HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – Late November 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 attended the Remembrance Sunday Service at Westminster Abbey and the Paddington Service of Remembrance at the Lancaster Gate War Memorial.
‘They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.’
We did another night walk along Edgware Road with our dedicated experienced City Inspectors Izzeldin and Ricardo, both of whom have been working for Westminster City Council since 2004. We visited businesses using the pavements beyond the permitted table and chair planning permissions and licences. We also asked the City Inspectors to issue a fine to a local resident who lives by the post box on Connaught Square where they had dumped rubbish on the pavement.
We 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 December, 6pm-7pm.
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
Connaught Square
Following the Public Meeting on 3rd October when residents told us that residents’ parking spaces were being abused by non-residents, some of whom might have been linked to crime and anti-social behaviour, we asked the Parking Team to carry out evening and night-time Parking Enforcement action in the area. Between 4th October and 9th November, the following Parking Fines were issued
- Connaught Square – 156 parking fines issued
- Portsea Place – 26 parking fines issued
- Norfolk Crescent – 81 parking fines issued
We have also asked the Enforcement Team to investigate a flat in Connaught Square which residents believe is being used as an Airbnb short-term let. Residents say:
“There appears to be a very organised short term let arrangement with the use of student placement agencies to place students in the property for a few days at a time. Recently there have been numerous students turning up to check in/out either by themselves or with a professional agency assisting them. It doesn’t encourage safety or appropriate removal of rubbish as they are not invested in our area or indeed aware of local policies.”
We have also urged the City Inspectors to take strong action against those responsible for dumping rubbish next to the Royal Mail post box on the corner of Stanhope Place. The City Inspector says, “I will take appropriate enforcement action. This location is monitored regularly, and enforcement action is taken where evidence is found.”
Connaught Street
We have asked the City Inspectors to remove a number of abandoned bikes in Connaught Street.
Portsea Mews
We are working closely with the Church Commissioners and the Council to tackle the anti-social behaviour at night in Portsea Mews. We hope that a hoarding will be installed soon to keep out those responsible for the anti-social behaviour.
Sussex Mews West
We asked the Council to clear the weeds in Sussex Mews West. The next day, residents said, “Result! our regular street cleaner is cleaning the mews this morning.”
Park West Place
We have been alerted by a resident to two cars which often come and park on the double yellow lines on Park West Place. We have asked the Parking Team and local police to investigate as there are concerns that these cars may be involved in anti-social activities.
We have also asked the Recycling Team to pay special attention to the recycling bins at Park West Place which get full very quickly. The Team say:
“Park West Place recycling bins are collected twice daily, typically morning collections take place around 10am and evening collections around 7pm. I have asked the site to be monitored to ensure the bins don’t overflow between these two collections. Un-flattened cardboard boxes seem to be the reason behind bins getting full here, so we will engage with the local residents and write to them accordingly.”
Cambridge and Oxford Squares
We have asked the Street Lighting Team to fix a broken streetlight in Cambridge Square and a signage light on Oxford Square.
Hyde Park Place
We continue to urge the Enforcement Team to take action against the unauthorised short-term letting at a property in Hyde Park Place.
Bathurst Mews
We picked up this issue from ‘Report It’ and asked the Waste Team to investigate this message:
“We have repeatedly asked Veolia lorry to ‘squeeze’ horse manure waste outside the stables where it collects the waste as the stables hose down that area constantly. The lorry should come into the mews from Sussex Place and go out at Bathurst Street to avoid this constant spillage of horse manure and waste outside the houses at the top of the mews. The lorry drivers agree and its fine for a bit then with different drivers it happens again. Plus, we need the street cleaned now just inside the arch from Sussex Place.”
The Waste Team say, “The next collection from the stables is scheduled for Thursday so a manager will supervise the collection to see exactly what is causing the problem. The vehicles all have rubber seals to prevent leaks etc. so this will be checked as well. As an interim we’ve sent the flushing vehicle down there this afternoon to fully clean the mews.”
