HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – Early July 2022
News from your Hyde Park Labour Councillors – Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Dear Resident,
We hope that all is well.
It has been another hectic and busy few weeks, taking up local issues in all parts of the ward and sorting out and fixing problems that residents have alerted us to since we were elected in May.
We spoke and answered questions at a well-attended meeting organised by HyPER on 27th June at St John’s Parish Hall. For a summary of the issues raised by residents please see https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2022/06/29/speaking-at-the-hyper-meeting-on-27th-june/
St John’s Church has kindly agreed that we can hold a regular advice surgery at St John’s Parish Hall, Hyde Park Crescent, on the first Thursday of the month from 6-7pm. The next advice surgery will be on Thursday 7th July and then on Thursday 4th August.
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
Portsea Mews – Update
Following representations from residents and us, the Church Commissioners are revising their proposals for Portsea Mews and have written to residents with the following update:
“I write to confirm that we will be amending our proposals at Portsea Mews to address the comments raised. We intend to remove the proposed mansard roof extension on the outer blocks. The removal of this additional storey will remove any potential impacts to neighbouring properties in terms of sense of enclosure, daylight and sunlight and outlook. We will share further details of the revised scheme with you as soon as we can.”
This is very good news and we thank the Church Commissioners for listening to residents’ concerns and revising their plans.
Norfolk Crescent
We have asked the Parking Team to investigate this issue in Norfolk Place raised by a resident:
“We request that a double yellow line be implemented in Norfolk Crescent opposite Raynham Building due to congestion after 6.30pm and weekends. Cars are parked both sides and a very narrow space is available and one day accident could occur.
Also, further the yellow double lines leading to St Mary’s hospital, are not fair for those visiting St Mary’s hospital and a Mosque. There was a single line previously which was made it into a double yellow line.”
The Parking Team say:
“We are in the process of arranging for the introduction of Double Yellow Lines (DYS) on Norfolk Crescent opposite the Raynham Building. The proposal to amend the Single Yellow Lines is due to go out to public consultation from the week commencing 4 July 2022. Once this has concluded, and provided there are no objections to resolve, the necessary steps will be taken to introduce the new DYLs to the location as soon as possible. Officers are also investigating the separate reports about the other DYLs being implemented incorrectly at the other locations indicated and this is ongoing.”
Residents say, “Many thanks for action and follow up. This is very much appreciated and this is the way forward to work together.”
Kendal Street
We asked the Highways Team to inspect a number of potholes along Kendal Street. Following the inspection, the Highways Inspector told us, “I raised a works order to make safe with asphalt. The Kendal Street carriageway is being resurfaced on the 16th of November.”
Update – the area has now been made safe.
Portsea Place
Residents in Portsea Hall have contacted us about a chestnut tree next to the entrance on Portsea Place. Residents say:
“This tree needs cutting down at least 30%, as it’s grown out of balance on the left-hand side. The branches are so low, that one needs to bend if you are tall and walking underneath them. It has taken over some part of the pavement. As part of Westminster’s programme of inspection and tree maintenance could this be handled as soon as possible for us?”
The Tree Team says, “This tree is included on our programme of ward works for Hyde Park. I have asked our contractors to remove some of the lower branches to provide more clearance under the tree.”
Bathurst Street/Westbourne Street
We continue to monitor this dumping ‘hotspot’ regularly and have asked the City Inspector to locate a large ‘Don’t Dump’ sign here. The City Inspector also tells us:
“We have been in discussion for some time about increasing collections in Bathurst Street to daily collections and an earlier collection time in keeping with the surrounding areas. Collections are currently Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday between 10:30 – 12:30. The suggested change would introduce a collection time daily between 9am – 11am, meaning waste should be presented by 8:30am and be collected by 11am. With busy restaurants in the vicinity, it would be beneficial to get food waste collected each day from these, especially after busy weekend trade. Once we have a start date, we will update you.”
