July Action Report

We hope everyone had a good June – and with a July heatwave due, please make sure you’re staying hydrated and sun creamed! We’ve been busy working for you – read on for more.

Cleaning up our High Street

Westminster City Council and the Metropolitan Police carried out a joint operation into vape and souvenir shops on Queensway. A large amount of goods were seized, including 2,000 illegal strength vapes. We would like to applaud the hard work of the council and the MPS team. This comes as part of Labour’s crackdown on the often fraudulent businesses damaging our high streets – you can read Westminster Council’s leader Adam Hug’s article in the Guardian about our new approach.

Save Our Bus Routes from Tory Cuts

As part of the government-mandated cuts which TfL were forced to agree to in order to receive emergency funding in the wake of the pandemic, TfL are now consulting on changes to some major bus routes in Westminster. You have until Sunday 7th August to tell Transport for London how this will impact you.

If you know of anyone else who might like to receive this report, please send them this sign-up link: https://bit.ly/WestminsterLocalNews

NEWS, CASEWORK AND ACTION

Need help with a local issue? Simply reply to this email.

BAYSWATER

Porchester Road – Waitrose Service Yard – We were disappointed that a recent meeting of the Planning Committee narrowly approved the revised site management plans for the Waitrose service yard despite documented contraventions of the previous site management plans, and in the face of strong objections from residents and local councillors. We will be working with residents, relevant officers and the Cabinet Members to understand what can now be done to protect residents from disturbance.

The Porchester – We have received the following update about the closed studio at the gym in the Porchester:

“A combination of issues is creating water ingress into Studio One (not just one source alas).  Our consultants have now completed a number of more detailed surveys will be pulling together a programme once they’ve had the results from these surveys. …  It is frustratingly slow but unfortunately this is reflective of the market at the moment (highly competitive with scarce labour).  They are aware that resolving this issue is absolutely number 1 on my ‘urgent’ list (basement of Paddington Library is number 2) and please let me reassure you that I am pressing for the details.”

Porchester Square – We are continuing to support residents with their request for a zebra crossing by the exit from Porchester Square Gardens. We intervented after an initial refusal and officers are now assessing the options and compiling a report to recommend an intervention there.

Porchester Square – We have helped a resident claim the money they were owed from the UK Government as a result of the council tax rebate to help with spiralling energy bills.

Porchester Square Mews – We are assisting a resident who is affected by smells from the Happy Lamb restaurant on Bishop’s Bridge Road. City inspectors have attended and the situation is being monitored.

Northumberland Place – The Play Street proposal surprised many residents by including changing the street to be one way. We asked for an explanation, and were told it was “incorporated on feedback from the residents that the location suffered from ‘rat-running’ from vehicles and the surveys conducted supported the traffic movements.”

Once the consultation responses are compiled, Max, Maggie and James expect to receive a summary of the responses, and to be asked for their views on whether or not the scheme should proceed, before it is put to the Cabinet Member to make a decision.

Shrewsbury Road – We contacted Notting Hill Genesis about a vulnerable resident’s broken front door that couldn’t be closed. Despite being told it would be treated as an emergency repair, nobody came to fix it. Notting Hill Genesis said that their “communication between the contractor and the call centre broke down” and that “measures [were] put in place to avoid this happening going forward.”

Ledbury Road – We asked officers to review possible mitigations after a resident reported jams at the north end of Ledbury Road when cars can’t pass one another. In advance of making a recommendation, officers are seeking the views of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, who are responsible for the west side of Ledbury Road, and gathering data on personal injury collisions on Ledbury Road and surrounding streets.

Gloucester Terrace – We’ve been assisting with the case of a leak, which caused a loss in pressure in the building and a boiler that wouldn’t fire in one of the flats. After escalation an engineer was dispatched and the problem was fixed. We also visited a number of properties with Westminster’s housing repairs team to show them the disrepair in communal hallways. At that meeting the repair team committed to making a new effort to replace the tired and insecure communal front doors of the buildings on Gloucester Terrace.

Whiteley Development – We heard from a number of Bayswater residents concerned that the developer’s marketing material no longer features trees in the CGI renders of the finished project. We have confirmed with the council that the plan is still to replace the alders, with a plan to be shared within the next couple of weeks.