Westbourne Street
We contacted the Royal Lancaster Hotel after receiving this message from a local resident:
“We who live across from the Royal Lancaster Hotel loading area on Westbourne Street have an ongoing problem with the hotel allowing lorries to load and unload in that area late at night or in the mornings before 8:00. The problem with that loading area is that there are steps so a temporary ramp must be used to allow large items to be wheeled in. This creates considerable racket that is disturbing to us.”
We visited the Hotel General Manager with the resident and the General Manager agreed with the resident’s suggestion:
“If the two steps were replaced with a sloping flooring that went from the pavement level outside to the bottom of the doors it would provide a quiet, more gently sloped, and permanent ramp. There would then be no need for a temporary ramp and would almost certainly eliminate the noise problem.”
We thank the Royal Lancaster for the positive and helpful approach to this issue and hope the work is done soon. In the interim, the hotel has agreed to improve the current temporary arrangements to reduce the noise. “I can confirm the ramp is in our workshop being fitted with acoustic carpet tiles to the top side and high density insulation board installed within the cavities underneath.”
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2022/11/15/westbourne-street-noise-issues/
Hyde Park Crescent/Southwick Place
The area along Hyde Park Crescent has no formal crossing points and, to improve pedestrian safety, we have asked the Highways Team to provide a crossing point that would have a strong link towards the church/nursery area. The Highways Team say “introducing kerb build outs on both sides of Hyde Park Crescent supported by a central refuge island at this junction would be our recommendation. Existing slow markings should be refreshed and new ones introduced close to the crossing facility.”
Hyde Park Square
Concerns have been expressed about the leaf collection and street sweeping in Hyde Park Square. The Waste Team explain:
“We’re currently midway through clearing an additional 200,000 bags of leaves over and above the usual litter levels which has been a major challenge for our sweepers and disrupted regular cleaning schedules. We seem to be over the worst of the leaf-fall and are slowly returning to normal street cleaning frequencies but preventing flooding by keeping gullies clear of leaves remains the top priority. I’ve asked for Hyde Park Square to be inspected each morning and to deploy a sweeper as required until we can fully resume normal operations.”
Residents say, “Your team was active this morning and cleared both leaves and days of discarded rubbish off our streets. We are unfortunately prone to private-hire vehicles, taxis and even private individuals parking up in our square and then throwing rubbish out of their windows, not to mention urinating in the street! Your continued vigilance with cleaning will be much appreciated.”
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Star Street/Sale Place
We continue to keep a close eye on the big black bins on the corner of Star Street and Sale Place to ensure that dumped rubbish is cleared quickly and fines are issued to those responsible for the dumping.
St Michael’s Street
We have reported rubbish dumped at the Edgware Road end of St Michael’s Street and asked the City Inspectors to take action against those responsible.
London Street
We asked the Highways Team to investigate a message from a resident about “a big leak on London Street that is now flooding our basement and pouring down London Street to Sussex Gardens”. The Highways Team said, “The Highways Inspector has been to site and can confirm that the issue is a leaking fire hydrant and Thames Water have a job raised. They have said someone will be out today.”
Spring Street
We have asked the Environmental Health Team to investigate a rented flat in Spring Street which was described as “disgusting” and “unsafe” after rats were spotted in the hallway and bare wires were left partially taped up. The visitor who stayed there described piles of unopened mail in the hallways and filth and mould in “every part” of the bathroom
https://westminstertimes.co.uk/2022/11/21/paddington-apartment/
Norfolk Square
We have asked the police if there is any CCTV in the area might have filmed those responsible for smashing the wayfinding map post in Norfolk Square. We also asked the Highways Team to replace the smashed post.
Southwick Street
We have again urged the Planning Team to take action to stop the noise from hotel air conditioning units located in the wrong place which are causing a regular nuisance for neighbouring residents in Southwick Mews to the rear. Residents say, “We are mentally exhausted by the misery this hotel has put upon us and would be immensely grateful for your help.”
‘British Collections’
We are making enquiries with the Trading Standards Team about the ‘British Collections’ shops in the area. As a resident has pointed out, “There are now 3 identically ugly British Collection ‘shops’ around Paddington. Spring Street, London Street and Praed Street. They spill out onto the pavement. Is this legal? Who is behind this operation?”
