Queen’s Park Action Report – July 2022

19th July, 2022

July Action Report

We hope everyone had a good June – and with dangerously hot temperatures this July, please make sure you’re staying hydrated and out of the sun. Westminster’s leisure centres and many other places are acting as Cool Spaces – free public spaces where you can come for respite from the heat. Check the map to find ones near you as well as advice for coping with extreme heat.

Help for Young People and Families

The cost of living crisis continues to worsen, and 1 in 6 households – that’s nearly 20,000 households in Westminster – report seriously struggling financially. To help with costs, Labour’s launched a summer package with new funding to help tackle holiday hunger, expand access to free activities for young people, and help families with the cost of uniforms for the upcoming school year.

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.

LOCAL NEWS AND ISSUES

The Lancer Public House, Mozart St/Lancefield St
We are concerned about the condition of the site of the Royal Lancer Pub and have raised this with the planning department. Following ur request, the owners of the Lancer Pub have been notified by the planning department about the need to tidy up the site. A for sale sign has also now been erected on the building.

Pubs are protected under planning law. We would be interested to know what you would like to see at this site – would you like to see a pub here, or something else? Please let us know if you have any thoughts on whether this site should be a pub by replying to this email.

Queen’s Park Gardens
We are glad to see that the Parks Department have resurfaced under the table tennis table in the park to make it more suitable for playing table tennis following our request for improvements. We have also reported the broken water fountain to the Parks Department.

We have reported littering inside the park and building waste which had been dumped near the entrance, which has now been cleared. We have also requested that the new noticeboard be filled with community notices as it has been empty since May.

Mozart Estate
Following our reports of a number of damp issues and other maintenance issues in the common areas of blocks in the Mozart estate, including Naylor House, Herries Street, Verdi Crescent, Onslow Close, Dowland Street, Tolhurst Drive, and Bliss Mews, we have been working with the housing repairs team on a plan to improve the condition of the common areas of these blocks. Works will be starting this month. Loose floor tiles have been replaced and all blocks will have their notice boards repaired or new ones fitted.

The Avenues Youth Project
The Avenues Youth Project, like many others, are suffering from rising energy bills. We are working with the Avenues Youth Project to help improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills. We have requested the Corporate Property Team help them with this, and they will be arranging a survey of the building soon to find other ways to reduce bills.

Ilbert Street/Kilburn Lane
A number of residents have told us that cyclists mount the pavement here and that this junction needs to be improved. We have asked the Highways Team to investigate and also visited the site with the Parking Team who have now investigated three bus parking spaces there and are exploring alternative sites for these spaces.

Drains in The Avenues Estate
We received reports of smelly drains on Ilbert Street and Oliphant Street. We raised this with Thames Water and are pleased to report that the issue should now be resolved. Thames Water have said:

“To recap, I confirmed our Network Engineer (NE) attended on 19 June 2022, under our work reference SA-358147. He identified the smell, and traced this back to a sewer trunk main, and has raised follow-on work for our trunk mains team to attend.”

Harrow Road Parking
A number of residents have raised concerns about illegal parking on Harrow Road between Fifth Ave and Bravington Road. We have requested increased parking enforcement in this area and after visiting the area with the Parking Team, they are exploring options for improving things. The Parking Team have said:

“In terms of Harrow Road enforcement I can confirm that NSL have had an extra 4 staff on the street in the morning peak (07.00-10.00) and another 4 in the later peak (16.00-19.00). The team are issuing PCNs and speaking to drivers. They are logging vehicles too so that we can build a picture of “persistent offenders” and see what proactive action we can take if any can be traced to local properties or residents.”

Harrow Road Bus Parking
A resident has reported that 28 buses are parking on Harrow Road and idling. We have reported to TFL who have said:

‘I had an update from RATP last night – they will be reporting that the issue has been raised to their drivers and reiterating through notices at the garage that they shouldn’t be idling. I’m checking the stand arrangement at the location and have raised again with our bus team.’

Selby Square
A2 Dominion are working on revised plans for works to improve the park at Selby Square and will circulate these for comments shortly. The updated plans aims to address concerns around privacy and antisocial behaviour.

Bruckner St

We have received the following from the Met Police:
“Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances after a man died following a shooting in Queen’s Park. Police were called at 01:56hrs on Tuesday, 19 July to reports of a shooting in Bruckner Street, W10. Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service. They carried out a search of the area but no victim was identified. At approximately 02:10hrs, a 26-year-old man attended a central London hospital with a gunshot injury. Despite the efforts of doctors, he died a short time later.