Westbourne Grove – In the last email we reported that a resident had complained of a lack of pruning blocking light to their property. Following our intervention the council has made contact with the landlord (Notting Hill Genesis) who we expect to now seek quotes for tree pruning, and permission from the council to carry out the work.

Prince’s Square – Shocked residents of the Palace Court Hotel contacted us after receiving eviction notices by text message. The Home Office plans to procure the hotel to accommodate asylum seekers which would displace the 52 residents. Cllr Maggie Carman met with a group of the residents and, along with Karen Buck MP, is working with council officers to ask the Home Office to reconsider. We welcome asylum seekers and there is a need for their temporary accommodation, but the Palace Court Hotel is just not suitable and making 52 people homeless would put an extra strain on our already stretched resources.

Westbourne Grove Terrace – We successfully helped a resident in temporary accommodation who was being asked to move into the old flat of a high-profile violent offender.

Westminster Housing  – We heard from a resident who has had a very poor experience with Westminster staff when they sought help at the housing office on Vauxhall Bridge Road: “I was really let down by my experiences which caused further pain and anguish to myself. These experiences have given me a negative overview of Westminster Council, however, I am hoping that these members of staff at this office does not represent Westminster council as a whole.”

Parklets – We received a request from a resident concerned about car use who would like more parklets in the area. The Cabinet Member for City Management replied: “We very much agree with the need for more parklets in Westminster and our proposals for parklets, School Streets, Play Streets and other similar initiatives are included in our recent council election manifesto.“

Void Properties – We have been working with the council on empty basement properties on Gloucester Terrace, which as well as being a potential home that’s not being put to use, are unsightly and attract anti-social behaviour.

New Cycle Parking – We are glad to see that the council has brought forward plans to install 5 new cycle stands on Needham Road and 2 stands on St. Petersburgh Place. All being well, installation will happen in September. If you have ideas for specific locations for cyclehoops (which can be retrofitted to lampposts) and cycle stands, please send us an email

LANCASTER GATE

Hallfield Estate – We successfully supported a resident with their year-long struggle to get compensation from the Council for the period of time he had to move out of his property due to ongoing repairs.

Hallfield Estate – A long-term council tenant had been refused an upgrade to their 20-year old kitchen despite the fact it was worn and in need of repair. We pressed the council to act and they have agreed to upgrade the resident’s kitchen 5 years earlier than originally planned.

Hallfield Estate, Senior Citizen Lunches – Several residents have asked if the Senior Citizen Lunches previously held in Pickering House will return. The council has confirmed that the regular lunches, organised by WAES (Westminster Adult Education Service), originally stopped due to the pandemic, have been slow to restart. We are keen to bring these well-loved lunches back as quickly as possible, and will provide an update in due course.

Hallfield Estate Bishop’s Bridge Road Entrance – Lights – We have asked the council to look into installing lights along the Bishop’s Bridge Entrance to the Hallfield Estate. We see this as a safety issue, and so think lights here would be important. The council will update us on options shortly.

Online Benefits Access – A local resident had been struggling for 18-months to access her benefits online. After coming to our surgery we got the council to provide in-person IT support to this resident and resolve the issue.

Chilworth Mews, Eastbourne Terrace – Following a meeting with residents, the developers and the council chaired by Cllr Ryan Jude, we’ve secured an agreement that the council will look into: making the road one-way to limit traffic and noise pollution, as well as improve health and safety; moving the yellow line on the east side of the Mews back behind the new flushed pavement; and analysing whether vehicles can turn when cards are parked on the east side of the Mews. We will hold a follow-up meeting to discuss the details of the Servicing Management Plan and Operational Management Plan, with the loading bay being a particular issue for residents.

Craven Hill Gardens – We are supporting a leaseholder in Craven Hill Gardens who requires a boiler replacement, but EDF have so far not provided one. Alongside Karen Buck MP’s office, we have contacted EDF on this. If any other residents are struggling with similar issues, please do contact us, or reach out to Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau’s Energy Advice Project (found here).

Flooding Support, Thames Water Survey – We have been supporting residents with properties affected by the floods in Craven Terrace, Devonshire Terrace, Craven Hill, Chilworth Street and Upbrook Mews.  Thames Water have offered to survey impacted houses and install free non-return valves outside properties that need them. After some chasing, we have been given confirmation that the above properties can be surveyed. We have also requested that they send an automatic reply to residents going forward. You can register for a survey from Thames Water here.

