PIMLICO, SOHO, MARYLEBONE AND WEST END LABOUR ACTION REPORT – May 2022
News from your Westminster Labour Councillors and Candidates
Read our Manifesto – Labour’s Plan for a Fairer Westminster
Our manifesto for the May 5th local elections sets out our plan to deliver a Council that puts residents first. Our key pledges are below, and you can read the full manifesto here. A Labour Council will be on your side:
- Freezing Westminster’s Council Tax until 2024 to help with the cost of living crisis.
- Putting the needs of residents before developers in the planning system,
- Keeping our area safe with more police to tackle knife crime and Council action on Anti-social behaviour and rubbish dumping.
- Standing up for better NHS services against cuts and sell-offs.
PIMLICO
Aylesford Street
We are very concerned at the increase of anti-social behaviour along Aylesford Street around the entrance to the Tachbrook Estate and have called on the Police to increase regular patrols in the area, including more visible policing in the area to act as a deterrent. Now is the time for more Police patrols and more visible policing in Pimlico.
Cumberland Street
We have asked L&Q Housing to undertake long-standing repairs to a flat in Cumberland Street.
St George’s Drive
We have asked Sanctuary Housing to help one of their tenants who is living in overcrowded accommodation to move to a larger flat.
Warwick Way
Residents tell us that deliveries to Tesco and Waitrose in Warwick Way are as early as 06.00 in the morning and they can be very noisy. We have asked the Planning Team if this is permissible under their planning permissions.
Also, we have asked if action can be taken against Domino’s Pizza in Warwick Way who allow their riders and their bikes to block the pavement. This in addition to the reckless riding on the pavement which is a police matter.
Mary Smith’s Pantry
We have called on Westminster Council to urgently publish a plan to support Mary Smith’s Pantry to enable it to continue its vital work in the community supporting residents hit by the cost of living crisis. Mary Smith’s Pantry has been looking for extra storage facilities to continue their service to residents since their unit was closed on the Ebury Bridge Estate.
Councillor Liza Begum said, “I have been lobbying the Ebury Bridge Regeneration team for storage and other facilities for the food bank but have continually come up against a brick wall of indifference from Council leaders.”
Pimlico Labour’s candidate for Pimlico South Robert Eagleton said, “I’ve seen first-hand the difference Mike Smith and his team make in our community, those who have to struggle with ever increasing bills have nowhere else to turn and need this vital service to continue.”
Fellow candidate and former Labour Councillor Jason Williams said, “The Council should be supporting Mike and finding space for him to run the foodbank, they must know the impact closing the foodbank would have on residents and have not acted – we need an action plan to support the foodbank which includes storage facilities – now.”
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/pimlico-south/2022/04/22/__trashed-261/
Wilton Road
Proposals for a 23-storey building to replace Stockley House on Wilton Road have been submitted and have come under attack from SAVE who say “It would harm the setting of several nearby listed buildings, including the Grade I listed Westminster Cathedral.”
St Gabriel’s Church, Warwick Square
St Gabriel’s Church has lost its fight to chop down a tree that damaged its wall. The 180-year-old church asked Westminster City Council for permission to cut the tree down after it previously damaged the churchyard wall.The church is a Grade II* listed building and the church authorities said the garden wall is at risk of future damage because the tree keeps growing closer to it. But the council decided the tree, which is about 10 metres tall and has a long life-expectancy, should stay because it boosts the attractiveness of the local area.
Queen Mother Sports Centre – what you say
“Thank you for alerting residents to the Council’s purchase of the building next to the Queen Mother Sports Centre. Without your vigilance, another ugly high-rise deal with a developer will blot the local community.”
VINCENT SQUARE WARD
Gainsborough House, Millbank estate
We have asked the Director of Housing to investigate long-standing reports of ASB in Gainsborough House.
Rogers House, Page Street
We have asked the Housing Department to fix a leaking pipe and a cracked step in Rogers House.
Greencoat Row
We are helping a resident in Greencoat Row with a housing issue.
