HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – August 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 few weeks of activity right across the ward.
We had a meeting with Chief Inspector Simon Crew recently. He heads Neighbourhood Policing in Westminster. He says that Hyde Park Ward will shortly be getting an additional Police Constable (PC) to take the Hyde Park Safer Neighbourhood Team to one Sgt, 3 PCs and 1 PCSO. This is a good step forward and we will continue to press for additional resources to keep the area safe.
Last Saturday night we accompanied our Hyde Park Ward City Inspectors in Edgware Road.
- We raided illegal indoor shisha bars which clearly breached fire safety and we made sure they shut down completely before we left the premises.
- Throughout the night we visited dumping hot spots and searched for evidence to trace the fly tippers in Star Street, St Michael’s Street and North Wharf Road.
- We checked on local businesses for serving hot food late night without a premises licence and checked if businesses were obeying their licence rules and following good standards. City Inspectors gave verbal warnings to few business owners
We thank our City Inspectors for being there 24/7 to improve our area
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 1st September
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
Archery Close
Following a request from a resident, we asked the Highways Team to extend the double yellow lines at the entrance to Archery Close, off Connaught Street. The resident had told us, “The yellow lines were recently reinstated but they did not go far enough into Connaught Street from the mews to be of any use. I notice that at other junctions they go at least a metre and a half onto the main road to aid visibility.”
After considering the request, officers have now instructed the contractor to make the changes and hope to be able to push back the extent of double yellow lines around 2m from each side of the mouth of the street.
Portsea Place
Portsea Place is on our list of rubbish dumping ‘hot spots’ which will be subject to special attention to stop the current anti-social behaviour. Residents say,
“The tree on Portsea Place, adjacent to the car wash garage, continues to be a hot spot for dumping. I reported dining chairs etc dumped the other day, plus crates at the tree bottom of Portsea Place and Connaught Street. Both these locations are favoured by dumpers and need regular monitoring.”
Westbourne Street/Bathurst Street
We have asked the Council’s Refuse Collection Team to take action on the continued waste dumping along Westbourne Street and Bathurst Street after receiving this message from residents:
“The mountain of garbage on Westbourne Street is a real low point and I suspect the reason it happens is that people don’t understand — or don’t want to understand — that the dumping has to be done during the times indicated on the sign. Hasn’t the time come to stop people dumping there at all and making it illegal to put rubbish out there at any time, and instead asking them to take their rubbish to the bins by St James Church? All you need do is remove the sign and replace it with one that says “Dumping rubbish here is illegal. Rubbish must be taken to the bins outside St James church in Sussex Gardens” (followed by a map).”
Oxford Square/Titchbourne Row
We have asked the Council to take strong action against those responsible for a particularly awful case of illegal rubbish dumping at the corner of Oxford Square and Titchbourne Row. Residents say, “Every document dumped here says it came from a property in Oxford Square. But others also dump constantly. Can you kindly ensure prosecutions?”
Sussex Gardens
We have reported vehicles parking in the cycle lane in Sussex Gardens and have asked the Parking Team to take action against the drivers of these vehicles.
Albion Street
We have asked the Council’s Tree Officers to consider whether trees can be planted along Albion Street, following a request from residents.
The Quadrangle
We have asked Council’s Enforcement Team and the Church Commissioners to both investigate an illegal holiday let at a flat in The Quadrangle reported by residents.
Water Gardens
We are supporting residents’ objections to an alcohol licence, for one of the Safestore units under the Water Gardens for 24/7 delivery of alcohol, in contravention of the planning permission of the Safestore unit. Residents have objected on the grounds of noise, litter and potential disorder and say:
“The self-storage premises, which are under a large residential block, does not have planning consent to operate for the purpose stated in the Premises Licence application. The hours proposed for the alcohol take-away sales are against policy, and premises are adjacent to a special dedicated area to protect the well-being of residents in the area. We object to hours applied for, especially after 23.00.”
Farmers’ Market proposal – what you say
“Regarding the proposal of a farmer’s market in the Connaught Street area, we would definitely support this idea.” St George’s Fields resident
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Southwick Street
We have asked the Police to again investigate drug dealing from a flat in Southwick Street. We have also asked the Council to take action against the daily dumping of household rubbish by a tree in Southwick Street.
Praed Street
BT has submitted a planning application for a ‘Street Hub’ opposite 19-20, Praed Street, incorporating 2 digital 75″ LCD advert screens, and the removal of associated BT kiosks. The application documents can be viewed online at
using the reference number 22/04790/FULL
Star Street/Sale Place
We have asked the City Inspectors to take strong action against anyone found dumping builders’ rubble, furniture and other items by the big black bins at the corner of Star Street and Sale Place.
