Councillors Paul Dimoldenberg, Judith Southern & Md Shamsed Chowdhury
Councillors Paul Dimoldenberg, Judith Southern & Md Shamsed Chowdhury

HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – June 2022

News from your Hyde Park Labour Councillors – Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg

Dear Resident,

We are delighted to have been elected to serve you as your Councillors and we have been busy meeting residents and taking up your local concerns.

Paul has been appointed to the Council’s Cabinet where he is responsible for City Management and Air Quality.

Shamsed is a member of the Planning and City Development Committee, the Planning Applications Sub Committee, the Standards Committee, the Licensing Committee and has been appointed ‘Edgware Road Champion’.

Judith is Chair of the Education Appeals Sub-Committee, a member of the Communities, City Management & Air Quality Policy and Scrutiny Committee and has been appointed ‘Older Persons Champion’.

Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.

NEWS AND ACTION

The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road/Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens  

Hyde Park Estate Association (HPEA)

We attended our first meeting with residents following our election when we met members of the Hyde Park Estate Association and Kay Buxton of the Marble Arch BID at Abasto in Connaught Street to discuss a range of local issues – rubbish dumping, Edgware Road shops, libraries, policing and the lack of community facilities. Thanks for inviting us!

A member of the HPEA Committee said: “It was very good to meet all of you and to have your input into our discussion.  I know that everyone in the Hyde Park Ward, regardless of party affiliation, is looking forward to working with our new councillors and to having a fresh outlook on the way to improve the life of our community.”

We will be attending a further meeting for HPEA members at Abasto on Connaught Street on Tuesday 14th June where we will be happy to discuss and any issues that they wish to raise. The meeting will be at 6.30pm to 8.00pm.

Hyde Park Estate Residents (HyPER)

HyPER is hosting a town-hall event on 27th June at 7.00pm at St John’s Church, to which all residents are invited. They say, “It’s your chance to speak directly to our Councillors Dimoldenberg, Chowdhury and Southern on issues of concern, whether its road safety, noise, greener spaces, rat-running or support for local businesses.” 

See details on their website (HyPER – Hyde Park Estate Residents) and register to attend at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/349438488927/

The Quadrangle

We have written to the Church Commissioners about a number of issues raised by residents regarding the management of The Quadrangle, including security, unauthorised Airbnb lettings, drug dealing and prostitution. We have a meeting with the Estate Management Team on 17th June.

Bathurst Street

Following further illegal rubbish dumping at the corner of Bathurst Street and Westbourne Street, we have asked the Council to take action on this well-known hotspot and look at ways in which we can deal with this totally unacceptable situation. We have suggested the use of a cctv camera, large ‘No Dumping’ signs, perhaps planters and strong letters to residents, businesses, landlords and letting agents with details of the fines that will be handed out to those found to be responsible for the illegal rubbish dumping.

Westbourne Street 

We are making enquiries about the BT phone box outside the Royal Lancaster Hotel in Westbourne Street which has been vandalised and covered in graffiti and flyposting. We have asked BT to remove the phone box.

Burwood Place

We have asked the City Inspector if a pedicab chained to a bike stand in Burwood Place can be removed. The City Inspector says:

“As these are expensive pieces of equipment, the council must exhaust all avenues to ensure it is abandoned, as if it is removed, the council could be liable for all costs if a claim is made against it. The Pedicab has now been repaired and no longer deemed “abandoned”. Enquires have been made with the council’s legal services to see if there is any other legislation that could be used for its removal”.

Portsea Mews

We are supporting residents’ concerns and have raised objections to the proposals for 1-15 Portsea Mews (ref 21/08899/FULL). Residents who live in houses adjacent to the Mews are concerned that the proposals to extend the height of roofs of the mews houses will have a detrimental impact on the amount of light they get as well as increasing the sense of enclosure. You can read our objection letter here https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2022/05/10/supporting-residents-objections-to-portsea-mews-plans/

Southwick Street 

We have asked the City Inspectors to take action to stop the regular rubbish dumping outside 3, 5 and 7 Southwick Street and at the corner of Southwick Street and Cambridge Square by the post box. We have suggested a large ‘Don’t Dump’ sign by the post box. The Council says: 

“The City Inspector has organised for signage to be put in place and has written to occupiers of the buildings today to confirm the correct arrangements for waste collection and has also recently served FPNs for waste dumped by the post box. We will also investigate to see if there are any managing agents or other responsible parties we could highlight these issues to and ask them to remind residents of their responsibilities. If there are bags left on the public highway (outside of collection times) we will investigate this with a view to taking enforcement action where possible.”

We have also reported allegations of unauthorised Airbnb lettings in Southwick Street.