Vauxhall Bridge Road
We have asked Notting Hill Genesis to fix an entrance door to a block of flats in Vauxhall Bridge Road.
Bus numbers C10 and 88
We have contacted TfL about the problems at bus stop NM which has been closed recently. Even though the work has been completed, buses do not always stop there and residents say trying to catch a bus at this stop is “like a lottery”.
Millbank Estate
We have alerted the Council to serious ASB issues being caused by one individual and asked for assistance to be given to the individual in the hope that this will reduce the anti-social behaviour.
Coburg Close
We continue to take up individual issues with L&Q on behalf of Coburg Close residents.
Willow Place
We have asked the Street Lighting Team to fix a streetlight on Willow Place, off Francis Street which is not working. A resident told us that this light has been out for a while.
Broken pavements
We have asked the Council to fix broken pavements on Causton Street and on Vauxhall Bridge Road, near the junction with Chapter Street/outside Baltimore Court. The Highways Team say, “One of my team has been to site and raised remedial works for the Causton Street issue. The other issue on Vauxhall Bridge Road will be reported to TfL.”
You can read about David Parton, one of Labour’s three candidates for Vincent Square Ward, here https://www.youngfabians.org.uk/meet_the_candidate_david_parton
SOHO
Former Conservative Councillor endorses West End Labour candidates
Former West End Conservative Councillor Glenys Roberts has joined the first-ever West End Labour Councillor Pancho Lewis in endorsing Labour’s West End candidates Paul Fisher, Patrick Lilley and Jessica Toale for the Council elections on 5th May. Glenys Roberts who served for nearly 20 years as a Conservative Councillor for West End ward, from 1999-2018, said:
“For the past four years West End residents have been emailing me for help having had little satisfaction from their elected Tory councillors. I have been very happy to work with Pancho Lewis who has taken a genuine interest in their quality of life. Jessica Toale, Paul Fisher and Patrick Lilley – who came within 27 votes of getting a second Labour seat last time — will be excellent successors. The West End deserves nothing but the best.”
Play area for children
We are organising a meeting with the Oxford Street District team for parents so they can hear their views and improve facilities for children. Parents say:
“Various Soho parents are keen to talk/support the case for a children’s play area (or some basic play equipment!) somewhere in Soho. What’s the best way to go about making a case for this? I increasingly see missed opportunities for this which seems a real shame – the redevelopment around the Photographers gallery, the sculpture in Soho Square – which so easily could have had something incorporated for children.”
D’Arblay Street
We are continuing to press the Council to reopen the road. It’s been closed for at least five years now due to a collapsed vault.
FITZROVIA
Holcroft Court
Following our enquiries about the works in the corridor opposite flat 201, the Housing Department tell us:
“This is one of the risers where asbestos has been identified which explains the area being seals, we required urgent access within due to a power outage at an adjacent Holcroft Court. The area is safe the way it is and the asbestos removal project relating to this area is due to recommence soon.”
Police Helicopters
We have repeated our request to the Metropolitan Police to use drones rather than noisy helicopters when policing demonstrations in the West End.
Hanson Street – Illegally Dumped Rubbish
We are continuing with our campaign alongside residents to get the Council to take stronger action against those anti-social residents and businesses who illegally dump rubbish in the street. Residents say:
“I am sick no tired of seeing the street used as a dumping spot. I have contacted the West End Labour Team, who themselves, are trying desperately to stop dumping of rubbish in Fitzrovia. People throw out large furniture items on the pavement from sofas to fridge freezers.
We are plagued with cardboard boxes and packaging. Rather than flatten the boxes and put them out on the correct recycling days, they just dump them. In strong winds this rubbish is blown all over the place and is especially hazardous for traffic.”
Greenwell Street
Residents told us that: “There has been a noticeable increase in drug taking / drug dealing recently on Greenwell Street due to its seclusion.” Westminster Housing failed to take this up, but we pressed local police and they are now sending officers to monitor the area.