Craven Hill Anti-Social Behaviour – We have been working with our Council Policing Coordinator and ward officers to take action on numerous resident reports of anti-social behaviour on Craven Hill. We are now pleased to confirm the police have taken action and visited the address in question after we highlighted the issue.

Inver Court Anti-Social Behaviour – We have been working with police and our neighbourhood coordinator in the council to tackle anti-social behaviour occurring near Inver and Riven Court. We are pressing the private owners to install an automatically-closing gate to prevent non-residents entering and behaving poorly.

Westbourne Crescent Bins – Following complaints, we have worked with the council environment team to introduce new bins on a trial basis in Westbourne Crescent. These have gone in on the 6th of July and the trial should last around four weeks. Veolia will monitor and provide feedback to decide if the bins should be made permanent.

Chilworth Mews Bins – We have raised the build-up of waste at the end of Chilworth Mews and asked the council to look into solutions to this. With regards to the overflowing waste from Bizarro, the council has suggested the below:

“This is a commercial container hired by the premises. We can ask a commercial waste officer to visit if there are regular reports of excess waste. I would suggest tasking officers to inspect the street on non-collection days and around time bands to get an accurate view of the behaviour and start to tackle from there.”

Bayswater Road – Concerns have been raised regarding overcrowding at the Swan Inn spilling onto Bayswater Road over the first weekend of July, creating an accessibility issue on the pavement. We are looking into this and will provide an update in our next newsletter.

Notting Hill Genesis Group, Housing Issues – Multiple residents on various streets have reported housing issues with Notting Hill Genesis. We are supporting these residents in their claims, and encourage anybody else who is experiencing any issues to also contact us.

Westbourne Terrace, Trees – We have been working with the council to look at the maintenance policy for trees on Westbourne Terrace. For the council-owned trees at 108-132 Westbourne Terrace, we have received confirmation that there is a 3-year maintenance plan, and the next scheduled maintenance is later this year. We will share this plan when it is made available. For the trees on private land, we have asked the council to provide more information on how they will ensure the owners of the land meet their legal responsibility to ensure the trees do not cause any loss or damage.

Queensborough Terrace, Trees – Following a complaint raised by a resident, we have asked the council to look into the land ownership behind Queensborough Mews, where several plane trees are planted. The council does not maintain these trees, but does maintain those further down the road behind Tenniel Close, which are part of the public highway. We are looking to ensure a solution is found to maintain the trees on Queensborough Terrace behind the Mews.

Temporary Accomodation – We have supported two residents in temporary accommodation who were at risk of homelessness. We were able to ensure the council offered one new temporary accomodation near their old accommodation due to health issues, while we were able to ensure the other resident’s accommodation was extended when it was nearing expiration.

Lancaster Gate Tube Station Closures – We have spoken with TfL about the frequent last-minute closing of Lancaster Gate tube station. TfL informed us this was due to staff shortages, but will inform Karen Buck MP and the team ahead of any closures over the coming weeks.

Queensway Tube Station Lift – TfL have told us the lift refurbishment works at Queensway Station will be completed week commencing 15th July. The single remaining lift is still in use, but we advise allowing extra time for journeys until then.

Queensway KFC, Licensing Application – Following complaints by local residents, we have made a representation to the licensing committee objecting to the application by Queensway KFC to open after 11pm, on grounds of noise, litter and potential crime and other nuisance. The KFC faces Princess Court, a large residential block, and the hours proposed for takeaway sales are against policy. We will provide an update on this decision.

Upbrook Mews, Planning Application – We have requested two additional conditional permissions be added to the basement planning application in Upbrook Mews, on grounds of wellbeing and safety. Given the residential nature of the road, we have requested that all works are restricted on Saturday 0800-1300 (currently certain on-site work will be allowed then), and we have requested the basement not be used as a bedroom in the future, given lack of natural ventilation. This goes to committee on 12th July.