Southwick Place 

We have asked the Environmental Health Team to inspect a property in Southwick Place where neighbours tell us that the owner is feeding the pigeons on a daily basis and attracting rats and other vermin to their garden.

Sussex Gardens

We have asked the Highways Team to replace the missing arm to the bench on Sussex Gardens, opposite Talbot Square. The Highways Team say, “The area inspector has raised a job to replace the bench arm.  We have requested that FM Conway push to have this completed at the earliest opportunity.”

Hyde Park Crescent

We asked the Highways Team to fix potholes in the road along Hyde Park Crescent, just opposite Castleacre.The Highways Team say, “One of my Inspectors has attended site and raised a carriageway patch to repair the pothole in question.” 

We have also asked the Parking Team to investigate a white van that has been illegally parked in Hyde Park Crescent without getting a parking ticket. 

Portsea Place/Connaught Street

We have asked the Street Lighting Team to fix a streetlight at the corner Portsea Place and Connaught Street where the bulb is flashing on and off continuously.

Connaught Street 

We attended the opening of a beautiful group show by Kazuki Takamatsu, Chishi Morimura and Katsuta at the Dorothy Circus Gallery on Connaught Street. We enjoyed meeting the welcoming team and Alexandra Mazzanti, owner & director of this inspiring gallery.

Stanhope Place

We have asked the Highways Team to fix a broken utility covering outside 3 Stanhope Place which is creating a pedestrian hazard.  

The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street  

Star Street

After being contacted by residents, we reported a property in Star Street to the Environmental Health Team who have since told us: 

“An inspection took place today, where issues were identified in accordance with the Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Additional Provisions)(England) Regulations 2007. These include:

  • Fire Safety – the absence of suitable fire doors and compartmentalisation.
  • Electrical Safety – including the concern regarding tampering with the meter, which has now been reported to the UKRPA – Energy Fraud hotline.

Following a telephone call with the freeholder this afternoon, he will be making arrangements for an electrician to attend the property urgently. I will also be writing to the freeholder, in relation to offences under the 2007 Management Regulations, which includes fire and electrical safety.” 

Bouverie Place

We have asked the Police to arrange for increased patrols in the area following a recent attempted burglary in Bouverie Place. The Police say, “We are aware of this incident that took place, we are already stepping up are patrols of the streets between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street.”

Residents say, “Thank you so much for sharing; that’s great news. Really hoping the increased patrols help!”

Southwick Street

We objected to the retrospective planning application for noisy air-conditioning plant for a Hotel in Southwick Street.  The neighbouring properties in Southwick Mews suffer from vibration constantly when the plant is operational, to the extent that it affects residents’ sleep and is a health hazard. In our letter to the Council, we said:

“The fact that the plant has already been installed without planning permission has given residents direct, first-hand experience of its damaging impact upon them. There is room to place the plant elsewhere, so that it would not be detrimental to any residents.  The applicant should not have placed the plant there without consent. A new location should be found for the plant.”

We are very pleased that at the Planning Committee meeting on 31st May, the planning application was refused. Residents said, “Thank you very much for your valuable contribution. The meeting went well and reached the desired outcome.”

We have also asked the Police to investigate a flat in Southwick Street which residents believe is being used by prostitutes.

Spring Street

Following our enquiries about the loud commentaries from tourist buses, the Highways Team say:

“Tour Bus routes are licenced by Transport for London under the London Service Permit System.  I have forwarded the complaint to Principal Bus Service Licensing and Permitting Officer to seek advice on the conditions regarding loudspeaker commentaries.”

Sale Place/Star Street

We have asked the Highways Team to fix this issue:

“On the corner of Sale Place and Star Street there is a road sign (blue background with white arrow) facing into Star Street, when it should be facing into Sale Place, as Sale Place is a one-way street. Someone has already driven the wrong way down Sale Place, citing the sign as justification.”

The sign has been adjusted and is now facing in the correct direction. 

Eastbourne Terrace junction with Praed Street and Craven Road

Following our enquiries about the poor state of the road, the Council has resurfaced the road at the junction of Eastbourne Terrace with Praed Street and Craven Road.

Eastbourne Terrace

We have asked the Waste Team to add a further bin by the seating on Eastbourne Terrace after receiving this enquiry from a resident:

“Over the past few months, bins have been added next to most of the new white stone seats on Eastbourne Terrace. This has helped to significantly reduce the amount of garbage on the street. However, there is still a set of seats, about 20m down from bus stop E that has no accompanying bins. As a result, the area around these seats is inevitably permanently full of refuse. Adding a bin there would be an easy way to improve the situation, especially that the Elizabeth line is now opening.”

