HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – Late March 2022
News from your Hyde Park Labour Candidates – Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Your three Hyde Park Ward Labour Candidates
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!
You can read our Manifesto here https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/manifesto-labours-plan-for-a-fairer-westminster/
NEWS AND ACTION
The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road/Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens
Connaught Street/Connaught Square
We are continuing to monitor the situation of drivers and cyclists ignoring the ‘No Entry’ signs around Connaught Square. In the case of cars, it is possible that satnav directions are causing the problem.
Seymour Street
Following our recent report to the Council, the potholes along Seymour Street, outside Lanchester Court, have now been filled.
Sussex Gardens
We have asked the Council to fix a bench on Sussex Gardens where one of the arms is missing. The bench is opposite Talbot Square.
The Highways Team say that they will get the missing arm replaced.
Sussex Mews East
Following our enquiries with the Street Cleansing Team, the weeds have been removed from the pavements and cobbles in Sussex Mews East.
We also noticed that the three streetlights in the part of the mews for which the Hyde Park Estate is responsible are on all through the day. We have reported this to the Hyde Park Estate and hope that the fault will be rectified soon in order to save energy and money.
Talbot Square
We are making enquiries with the Council and the police following reports from Talbot Square residents about regular anti-social behaviour in the square.
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.” We are delighted that the damaged traffic light at Marble Arch has now been fixed.
£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 has set 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.
The real cost of the £6m Marble Arch Mound – read more here
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
St Michael’s Street
Following the clearing away of rubbish from a basement in St Michael’s Street, residents say, “Thank you. I noticed that there wasn’t a smell this morning. The team did a good job.”
We are assisting a NHG tenant in St Michael’s Street who needs a transfer to a more appropriate flat for health reasons. “I am very grateful to Judith and yourself for helping me out”, said the resident. We are assisting another NHG tenant with a long-term housing issue.
Star Street
We have asked the City Inspectors to clear paint spilled in front of 68 Star Street.
Update – The paint has now been removed.
Sale Place
We have asked the City Inspectors to clean-up a patch of spilled paint from the pavement outside 6 Sale Place.
Edgware Road area
Edgware Road – empty shops and restaurants
We have counted at least 14 closed or empty shops and restaurants along Edgware Road. In addition, there are also empty retail and restaurant units in the new developments at Marble Arch Place and Regent House. This number of empty retail and restaurant units is undermining the economic success and future of Edgware Road as a destination for visitors, as well as for long-term residents who value the mix and diversity of the local shops and restaurants.
We are calling on the Council, local retailers and restaurants, landowners, including the Church Commissioners, Portman Estate, Almacantar (Marble Arch Place) and Native Land (Regent House), Marble Arch BID, residents’ groups and local stakeholders to come together to discuss how Edgware Road’s fortunes can be revived. We need a ‘plan of action’ to get Edgware Road back on its feet.
Park West
We have contacted the Park West Management Company about the new entry system which residents say sends a very loud high-pitched sound which can be heard right up at the top of the building. We have asked the Management Company if the high-pitched sound can be muted.
Edgware Road pavements
We asked the City Inspectors to ‘deep clean’ the pavement outside 230 Edgware Road which has become ingrained with grease and dirt following the regular dumping of rubbish by the lamppost.
Update – The area has now been cleaned and looks a little better, but there was so much dirt and grease that it will require further ‘deep cleans’ to get it properly clean.
Edgware Road/Sussex Gardens
We have asked the Refuse Collection Team to remove a number of large mounds of rubbish dumped at the corner of Edgware Road and Sussex Gardens. This is a regular dumping ‘hot spot’ and action needs to be taken against those responsible for this anti-social behaviour. Recently, a stack of cooking oil drums were dumped by the lamppost and we have asked the City Inspectors to investigate.
Edgware Road/Harrow Road
We have asked the City Inspectors to arrange for graffiti to be cleaned off the hoardings at the entrance to the disused underpass at the corner of Edgware Road and Harrow Road, just up from M&S.