Berners Place
We took this up with the Council, after residents reported issues with noise:
“The same contractors who closed Berners Place and caused substantial and intolerable noise without any notice whatsoever last month (and carried out noisy plant collection at 6am) have now come back today and closed the road for a week without warning of any kind. It’s the usual contempt for the people who actually occupy this town from those whose only interest is to extract wealth from it.”
Newman Street
Residents told us that the lift has been out of order for a long time, in a block which is managed by Westminster Council and we have called on the Housing Department to resolve the problem urgently:
“We here still don’t yet even have a timeline for the promised lift replacement! The lift has not been repaired in the meantime. It was 18 March that the management had emailed me that they have instructed the contractors (to start the replacement), and earlier this week the on-site manager had told me that he was expecting to be able to give us all a letter with the timeline by the end of the day.
Labour’s candidates in Fitzrovia
You can read an interview with Paul Fisher, Patrick Lilley and Jessica Toale in the latest edition of Fitzrovia News https://fitzrovianews.com/2022/04/28/labour-promises-a-better-deal-for-residents-in-fitzrovia-west/
MAYFAIR
Binney Street
Residents reported an abandoned vehicle on Binney Street. This had been left there for many years, and despite reporting it many times residents weren’t able to get it removed. We are pleased to say that the car has been removed after we requested that the Council remove it. The Highways team reported that:
“After liaising with the Street Marshals Team, I can confirm that the [car] has now been removed from Binney Street as an untaxed vehicle.”
Mayfair Library
We are continuing our efforts to safeguard the future of Mayfair library.
Residents commented that: “I personally would find the “relocation” out of Mayfair of the library to be a loss to the area and yet a further degradation of residential and community amenity.” Many others have raised deep concerns.
We are pressing for a long extension of the lease to secure the library’s future and want it to become an ‘Asset of Community Value’ – a mechanism which helps add further protections were there an attempt to close it. We will continue pressing to secure its future.
Our petition has received hundreds of signatures of support. If you would like to support our campaign to keep Mayfair Library open, sign our petition here.
£6 million Marble Arch Mound
You can read the latest on the £6m Marble Arch Mound disaster here
And it is hard to disagree with this resident’s comment
“Is there no enquiry into the Marble Arch Mound disaster, is no-one taking responsibility?”
HYDE PARK WARD
Bathurst Street/Westbourne Street
We have again urged the Council to put up large ‘Don’t Dump’ signs by the tree at the junction of Bathurst Street and Westbourne Street. There and hasn’t been a ‘Don’t Dump’ sign here for months, despite the Council’s promises. There is no CCTV to catch those responsible, either. Residents say:
“Yet again after years of reporting there is continued evidence that the Council’s policy/strategy on fly tipping is failing. Labour has a much tougher policy and I hope they come in after the local elections on 5th May and get tough on this. It’s worth voting Labour on this alone.”
Park West
We have continued to take up issues with Freshwater and other landlords in Park West on behalf of tenants to get long-overdue repairs and improvements done to flats.
Cambridge Square/Southwick Street
Following our enquiries about the broken lock on the Virgin telecoms box at the corner of Cambridge Square and Southwick Street, the Highways Team has now secured the doors to the box.
St Michael’s Street
Following our request to Notting Hill Genesis on behalf of residents for new intercoms to be installed as part of the improvement works in St Michael’s Street and Star Street, NHG have told us: “I can confirm that we will be looking to include this work with our internal improvement works.” Residents say, “Wow, that is really good news… Thank you”.
Praed Street
We are continuing to urge the Council, the police and Network Rail to take strong action to stop taxis using the road in front of the Paddington Hilton as a drop-off/pick-up location with the consequent ‘engine idling’. Residents say:
“Thank you for taking action regarding the taxis outside the Hilton Hotel. This has been going on for so long now that I despair the situation will ever be resolved. It got a bit better during covid but now at certain times of the day the taxis are back queueing down Craven Road in the left turn lane to Eastbourne Terrace. You can always tell when a traffic warden is in attendance because there are no ‘parked’ taxis. However, it only takes a few minutes after they leave for the taxis to return. I always try and take an alternative route when I’m on foot now so that I don’t have to inhale the exhaust fumes from the idling taxis.”