The Waste Team say:

“Veolia have now installed the additional litterbin on Eastbourne Terrace. There was already a bin in situ (next to bus stop E) therefore they have installed this a bit further down next to the other bench as this had no bin. I have asked the local depot to monitor this section. I have also scheduled some extensive pressurised washing and deep cleaning for early July.”

St Michael’s Street/Star Street – housing

Notting Hill Genesis have given us an update on their housing improvements in St Michael’s Street and Star Street:

“We are making great progress with the planned investment programme at St Michael’s Street, 11 properties had new roofs replaced and we have now gained planning consent from Westminster to proceed with phase two of roof replacement in Star Street. Liaison with our residents has been positive and we have kept them informed throughout the process. Regular visiting from our Health and Safety officer have been carried out with no issues reported or found.”

St Michael’s Street – parking

We have asked the Parking Team to investigate this issue:

“A Bulgarian registered car has been illegally parking in my road for months now. It is parked in residents parking bays or on yellow lines. It comes and goes but is here every day. I have repeatedly reported this to the council and have learned that it has 42 unpaid fines. The council has said there’s nothing it can do about it as it is foreign registered. I find this incredibly annoying and quite unbelievable.”

The Parking Team say:

“As the vehicle is regularly changing location, we are unable to pursue it as being abandoned by its owner. The Council will seek to recover any outstanding fines issued to a foreign car through our contractors and in the country where the vehicle is registered. The police can also look to intervene if the vehicle is not registered with the DVLA, 6 months after entering the Country.  As there is evidence to indicate that the vehicle has been parking in the Hyde Park Ward since January 2022, details have been referred by the Council to the Police, for further investigation.”

St Michael’s Street – rubbish dumping

We asked the City Inspectors to take action to stop the regular rubbish dumping at the Edgware Road end of St Michael’s Street at the rear of the Praed Street buildings. The City Inspectors say; ”The owners of 6 Praed Street have received approval from the Council to install a shutter that will cover the whole of the bin and car park area and this should help prevent fly tipping. This should provide some long-term solutions to these problems.”

Talbot Square

We are concerned about the regular damage being done to the grass, plants and seating in Talbot Square have asked the Parks Team to take the necessary action to maintain the garden area.

Norfolk Square

Yoga in Norfolk Square is back for the Summer. Enjoy the outdoors and keep fit and healthy this summer with free yoga sessions in Norfolk Square Gardens throughout June, July and August. Why not make yoga on Tuesday mornings part of your 2022 summer wellbeing schedule. For more information https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-outdoor-yoga-in-norfolk-square-gardens-tickets-152665098419

Edgware Road area

Edgware Road

We have continued to ask the City Inspectors to take action against the shops and restaurants who continue to dump rubbish on the street along Edgware Road. The City Inspectors say, “We are in the process of formally checking the waste transfer arrangements for these premises to ensure that these are in place and would seem sufficient.  Enforcement action will be taken if the waste being dumped can be connected to them or if they do not have any waste transfer arrangements in place.”

We have also asked the City Inspectors to investigate reports of anti-social behaviour affecting customers at a number of restaurants on Edgware Road.

Garfield House

Plans for the redevelopment of Garfield House have been unveiled by the Portman Estate on the website https://garfieldhouseconsultation.co.uk/ The second round exhibition materials can be found in the Have Your Say section. There is a short animation flythrough on the Vision tab.

The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area

38-47a Chapel Street 

We continue to press the Housing Department to install the bike racks for residents of 38-47a Chapel Street in the car park area.

Old Marylebone Road

We have asked the City Inspectors to remove a mattress from inside the BT phone box on Old Marylebone Road outside Winchester House. The City Inspector said, “I will of course make every effort to have this mattress removed as soon as is practical, but it is down to Veolia and their possible need for police support to remove it from what is private property.”

Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area 

Munkenbeck and Marshall Buildings

We are very concerned about the recent balcony fire in late April at Munkenbeck and Marshall Buildings and its impact on the building works programme, the costs involved and residents’ well-being. We have asked the London Fire Brigade to share with us the information requested by residents who ask:

“In particular, is there any possibility of further repercussions against the building or additional measures that will to be taken? At this point, we have received no further information from our building management”

The London Fire Brigade say:

“It appears that a small fire occurred on the 3rd floor on the evening of 23 April 2022 did not spread to the external wall system on the building or spread and cause further damage to other balconies.  I do understand the concerns with the wooden balconies on this premises but a fire on this location would not spread to the external wall system and cause widespread fire on the building.   Unfortunately, we currently have no powers to address this issue with balconies until the Fire Safety Act becomes Law. I hope this email provides some comfort to the residents of Munkenbeck and Marshall Buildings.”