Star Street/Bouverie Place
We have asked the Highways Team if the broken tiles can be fixed outside a property on the corner of Star Street and Bouverie Place. The Highways Team say:
“Unfortunately, the tiles are not part of the public highway and therefore not Westminster City Council’s responsibility. However, we can send the property in question a private forecourt letter to communicate that works are required.”
Edgware Road area
Edgware Road – BT phone boxes
We have called on BT to remove two phone boxes, one outside 149 Edgware Road and the other outside Winchester House, 259 Old Marylebone Road, which are regularly stuffed full of old mattresses and bedding. The phone boxes are clearly not able to be used for making phone calls and are not cleared and cleaned on a daily basis, despite this situation being pointed out to BT on a regular basis. Residents and local businesses are fed up with the abuse of these phone boxes and BT’s failure to do anything about this appalling situation. There are other phone boxes in the immediate area which can be used by those needing to make a phone call.
Edgware Road – rubbish dumping
We have asked for the area around the EV charging point on Edgware Road, outside Lloyds Bank, to be added to the list of dumping ‘hot spots’ where there will be action taken against the illegal rubbish dumpers.
Lloyds Bank, 167 Edgware Road
The Edgware Road branch of Lloyds Bank is closing on 21st November 2022. This is another major brand going from Edgware Road following Boots’ closure at the end of July. Who will be next? This follows the fire a few weeks ago and the vandalism more recently. We are very concerned at the situation at this parade of retail units which appear to be totally mismanaged.
Edgware Road – late night licences
We have asked the Council to investigate late night noise and disturbance from cafes on Edgware Road with a late licence, after residents told us:
“A few residents have mentioned that some cafes are opening past their allowed opening times, last night it was 2.30 am. Noise and smells of shisha is a problem for residents who leave windows open at night”
Edgware Road – Garfield House
The Portman Estate has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of Garfield and Bernard House site on 86-110 Edgware Road to Westminster City Council. The planning application is available to view on the Westminster City Council’s planning portal by searching the reference number 22/05268/FULL.
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Chapel Street
We have asked the Council to arrange for a vandalised bike outside Hyde Park Mansions on Chapel Street to be removed. “I will ask the City Inspectors to action this today”, was the response. The bike has now been removed.
We have also asked the City Inspectors to take issue fines to those dumping rubbish outside 38-47a Chapel Street.
Cabbell Street
The City Inspector has updated us as follows:
“Some good news here re the unauthorised access to the mansion blocks and their respective attic spaces that were being used by rough sleepers and drug users. The managing agents have made good the damaged doors identified by police and replace those that are badly damaged. Police are making extra patrols.”
Hyde Park Mansions and Oxford & Cambridge Mansions
We have asked the Council’s Enforcement Team to liaise with the managing agents of both Hyde Park Mansions and Oxford & Cambridge Mansions in the Chapel Street area to stop the illegal short-term lettings. Recently a number of key boxes have appeared on the railings and we have asked for them to be removed. Residents say:
“It would be really great if you could liaise with the various managers so that we can have a united effort in getting rid of the key boxes and actually tackling the short term let problem at Hyde Park and Oxford & Cambridge Mansions.”
The Council’s Enforcement Team say, “I have assigned a case officer who will provide update and contact residents to advise on working with them.”
One of the Managing Agents has told us:
“We have already contacted the owners of the properties we believe to be using the premises as Airbnb’s to advise that the key safes are to be removed. We are looking at how we can enforce the ceasing of the Airbnb’s due to them being non-compliant with the lease terms. I shall follow up again with the property owners and if the key safes have not been removed within 7 days from our next communication we shall arrange for them to be cut from the railings and disposed of.”
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Dudley House
At the request of residents, we have asked the Council’s Housing Department to investigate reports of sub-letting to holiday visitors and others. The Council says;
“Part of Pinnacle’s responsibilities is to monitor any potential subletting evidence and to take appropriate action, where subletting is found. I will raise this with Pinnacle and request they do a tenancy check on all flats in the block to ensure there is no subletting – Anyone found subletting should immediately be serviced with notice for breach of tenancy.”
We have also asked for parking arrangements to be investigated as residents say;
“There are people owning multiple cars and parking them anywhere, even on motorcycle parking spots. This is unfair on the people who are on the waiting list to get a parking space.”
