, removing the materials to an ‘off-site’ collection.
- Break their promise to replace the St James’ Library
- Only extend the lease on Mayfair Library for a short period with no commitment on its future
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/issues/2022/02/11/libraryclosuresrevealed/
Handyperson service
Westminster residents aged over 60, or in receipt of disability benefit, can request free help from a handyperson. The service covers minor works to a home such as replacing light bulbs and other small DIY jobs. It does not cover gardening, plumbing or decorating, and it is not an emergency service. Please see the following link for details https://www.westminster.gov.uk/handyperson
Bike Marking
We have asked the local police to consider this suggestion from a resident:
“I was wondering if you could ask the Hyde Park Ward police to have a few bike marking days in conjunction with BikeRegister in the area in March/April – when the weather is better and there will be more cyclists out and about. I would be interested and also useful to stop bike theft in the area.”
The Bayswater police held a bike marking event on 26th February. They say, “Over 60 bikes marked in under 5 hours. It was very well received by the public and great to be out to meet the residents of W2 and surroundings.”
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
Local Police
The Hyde Park Ward Safer Neighbourhood Police Team is PC Adam Oddy, PC Harminder Purewal and PCSO Grant. You can contact them at AWMailbox.SNTCWHydePark@met.police.uk
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/
Heathrow flight path
We are supporting local residents who are concerned about Heathrow planning a flight path over Paddington, Bayswater and Notting Hill.
https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/post/ugc-voting-petitions/989b8335-15f5-4964-adda-13342cf3299f
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
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.
Calling all European Hyde Park Ward residents
Did you know you can vote in Westminster Council’s local elections on Thursday 5 May? Register to vote now and have your say.
https://gov.uk/register-to-vote
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
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
“Thank you for the regular news”
“Together with everyone else, I want to say thank you for all your hard work on our behalf”
“Brilliant working many thanks for your efforts!”
“I appreciate your prompt action and continued vigilance”
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 Candidates – Here to Help, All Year Round
You can contact us at hplabour@gmail.com
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