Edgware Road
We are delighted that work has finally started on levelling the pavement around the roots of the large tree next to Boots on the corner of Edgware Road and Sussex Gardens. The tree has been surrounded by temporary green fencing for a long time and we have been urging the Council to take action on this for many months. It is good to see work underway at last.
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Chapel Street – paint spill
We asked the Council to clear the paint that has been spilled on the pavement on Chapel Street between the bus stop and the underground station.
Update – the paint has now been removed – a good job well done, thank you!
Chapel Street – abandoned bikes
We have also asked the City Inspectors to remove two abandoned bikes chained to a bike stand on Chapel Street – one has a wheel missing and the other has no handlebars.
Chapel Street streetlights
We have asked the Street Lighting Team to fix the streetlight on Chapel Street opposite the Chapel pub which is not working and does not have a light fitting in place. Also, the streetlight in front of the of flats at 38a-47 Chapel Street, is still not working.
38a – 47 Chapel Street
We have again pressed the Housing Department to install bike racks for residents in the car park at 38a-47 Chapel Street. We have also asked again 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
Following the Planning Committee’s unanimous decision to refuse permission for Travis Perkins’ plans for a 20-storey student development opposite Sheldon Square, we have written to the Mayor of London to urge him to support the Council’s refusal which would have ruined residents’ residential amenity.
Residents have applauded the decision to refuse planning permission
“Fantastic news re. Travis Perkins site having its planning application refused! Absolutely the right thing here. Thanks for your effort on this one.”
Dudley House
While we were out meeting Dudley House residents, we picked up a number of issues that needed sorting out.
- There is a leaning bike stand opposite Dudley House which needs straightening.
- There is a sign on the pavement which should be removed as it is no longer needed and is a hazard to pedestrians.
- Also, the road sign at the junction of Bishops Bridge Road and Harrow Road looks to be in hanging off and in a dangerous position which needs to be secured.
We reported all these issues to the Highways Team who told us, “We will get someone down there to look at it and action accordingly”
Aster House
We have again asked Octavia when the door mechanism will be fixed at Aster House.
Harbet Road
We are helping residents in Harbet Road with a number of individual housing issues.
Paddington Works
We have again asked Paddington Works when the redundant seating which has been left outside will be removed.
Hermitage Street – End Our Cladding Scandal
The ‘End Our Cladding Scandal’ campaign has issued a statement on Statement on the Select Committee’s ‘Building Safety: Remediation and Funding Report’ which recommended that leaseholders should not pay a penny to rectify faults not of their doing and to make their homes safe.
Peter Apps writes on what architects can learn from the Grenfell tragedy
https://www.ribaj.com/intelligence/what-architects-can-learn-from-grenfell
North Wharf Road
The new Premier Inn on North Wharf Road has opened. The company says, “At 393 rooms the hotel is now the largest non-airport Premier Inn in Greater London, and features the group’s newest Premier Plus rooms, as well as a Bar and Block steakhouse restaurant.”
We have asked the current tarmac pavement along Harrow Road is replaced by traditional paving stones as soon as possible.
Westbourne Terrace area
Westbourne Terrace/Craven Road
We have asked the Council to remove a large paint spill on the road at the junction of Westbourne Terrace and Craven Road. The paint is all over the road and makes the local area very unsightly.
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
Labour Councillors voted for No Increase in Council Tax at the last Council meeting. 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
Air pollution
Under a recent Freedom of Information request, we uncovered that Westminster Council has issued just 1 fine for every 1,112 reports of unnecessary engine idling since 2017. Over the 5-year period, over 70,000 incidents were reported to the Council, but a mere 63 fines were handed out and only 34 were actually paid.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
If you are thinking of organising a street party to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, these links might of interest
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/queens-platinum-jubilee
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/queens-platinum-jubilee/apply-street-party
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
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/
Bike Marking
We have again 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 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.”
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
“Such brilliant work by The Hyde Park Three! So impressive.”
“Great work. Really impressive. I will vote for all of you.”
“Huge thanks for your fantastic work.”
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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