Stanhope Terrace
We asked the Highways Team to investigate this issue:
“About 5 weeks ago there was a storm with high winds. About that time the traffic signs disappeared from the gantry. Whereas traffic can see the remaining road limitation sign on the other gantry coming from Sussex Gardens direction, traffic coming around the Royal Lancaster circulatory system heading to filter left into Stanhope Terrace has already passed the first gantry/sign. It is therefore important that the missing sign on the second gantry is reinstated asap.”
The Highways Team say, “We will raise an order to replace the sign.”
Bayswater Road
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate a noisy Thames Water manhole cover on Bayswater Road after being contacted by residents:
“This manhole cover has a long, long history of noise and has been replaced several times over the years. Regrettably the repairs never last. This area is surrounded by apartment blocks where people live and sleep and the noise is very distressing.”
The Highways Team say, “We will liaise with the Streetworks Team and Thames Water to look into this. We can put some temporary on top of the cover to mitigate the noise in the interim.”
Residents say, “Many thanks for this. It is so wonderful to know that our Councillors are looking out for our interests.”
Clarendon Mews
We have asked the Street Lighting Team to investigate this issue raised by a resident:
“Currently, there is a hideous light fitting fixed to the gable wall of Clarendon Place immediately adjacent to the archway entrance to the Mews. In early 2020, I suggested to WCC that perhaps it would be possible to replace this with something more appropriate for a mews. After protracted correspondence, I was informed that there was a programme to “relight” Clarendon Mews during 2021 but nothing happened.”
The Street Lighting Team say:
“As long as we can get a traditional lantern in at the right height to project light under the vault and not to low where people could reach it, then there shouldn’t be a reason we can’t change it to a Grosvenor lantern to match the others.”
The resident says, “Many thanks for your email together with the very helpful response from the Street Lighting. I am quite impressed that you were able to obtain a commitment from them to install a lantern type fitting.”
25 Porchester Place
We have asked the Council to investigate a number of flats at 25 Porchester Place which residents believe are being used as unauthorized short term lets. We have also asked the Church Commissioners to make investigation with the lessees of these flats.
Hyde Park Square
We asked the City Inspector to arrange for rubbish dumped in Hyde Park Square to be removed.
Albion Mews
We have asked the Council’s broadband officer to contact a resident in Albion Mews who is having difficulty in getting connected to superfast fibre broadband. The resident said, “Thanks very much, I really appreciate it!”
Park West Place
We asked the Highways Team to inspect a number of potholes at the junction of Park West Place and Burwood Place. Following the inspection, the Highways Inspector said:
“The carriageway is cracking and 3 potholes have appeared, I have raised a works order to make safe with asphalt to take out trips. A large area of carriageway needs replacing, I have raised a works order for the repair, a road closure will be required to carry out works.”
Connaught Close
Councillor Dimoldenberg spoke at the Planning Committee on behalf of residents and business opposed to proposals for a basement excavation of a mews house in Connaught Close and raised the issue of noise as a concern. Whilst the Committee acknowledged this concern, it was felt that this was not sufficient grounds for refusal and the application was approved.
Westbourne Street
We have repeated our request to BT to repair and clean up the phone box outside the Royal Lancaster Hotel on Westbourne Street.
St George’s Fields
We met with Gareth Targett, the manager at St. George’s Fields. The main issue he raised were security and policing, and we will be following up these issues with the local police.
Cycle Hangars
New cycle hangars are being proposed for Oxford Square and Cambridge Square as they are locations with a high demand for secure cycle parking. Following the installation of the hangars, residents in the area who are currently on the waiting list will be contacted by the Cycle Parking Team to be offered a space to rent. For further information please visit https://www.westminster.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/walking-and-cycling/find-cycle-parking
Traffic in the Hyde Park Estate
We met with members of the Hyde Park Estate Association to hear their thoughts on how to reduce ‘rat running’ traffic and improve life for cyclists and pedestrians. We have requested a meeting with Council officers to, in the words of the HPEA, to “put heads together to find a number of small, reasonable improvements and interventions which, when aggregated, will go some way to ensuring that cyclists and pedestrians are directed safely through the quieter roads of the Estate, and vehicular traffic is discouraged from running through it.”