Paddington Gardens
We have written to dockless bike operator, Lime, after receiving the following message from a resident:
“I live in Paddington Gardens (Aster House) and these bikes are being left outside in the communal garden almost on a daily basis. I have reported quite a few of them, and they have been removed, but my requests to have Paddington Gardens marked as a ‘red zone’ have been flatly ignored. I don’t know what to do about it – Paddington Gardens is private land, and they should not be leaving them here. They clutter the place up and get in the way.”
Sheldon Square
We are again chasing Notting Hill Genesis and Network Homes on a date for the installation of air conditioning units in Sheldon Square. Residents say,
“There is no start date for this project for either Notting Hill or Network Homes residents. No contractors have started to mobilise onsite regarding this project. It’s been extremely unbearable due to high temperatures and lack of ventilation.”
Network Homes tell us, “we have finally made progress with First Port and a draft programme is being finalised this week. It looks likely works will commence last week of August/first week of September. We are finalising a few details and then will be sharing this with residents.”
Residents say, “This is very good news as we may have a cooling system for next year at the very least. Thank you so much for helping us all here in Sheldon Square and acting swiftly with everything.”
5 Harbet Road – update
Octavia Housing have updated us on the fire alarm situation at 5 Harbet Street;
“The majority of the properties have had the fire alarm system installed. We are finding it difficult to get access the some of the properties, so efforts continue.
We have not been advised of any progress with the works to the external wall system. I am seeking an update and will advise when I get a response. Hopefully, we can get into all the remaining properties so the waking watch can be removed.”
North Wharf Road
We have asked the Road Safety Team to investigate this issue:
“This road is a one-way road, however, drivers are using it as a two way. We need more road marking – NO ENTRY. Also, a big problem are delivery and private cab drivers parking on the pavement and double yellow lines.”
Residents’ Parking
We have again requested the Parking Team to investigate opportunities for increasing residents’ parking in the area around Montgomery House.
Travis Perkins entrance
We have also asked the Road Safety Team to investigate traffic around the entrance to the Travis Perkins site which residents say, “is becoming a huge nightmare. Drivers are stopping on the cycle lane and blocking the road while waiting in a queue to get into the Travis Perkins premises.”
Paddington Station Bridge lift
We are investigating this enquiry from a resident:
“I have been informed that the nearest bridge to the Hammersmith and City/Circle Line canal exit (to the right) at Paddington Station is often inaccessible for wheelchair users as the lift is continuously broken. This means that wheelchair users have to go to the next bridge down, adding a substantial distance to their journey”
We have received the following response:
“The Station Bridge lift is fully in service, but since the majority of our antisocial and vandalism aimed at the lift takes place out of hours a decision was made to restrict its operating hours to 07:00 up to 20:00. During the out of hours periods, we have signage in place directing individuals to use the St Mary’s bridge pedestrian ramp.”
Paddington Basin
Please let us have your views on the Council’s proposal to establish an eco-mooring zone at Paddington Basin which will provide up to 36 electrified moorings along the towpath from Merchant Square to the Basin.
Other Issues
Introducing Rachel Blake
Rachel Blake has been selected as the Labour Candidate for Cities of London and Westminster at the next General Election. You can read more about her here
Cost of Living Crisis
Around a quarter of households across Westminster (approximately 31,000 households) are particularly vulnerable to rises in living costs, with some people facing extreme hardship. We can help you get the support you need, from showing you how to access government financial aid to finding local advice services. Whatever hardships you’re facing, we’re here to help.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support
Walking
A new edition of an 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
The Ramblers’ Association has organised Wellbeing Walks in central London. They say, “Almost all of us can manage a stroll, and Ramblers Wellbeing Walks make it easier to start walking and stay active. And you’ll certainly never be short of good company.” You can read more at https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/ramblers-wellbeing-walks.aspx
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 area.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/request-vehicle-charging-point
Local Police
The Hyde Park Ward Safer Neighbourhood Police Team of Sgt Martin Noon, PCs Adam Oddy and Harminder Purewal has been joined by PC Lewis Best and PCSO Lina Pandi.
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 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
“Very good, a packed programme, plenty getting done in Hyde Park.”
“Thank you so much for this fantastic update. You are very busy indeed, for which much appreciation as always.”
“Always feel good that something is taking place. Thank you for the emails and feedback.”
“Thank you all for having the sense to tell everyone what’s going on – giving confidence in your team”
“Thank you so much for all your help. I’m really pleased with such a quick outcome.”
“Many thanks for this information, and your prompt response to issues that our residents are very much concerned by. This is most reassuring. Good luck with discharging your new responsibilities!”
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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