Sheldon Square

We have urged Notting Hill Genesis to give residents of the lower two floors of Sheldon Square a firm date for the installation of the long-awaited air conditioning units.

Marylebone Boys School, North Wharf Road

We have asked the Highways Team to consider a number of Road Safety measures along North Wharf Road which the School would like introduced to safeguard the 700 pupils when they arrive and leave the school each day. The Road Safety measures proposed include slowing down speeding cars along North Wharf Road.

Dudley House, North Wharf Road

We have asked the Housing Department to arrange for the gates to the Dudley House car park in North Wharf Road to be fixed to stop the car park area being used for anti-social behaviour, including drug dealing.

5 Harbet Road

We asked Octavia for an update on the cladding situation, and they told us, There has been progress on the fire alarm installation as surveys were carried out the week before last. We are waiting for a start date for installation. The good news is that this will allow the waking watch to be removed whilst the position with the cladding is finalised.”  Residents say, Thanks, that’s very helpful.”

Harbet Road 

We have again asked the Council to take action to require the Hilton Hotel to sweep Harbet Road regularly and ensure that cars do not park on the double yellow lines on this stretch of private road.

South Wharf Road

We reported that the pavement on South Wharf Road was blocked by roadworks forcing a wheelchair user to use the road to get past. We asked the Highways Team if something could be done to fix the problem. The Highways Team said:

“I have requested our contractors to attend and action as soon as possible today. I have also requested for one of my inspectors to attend later today to make sure it is safe and adequate for pedestrians and wheelchair users.”

Other Issues

Seymour Leisure Centre 

The Council is working on plans to refurbish the Seymour Leisure Centre to include an improved leisure offer, as well as a permanent home for Marylebone Library and a range of flexible and community spaces. Consultation on the proposals include a series of in-person and virtual events to listen to your comments, as follows:

  • Monday 6 June, 12pm-1pm– a public Webinar, register to attend here
  • Tuesday 7 June, 6pm-7pm – a public Webinar, register to attend here
  • Tuesday 14 June, 4pm-6.30pm – a drop in event at Marylebone Library
  • Thursday 16 June, 12pm-4pm – a drop in event at Church Street Library
  • Saturday 18 June, 10am-1pm – a drop in event at Seymour Leisure Centre

Full details of these events and details of the proposals see https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/seymour-centre-project

Paddington Printshop

The Paddington Printshop, which first opened in May 1975, is launching www.paddingtonprintshop.org a website archive of its early poster work, community engagement and a rich collection of links to activist graphics workshops and poster movements. John Phillips, founder of Paddington Printshop, said;\

“We will continue add to new material to this site and develop it as a contemporary resource for artists and communities using graphic design to support social and environmental justice issues and for anyone who wants to learn about activist graphics past and present.

Over the coming months we will be  introducing new projects under the banner of www.lps21.org, our new on-line presence providing a continuity of past achievements and exciting new projects. This site will become an ever-changing gateway to the resources we offer and new initiatives as they develop.”

Service charges  

At a time of rising bills, 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)

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/

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

Light bulb recycling

Any retailer selling light bulbs is legally required to take them back. Please check https://www.recyclenow.com/recycling-locator under ‘energy saving light bulbs’. 

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

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

https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=09649383-4dbb-4a3d-b164-9d26398578f3

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

“Congratulations on the results and a special thank-you for all your efforts with the situation on Gloucester Mews.”

“I voted for you as you have been such a great support over Travis Perkins Baltic Wharf plan. Delighted you have all been elected.”

“We really appreciate all the support you have provided us and look forward to having the opportunity to continue working together.”

“Well done on the Labour win, fantastic news! Great to be living in a Labour council. Let’s hope you can improve the council services and clean up Westminster.”

“Congratulations to you all for your success.  Many of us locally have been impressed with your hard work, willingness to engage with local people and genuine concern for our neighbourhood. I look forward to a brighter future for the borough with Labour leadership.”

“Thank you for sorting out the dumping by the EV station on Brook Street.  It has helped a lot.”

“I wanted to congratulate you on your brilliant win and really look forward to finally seeing true councillors make a difference to our area. We are all relieved and have a lot of high hopes that all will go incredibly well”

“Great news. Thank you for your help with this.”

“I wanted to say how much these action reports are appreciated across Westminster and I do hope that you and your team continue to have the time to produce them. My straw poll of talking to people in my neighbourhood is that people who had never thought of voting Labour became engaged through these reports and were impressed with the determination to try to make a positive difference for residents whether it meant cleaning up a specific corner of a street to bigger issues such as low traffic schemes.”

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 Councillors – Here to Help, All Year Round

You can contact us at hplabour@gmail.com

You can read our latest news on https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk

 

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