Marble Arch
Following requests from residents, we asked the Council’s Arts Officer if there are plans to return the Green Horse Head sculpture to Marble Arch following the dismantling of the Mound. The Arts Officer says:
“There are no plans to bring the Horse’s Head back to Marble Arch. However, the grassed area in front of the fountains at Marble Arch remains one of the locations that forms part of our City of Sculpture programme that has seen the Council partner with a range of galleries and artists to bring sculptures into our parks and opens spaces across Westminster. We are currently reviewing applications for this space and so would hope to have something installed in there in the next few months.”
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Sale Place
We have asked the Highways Team to look into this issue raised by residents:
“Can you please investigate what is happening with the suspension of parking in Sale Place outside no. 16? It has already been about a month and no works are ongoing to rectify issues created by the utility companies.”
The Highways Team tell us:
“The parking suspensions are in place so that contractors can complete structural repairs to a nearby private basement vault that is located underneath the public highway. The vaults were in a poor condition and have not been maintained to the appropriate standard. As a result, the parking suspensions and an exclusion zone are being implemented to make the area safe.
Unfortunately, completion of the works have been delayed due to the contactors being prevented further access to the vault by the property owner. Whilst additional measures will be taken to resolve any access issues, it is necessary for the suspensions to remain in place until the repairs are completed. We hope to have the suspended parking spaces returned to active service as soon as possible.”
Southwick Street
We asked the Planning Department to investigate the building works at 42 Southwick Street and were told,
“We have no recent approvals or current applications at this property. We recently gave some pre-application advice regarding works to the building in connection with the conversion of the ground floor commercial units and first floor extension. I will ask the Planning Enforcement Team to arrange for an Inspector for visit as this is a Grade II listed building to ascertain the extent of works being carried out.”
We have also continued to urge the police to close down a brothel and take action against an unauthorised short term letting in Southwick Street.
St Michael’s Street
We have asked the Police to increase their patrols in St Michael’s Street after receiving this message from a resident:
“St Michael’s Street have become quite dangerous of late. Not sure why but it has suddenly become popular with gangs, drug addicts and pushers this summer. I hear addicts on that street most nights, with someone (male) screaming/howling. I’ve filed a report for this incident but wonder if there are plans to deal with this sudden hotspot for crime.”
We have also asked Notting Hill Genesis to undertake urgent repairs to a flat in St Michael’s Street which has been flooded on a number of occasions.
We are also continuing to urge the Parking Team and the Police to remove an illegally parked car in St Michael’s Street.
Praed Street – tube noise
We have had a response from TfL regarding the noise from the underground below 33/35 Praed Street:
“Our Tube noise team are aware of the issues in this part of Praed Street. The noise is being generated by trains passing over a set of points and crossings near 33/35 Praed Street. The removal of the points and crossings is on our list of projects to undertake however at the moment we don’t have the funding to do so. I’m afraid there isn’t an immediate alternative solution but we will update you once we’re able to confirm when the works can be funded and undertaken.
We have written back to TfL:
“It is disappointing that this issue cannot be tackled at present, as this is clearly causing the owner of 33/35 Praed Street serious problems in letting his building. We also have an ambition to regenerate Praed Street as the local High Street for the area, particularly since the arrival of the Elizabeth Line at Paddington. It would make strategic sense to prioritise this project.
TfL is under huge financial pressure following the pandemic and the Government’s requirement for them to make extensive cuts to services in return for continued financial support. We are doing all we can to support TfL so that they get the extra money they need to do essential works in Praed Street and elsewhere. We will keep on urging TfL to take the necessary action here.
Edgware Road area
Burwood Place
On Thursday 7th July there will be a bike marking event at Burwood Place from 10am to 2pm, hosted by Marble Arch BID. There will also be a Dr Bike mechanic present on the day to get your bike checked and the police will also be there providing information.
Street Cleaning update
Council officers tell us that following our request for more pavement washing on Edgware Road:
“Veolia are now concentrating efforts on street cleansing/flushing for the next few weeks along the Edgware Road and surrounding environs. They have started by wet washing the two new public realm areas by Burwood Place and the corner junction of Sussex Gardens and Edgware Road.”