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 597/19Jul. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Fox feeding
We have asked the City Inspectors for advice on what can be done to inform people that they should not feed foxes as it encourages them into the area. We have received the following response:

‘I am aware that there are some issues in the area with regards to feeding foxes. I will see if there is anything we can do in relation to leafleting feeding foxes, as there may already be something on file to this effect.’

St Judes’ Hall
A resident contacted us with concerns about the planters outside St Jude’s Hall not being maintained. We have raised this with the Housing Department who are responsible for the hall, who have said:

‘As agreed, I inspected the area reported and I have requested for our contactors to provide us with a quote to carry these works approximately 3 times a year. As soon as I receive this quote, I will arrange to update you again with a plan of actions which should be by early next week.’

Phoneboxes
Following concerns from a resident that phoneboxes on Kilburn Lane have been neglected and are unsightly, we have asked the Highways Team to see what can be done to remove or improve the phoneboxes on Kilburn Lane, on Harrow Rd, and outside Queen’s Park Library.

Local Job at the Beethoven Centre
There is an opening for a role to manage the fantastic team at Beethoven Centre. You can find more information at the A2Dominion website.

Cycling in Queen’s Park
Improvements to the following areas have been suggested to use by London Cycling Campaign:

the road closure at the west end of Illbert Street, at its junction with Kilburn Lane;
the road closure at the north end of Ashmore Road, at its junction with Kilburn Lane;
the prohibited right turn from Harrow Road into Great Western Road.

Please do let us know any suggestions or feedback you have.

New Cycle Hangars
We have been told the good news that Queen’s Park will be getting four new cycling hangers at the following locations: Ilbert St, Portnall Rd, Ashmore Rd and Fernhead Rd. We will keep you updated on when these will be installed. Residents who have asked for a cycling hangar space will be contacted. If you would like to request a space for your bicycle in a cycling hanger, please email cycleparking@westminster.gov.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Herries St – There is an incorrect 30mph sign at the junction of Herries Street with Kilburn Lane. We raised this with the Highways Team who have said they will remove within 28 days, as this is a 20mph zone.
Caird St – A resident has reported that tree pits have been covered with concrete by Ecoworld developers. We have raised this.
Ashmore Rd – We received reports from residents that Veolia street cleaners have damaged planting done by residents in tree pits. We reported this to the City Inspectors, compensation has been offered to residents to replace the plants, and Veolia management have said that it will not happen again.
Ashmore Rd – We received reports of trees which need pruning. We raised this with the council and the responsible person has told us: ‘We have some minor work planned for a small number of trees on Ashmore Road following on from the last ward survey, mostly tree stake removal etc. A lot of the trees on Ashmore Road were last pruned in late 2021 so it is unlikely that further work would be required at this time but I will take a look specifically at the tree outside number 47 and update you.’
Fifth Avenue – Following reports from a resident, we asked the Highways Team to complete works to a drain at the top of Fifth Avenue, near Kilburn Lane. We are pleased to say these works have now been completed and the hoarding has been removed.
Kilburn Lane – We requested that bollards on Kilburn Lane be repaired and that the hoarding be removed. We are pleased to say this work has now been completed.
Kilburn Lane – We have requested increased parking enforcement at the junction of Kilburn Lane and Ashmore Road, Portnall Road and Bravington Road following emails from residents.
Canal Terrace – We have had reports of rats in the Harrow Road Open Space and at the Ha’penny Bridge. We have reported this to the City Inspectors, and Pest Control have increased their baiting programme to reduce the number of vermin.
Third Avenue – We have had reports of rough sleepers outside Marylebone Bridge School. We raised this with the Housing Department and visits offered support to the rough sleepers. The City Inspectors also visited the area and advised that ‘The car park area was messy and smelt a bit, so I requested Veolia to assist & clean and deodorise due to urine smell as a one off cleanse.’ The schools also asked to pass a big thank you on to the street cleaners who made the school ‘sparkle’!
Sixth Avenue – Following reports of misplaced bins in Queen’s Park Court, which impact residents on Sixth Avenue, we have asked the Housing Department to investigate.
Marne Street – We have had reports of an abandoned vehicle, which we reported to the relevant department, who have tried to make contact with the owner and will remove the vehicle if no contact is made.
Beethoven St – We have had reports of persistent dumping on Beethoven St. We have reported to City Inspectors, who visited the area and delivered educational letters to residents.
Fernhead Road – We have asked for increased parking enforcement following concerns raised by residents.
Kilburn Lane – A disabled parking bay has been blocked by bins. The City Inspector has investigated and said ‘Veolia management have been spoken to and will speak to refuse crews regarding the placement of the bins once emptied, bins must not be put near disabled bay.’
Mozart Street – We have contacted the Planning Department to help a resident whose post is being delivered to the wrong place due to confusing street numbering.