Southwick Street
We have asked the Highways Team to inspect the sewers in Southwick Street area after residents told us: “There is a stench in the morning in the alleyway/Rainsford Street. The sewage from Imperial College accommodation drainage is via the alleyway/Rainsford Street connecting to the mains at Southwick Street.”
Residents tell us, “Your email to the Council indeed achieved results. Thames Water are here checking the street sewer”.
Edgware Road
We have asked the City Inspectors to visit a number of restaurants and shops on Edgware Road and tell them not to dump rubbish on the street. This anti-social behaviour ruins the local environment and makes the street look rundown. Tough action needs to be taken against those who continue to flout the rules.
Travis Perkins site, Harrow Road
The Mayor of London has decided not to call in Westminster Council’s decision to reject planning permission for the 20-storey student block on the Travis Perkins site. The Mayor upheld the council decision to refuse permission for several reasons including impact on light and lack of capacity in local amenities. This means that the planning application is refused by both Westminster Council and the Mayor.
You can read the Planning Report to the Mayor here https://planning.london.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i4J000006btkMQAQ/20210909?tabset-c2f3b=2
We campaigned against the proposals alongside Sheldon Square residents for a year and we are delighted that the Mayor has taken this decision to refuse planning permission. Residents say, “Great news!”
MARYLEBONE
Marylebone Library
Did you know? “The new Marylebone Library at Seymour Leisure Centre was first consulted on in 2018. It was meant to open in 2020. It is now 2022 and still years away. It has been 5,230 days since our original Marylebone library closed in 2007! https://westminster.gov.uk/sites/default/files/marylebone_library_engagement_report.pdf”
(Thanks to the Marylebone Association for this information!)
Marble Arch Apartments, Harrowby Street
We continue to support residents in Marble Arch Apartments in their battles with a developer. The residents have alleged that the developer is attempting to bypass the party wall process and take the roof off without the essential security for the leaseholders.
Sherwood Court
We are supporting residents’ objections to the retrospective planning approval of the breach of use of the carpark underneath Sherwood Court sought by Masina Ltd for the storage and charging of lithium EV batteries.
Seymour Place
Following our enquiries to the Council, the scaffolding has now been removed from a property in Seymour Place. Residents say, “I’m delighted to confirm that the scaffolding which was causing concern has now been removed! Thank you so much for your prompt assistance.”
ST JAMES’S
Victoria Tower Gardens
The High Court has quashed a Government decision to overturn Westminster City Council’s refusal of planning permission for a national Holocaust memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens, close to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster. The London Historic Parks and Gardens Trust, which brought the case, argued that the project was a case of “right idea, wrong place”, pointing to a 1900 legal act containing a “prohibition on using Victoria Tower Gardens as anything other than a garden open to the public”.
Caxton Street
Vic Keegan writes about Caxton Hall
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/vic-keegans-lost-london-223-caxton-hall/
WESTMINSTER WIDE
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
We are chasing up the Home Office regarding delays to their ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme. A number of residents have got in touch saying that they signed up for the scheme weeks ago but still have not received any further information. The situation facing so many in Ukraine is unimaginably dreadful and we believe the Government needs to be moving much faster to get people here safely. If you have volunteered to host a Ukrainian family and are not in direct contact with a family or individual from the Ukraine who is seeking a match in the UK, please contact Steve Bywater at steve.bywater@rbkc.gov.uk
Council Tax
We 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.
Council Rents
We called on the Council to freeze Council rents. The Council budget included 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 and works out an average increase of £5 a week.
Energy bills
We have called for local action to help with energy bills.