WHAT YOU SAY

• Another day and another goal scored by the new Labour Council today! Thanks for your superb investigation into the American Candy Stores!
• What can I say, this level of service to the community is unprecedented in my experience! I am simply amazed and delighted! 
• Thank you Cllr Ormsby. You have been most helpful!
• Dear Councillor Ryan, thank you very much for Chairing the meeting with residents. We are grateful for your summary of what was presented.
• I just want to say personally and on behalf of my neighbours thank you and appreciate everything you are doing to help us.
• Thank you very much for your kind words but above all for your interest and help/involvement in order to resolve this Housing issue. Sincerely, much appreciated!
• Job done, thanks for your invaluable help.
• Max – you are a national treasure!! We are finally legally parked thanks to you
• I am deeply touched that you have responded.
• James, thank you for helping me…I would have got nowhere without your help
• Many thanks, esp to Maggie, for her fantastic work in our neighbourhood, especially in relation to NHG tenants, and traffic pollution. Bravo to her and to the team.
• We are delighted that Maggie and the team will still be working for this community. It is very reassuring knowing we have people that show and genuinely do care for others and work tirelessly helping to improve the area we live in and our quality of lives.

GENERAL UPDATES

Ward Surgeries
No appointment necessary
Lancaster Gate

• Every 1st Saturday of the month 11am-12:30am – Pickering House, Hallfield Estate
• Every 3rd Saturday of the month 11am-12:30am – Italian Gardens Cafe, Kensington Gardens

Bayswater

• 1st & 3rd Saturday each month, 2pm to 3.30pm, Paddington Library, 45 Porchester Road, W2 5DU

Flooding Update

Thames Water will be surveying all the properties impacted by the 12th July floods – make sure you register online for a survey if you haven’t already. After this, they will survey the sewers of the property and install devices, such as one-way valves, if needed. Stage 1 of the independent report has admitted that Bayswater and Lancaster Gate were the worst affected areas in London on July 12th, so we encourage affected residents to fill in the form. We are also supporting residents with any issues with the form, so please do email us if you are experiencing any.

Hallfield Food Bank

The Hallfield Residents Association has set up a food bank for local residents who are struggling. If you’re a local business or resident who would be willing and able to donate to the food bank, please email info@hallfield.org.uk.

Major Works and Residents Groups – Get in Touch!

Craven Hill Gardens – Are you a resident of Craven Hill Gardens? We’ve been working with residents to coordinate a Residents Group to fight for access to the private garden square at a fair price. If you would like to get involved, please email ursa.te.fl@gmail.com with your name, address and contact information.

Hallfield Major Works – Are you a resident of Lynton, Worcester or Winchester House on the Hallfield Estate? Major Works are planned on these blocks to install double glazing and other repairs. We represented residents at the first consultation meeting. If you have any questions please reach out.

Chilworth Mews – Are you a resident of Chilworth Mews, impacted by the ongoing works and planned developments on Eastbourne Terrace? We are supporting local residents with ongoing dialogue with the council and the developer, with Cllr Jude chairing a meeting with all parties recently. We will be arranging a subsequent meeting to discuss the Servicing Management Plan and Operational Management Plan – please contact us if you would like to be involved in this meeting.

Clean Air Bayswater Launch

We were delighted to attend the launch of Clean Air Bayswater alongside Karen Buck MP and the Lord Mayor. Congratulations to everyone involved. If you missed the event you can read a summary here on the Clean Air Bayswater website where you can also sign up for their newsletter.

Climate Action Community Day

Westminster City Council is hosting a Climate Action Community Day at Ebury Edge on 16th July from 2pm-5pm to talk about actions being taken to be more sustainable, and showcase the great work being carried out by local individuals and organisations.

They also provide a chance for residents to talk with council officers and councillors. Lancaster Gate Councillor Ryan Jude, Deputy Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Biodiversity, will be there all day alongside Councillor Matt Noble, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Renters and Regeneration. They would be more than happy to discuss the Labour administration’s new plans for climate action in Westminster, as set out in the Green New Deal for Westminster document.

Notting Hill Carnival Residents meeting

The organisers of Carnival, NHCL, will be holding a Notting Hill Carnival Residents meeting. All interested residents are welcome to attend on Monday 11th July from 6:30pm-8pm at The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY

Road, pavement, drain or street light that’s needs repair? Deadline July 15th!

Please make a nomination to the council’s 2023/2024 maintenance program using this form.

Ward budget applications

Applications are now open to organisations and clubs to apply for project funding which benefits local residents. If you would like to apply for ward funding for a project but don’t know where to start, please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to assist you with your application.

Request secure bicycle storage

The new administration is committed to speeding up the roll-out of secure cycle storage in Westminster. Please register your interest here