We hope this will result in a much improved environment.
45-49 Edgware Road
Following our walkabout with the Church Commissioners and liaison with Council officers, the large planters and awning outside the Maroush bakery shop have been removed. Council officers say: “Often the large planters were also used as receptacles for open toilet use and large amounts of detritus and litter also built up, along with rough sleeping items and occasional drug paraphernalia.”
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Transept Street
We continue to monitor this dumping ‘hotspot’ regularly and have asked the City Inspector to locate a large ‘Don’t Dump’ sign here.
38-47a Chapel Street
Although the long-promised cycle parking has now been installed, we have asked for changes as the current arrangement makes it difficult in some places for cycles to be moved. We have also asked for the lock to the parking area to be fixed and new keys given to residents.
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
North Wharf Road
We have asked the Council if the seating outside Paddington Works which has been there for two years can be removed as it is an eyesore. Also, residents say, “I went past there the other night and they’re attracting litter. I have also seen people taking drugs whilst sitting there.”
Residents’ Parking
We have again asked the Parking Team if residents’ parking spaces can be increased in the North Wharf Road area.
5 Harbet Road
Octavia Housing has given us the latest update on the building situation: “The works are going well, the contractor has started installing the heat detectors in Core A with the plan to move to Core B on Monday 4th July and then 5 Harbet Rd on Monday 11th July.”
St Marylebone Boys School
We continue to press the Road Safety Team to introduce traffic calming measures outside Marylebone Boys School. We are also liaising with the School about help with the cost of school uniforms for pupils starting next September.
Other Issues
Cost of Living Crisis
Westminster City Council provides information on its website for residents in financial difficulty. There is also information about how to find a food bank and how to get referred.
Bus Service cuts proposals
Transport for London is running a consultation about the goverment’s-demanded cuts, which would remove around 250 buses, with 78 routes cut and 16 routes axed altogether. The 11, 12, 14, 16, 24, 31, 74, N11, N16, N31 and N74 are among the routes in Westminster where cuts are being considered.
All are routes residents rely on to get to work, to see family and friends, to access services or to do their shopping. And despite TfL’s attempts to keep cuts to overlapping routes, the government’s demands for £400m in cuts and a reduction in the overall bus network by 4% mean that some buses will disappear altogether.
TfL has extended the closing date for this consultation to Sunday 7 August 2022.
https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/busreview
Here is a summary of the proposed changes to bus routes into central London
You can read more here https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/issues/2022/06/01/dont-let-the-government-cut-our-buses/
Walking
A new edition of a beautifully illustrated walking map has been released by Footways, plotting hundreds of kilometres of scenic, safe and pedestrian-friendly walking routes in central London. The map, which is also available as a digital copy with geolocation – encourages Londoners to choose walking to get around their city.
https://footways.london/digital-map
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 join Police officers at Abasto on Connaught Street on Wednesday 22 July from 5pm to discuss any local issues.
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
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
“I’m delighted and enthused that you’re keeping yourself very busy responding to inquiries and reporting progress which is wonderful.”
“Thank you for the newsletter – very informative.”
“Well done, noticeable that certain restaurants have been quiet.”
“Just read the report, it is packed full of activity.”
“Once again thank you for your very prompt/firm action!”
“Thanks as always for all your help and support. I have greatly appreciated you throughout this.”
“We read with interest the wonderful latest Hyde Park Ward Labour Action Report for late June where you have been exceptionally busy.”
“It is totally refreshing to have the level of engagement and responsiveness that you and your colleagues are evincing – it is very much appreciated.”
“I attended the Hyper meeting yesterday and left very optimistic about the new council, along with the actions I’ve already seen taken in the short time since the election. I wish the three of you all the best!”
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 – We Get Things Done!
You can contact us at hplabour@gmail.com
You can read our latest news on https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk
You can read our manifesto here, setting out what Labour wants to achieve over the next four years: www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/manifesto-labours-plan-for-a-fairer-westminster/
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