Service charges
Amongst the many rising costs landing on hard-pressed residents are service charges (for tenants and leaseholders). Labour councillors in Maida Vale have just successfully challenged service charges affecting a number of leaseholders where bills rose 30% in a year and included multiple charges for the same service. Westminster Council accepted that a mistake was made and lower bills will now be sent out, so it is essential to check, query and where necessary challenge because bills can be wrong.
However, bills are still rising even when they are accurate. In these cases, it is important to be as clear as possible about what rights you have because it can be complicated. There is a useful page on the LEASE website covering many of the key issues (what you can ask for, how to challenge bills). Service Charges – The Leasehold Advisory Service (lease-advice.org)
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
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
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 Foodbank
The Westminster Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network of Foodbanks. The foodbank provides nutritionally balanced non-perishable food to residents in Westminster experiencing financial crisis through a referral system. The foodbank is currently operating an Appointment Only Collection Service. Clients can be referred by one of the following agencies:
- Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau: 0300 330 1191 (freephone – 0808 278 7834)
- The Cardinal Hume Centre, (Pimlico): Tel: 020 7227 1673
- Local Support Payments: Tel: 020 7745 6464.
www.westminsterchapel.org.uk/ministries/foodbank/
Regulating Airbnb premises
To help residents in Westminster and elsewhere who are plagued with problems associated with unauthorised short-term lets, Labour MP Karen Buck has introduced a Bill in Parliament calling for a national register of short and holiday-let accommodation. This is another move in her long campaign to regulate AirBnB and similar companies to control the impact on neighbours and neighbourhoods.
Unfortunately, Karen’s Bill was blocked by a Conservative MP.
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
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 report dumped rubbish, broken pavements, defective streetlights and more on the Report It service. https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it
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
Coronavirus (Covid-19) UPDATE
Interactive Map
You can see the latest data for your area here
https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map
‘Westminster Extra’
You can read the ‘Westminster Extra’ on-line
What you say
“Thanks for your help regarding problems in Coburg Close”
“Thank you and your team for the wonderful work you do to assist people in the community.”
“I am so grateful to you all for all you do, and hope with all my heart that Labour gains more seats in the coming election, as I regard Labour as our only hope.”
“I deeply appreciate your involvement, it’s more than I’ve been able to achieve.”
“It seems to me that in all complex and difficult situations I encounter in Millbank, I end up asking you for help to get it properly resolved. That’s a big credit to you but not very good on our current Ward Councillors who in many past incidences were informed and asked for help before I had to resort to you motivating professionals to swing into action. Many thanks for it all and your support so far in this case.”
“I would like to thank you and your staff very much for your intervention”
“I will be voting Labour and wish you all well.”
“You have been very helpful to me and my husband, as well as other local residents, and with various issues around the area where we live. I am not allowed to vote in the general election, but I am allowed in the local elections. I would like to place my vote on you.”
“I’ve cast my vote, all success in the local elections.”
“I received my postal vote and sent it off, voting of course for the three Labour candidates. Surely this time we really have a chance to get more than one Labour Councillor in the West End, and I wish them all, and you, so well. Incidentally, I think Keir Starmer has been delivering the most magnificent speeches in Parliament, and our lamentable PM must surely be aiding the Labour cause.”
“Don’t worry we will be voting Labour”
“I thought the Labour Party Manifesto relating to housing associations was particularly good. I will miss the serving Labour Councillor for West End Ward who is not standing for re-election. He is in a neighbouring ward to mine but did good across his ward boundary.”
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
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg
Labour City Management spokesperson
Westminster City Council
Your Labour Councillors can be contacted as follows
Churchill Ward – For details of ways to contact Councillor Liza Begum and Councillor Shamim Talukder, please see the Churchill Labour website
West End Ward – You can contact Councillor Pancho Lewis by email or telephone.
Promoted by Dario Goodwin on behalf of the Vincent Square Ward Labour Candidates and by Jacqueline Bore on behalf of all the other Labour candidates, all at 4G Shirland Mews, W9 3DY.