HOUSING ISSUES

Pine House – We have been supporting a family with housing repairs.
Brooke Court – We have been supporting residents with getting the lift repaired.
Steve Biko Court – Following concerns raised by a resident, we requested increased cleaning and action to address vermin in the block. L&Q have said ‘I can confirm the cleaning level will increase and so moving forward this will not be an issue.’
Portnall Rd – We have been helping a resident with a Home Swapper application.
Ash House – We are helping a resident who has requested a move on medical grounds.
Barfett St – We have been helping a resident who needs repairs to their property.

GENERAL NEWS

Queen’s Park Book Festival

The 2022 Queen’s Park Book Festival will return on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September 2022.

Covid-19 Booster Vaccines
You can see upcoming dates for the the local vaccine bus here: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/vaccine-bus

Update From Carer’s Network
“Join Carers Network’s exciting new BizzyBox Lending project and borrow for free a fantastic range of activity products that you can enjoy from the comfort of own home together with your loved one!

These products have been specially designed to help someone living with dementia, recovering from a stroke or heart attack or living with autism or a learning disability.

They include puzzles, comfort pets, activity boards and hug buddies.

You can watch a short video on the project here: https://youtu.be/3SwL9zEs7zE

Email events@carers-network.org.uk or call 020 8960 3033 for more information”

Meat Consumption Survey
A local postgraduate student at Imperial College is running a study on meat consumption in the UK, and has asked local residents to fill out a 10-minute survey. Respondents have a chance to win a £20 voucher.

Dogs
If you have any issues with dogs you can contact Crissie Chambers (canineculture@googlemail.com) as well as Nuno Reis (nreis@westminster.gov.uk) and they will deal with them together on their twice weekly patrols

Queen’s Park Community Council

Community Clean Up
Come along to our next community clean up event on the 7th of August. All equipment as well as drinks and refreshments will be provided ! Meet by the hut (next to the entrance to Queen’s Park Gardens on Fourth Avenue) at 11am if you’d like to get involved.

Summer Activities
Looking for activities for your child this summer? Look no further, as Queen’s Park Community Council are offering activities suitable for families and children aged 8-16 starting on the 26th of July. Activities are free but require registration befor hand. Register for events or email Elysse at Elysse@Queensparkcommunitycouncil.gov.uk for more information.

Queen’s Park Summer Festival
Just under four weeks before Queen’s Park Community Summer Festival 2022! We can’t wait to see some friendly familiar faces but also some new faces.
Held on 6th August 12pm- 6pm in Queen’s Park Gardens. Register here.

Outdoor Cinema
Join us in Queen’s Park Gardens for a day full of family-friendly movies. Popcorn and refreshments available for a donation. Come on 5th August for Encanto, Spiderman and Ghostbusters.
Participants should arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the film/s they wish to watch. A parent, guardian and carer must attend this event with children/young people that should not be unsupervised. Register online or email: Elysse@queensparkcommunitycouncil.gov.uk”

Queens’ Park Library

Do you have what it takes to complete this year’s Summer Reading Challenge? If you have, head to Queen’s Park Library to register. All you have to do to take part is read six library books over the holidays, collecting stickers and prizes along the way. If you read all six books and complete the Challenge, you’ll receive a certificate, a medal, and an invite to a very special party!

In support of this summers reading challenge the library is also hosting free events the first beginning on the 25th of July titled Space Rockets. Find more information online or just pop into the library for a leaflet.

GENERAL UPDATES

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.

Handyperson Dervice
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.

Voting by Post
It is much easier, quicker and safer to vote by post. Find out more and download a form to fill in here.

You can email your completed form to electoralservices@westminster.gov.uk or post it to Electoral Services, Westminster City Council, 14th Floor City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP.

‘Westminster Extra’
You can read the ‘Westminster Extra’ online PDF edition, or check their website for local news.

Flooding Update
Thames Water will be surveying all the properties impacted by the 12th July floods last year – 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. We are also supporting residents with any issues with the form, so please do email us if you are experiencing any.

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.

Refuse and Recycling Collection

Any rubbish bags presented on the pavement on a day where the refuse collection has been removed (as a result of the new food waste service) will be collected by Veolia.

If you have any queries waste collections you can contact the Recycling Team directly on foodwaste@westminster.gov.uk

Report It
You can report dumped rubbish, graffiti, broken paving stones and street lights and more to the Report It service.

North Paddington Youth Club Summer Programme
The North Paddington Youth Club’s summer programme of free activities, running until September, is available here.

Local Police
You can keep an eye on the latest local crime information through the Met Police website.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Interactive Map
You can see the latest data for your area here: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map