Edgware Road area
Grosvenor Court
We have urged the Council to investigate Grosvenor Court where rubbish is dumped regularly on the pavement long before the collection times. We have urged the management of the block to locate large refuse bins within the block where they can keep bags of waste until the scheduled time for refuse collection.
Edgware Road/Kendal Street
We have asked the Highways Team to repair the broken wayfinding map at the corner of Edgware Road and Kendal Street where the glass has been smashed. The Team say;
“I have raised these works as an urgent matter with Trueform (Legible London contractor). I am in the process of getting a new map panel designed and produced for this asset. In the meantime, Trueform will replace the missing panel with a temporary “new map coming soon” panel.”
Edgware Road/Sussex Gardens
The Church Commissioners have told us that pigeon spikes have now been installed on the Water Gardens canopy at Sussex Gardens. We hope this helps to reduce the problems by the tree at this location.
Cambridge Court
We have asked the Highways Team to complete unfinished pavement works outside Cambridge Court at the corner of Sussex Gardens. The works have now been completed.
Garfield House
The Council’s Planning Committee has given planning permission to the Portman Estate for the redevelopment of Garfield House and Bernard House, for retail, food and beverage, indoor recreation and community use at ground floor level, office use at ground and upper floors, community use at lower ground floor and associated ancillary space. The site for the re-provision of the existing residential apartments within Bernard House will be conversion of an existing building in Gloucester Place in the Portman Estate’s ownership.
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
38-47a Chapel Street
We have asked Housing Team to fix the intercom to the main entrance of 38-47a Chapel Street which residents say is not working. We have also asked the Housing Team to remind residents not to leave rubbish on the pavement by the entrance and to use the bins provided.
Oxford & Cambridge Mansions/Hyde Park Mansions
If any residents of Oxford & Cambridge Mansions/Hyde Park Mansions want to request a place in cycle hangar, please register your interest here https://www.westminster.gov.uk/register-interest-secure-cycle-storage-westminster
The location of new cycle hangars is based on demand from residents, so if you want to park your bike in a safe and secure hangar please register your interest.
We continue to work closely with Freshwater to stop illegal short-term lettings in Hyde Park Mansions.
Edgware Road/Chapel Street
We have asked the City Inspectors to visit the cafe on the corner of Edgware Road and Chapel Street and take action to stop the outdoor seating encroaching on the pavement. The City Inspector says:
“The premises have been spoken to and shown the pictures which were taken – which clearly show obstruction of the public highway. They have apologised and confirmed this will not happen again. We have asked that all their staff are advised of this requirement, too. I have also asked the officers covering our night shift this weekend to also undertake monitoring checks.”
We also asked the Street Lighting team to fix a broken streetlight at the corner of Edgware Road and Chapel Street.
Old Marylebone Road
We asked the City Inspectors if the café at 332 Old Marylebone Road has a licence for tables and chairs on the pavement and were told, “The premises has an approved pavement licence in place. However, this is only for 6 chairs and 3 tables and so they are exceeding their provision and not complying with the agreed layout. An officer will be visiting today to highlight this issue and to ensure future compliance.”
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Dudley House – update
Following our enquiries with the Council and Pinnacle, we have received the following update on the parking and subletting issues raised by residents:
“Parking has been a general issue at Dudley House. We have purchased further parking signs and are due to install bollards within the car park shortly to avoid parking on emergency exits. Our team patrol the area several times a day.
Despite performing a rigorous independent reference check for each new applicant for Dudley House, we are unfortunately dealing with several cases of subletting. We have four apartments currently where our onsite Property Manager has identified alleged subletting. We have recently successfully terminated a tenancy of someone who was sub-letting their flat at Dudley House following a legal case. Please be assured that Pinnacle Group are carrying out all possible actions available to us to prevent sub-letting in the building and to take swift action to remedy when it occurs.”
Harbet Road
We have asked the City Inspectors to contact the Hilton Hotel about the poor state of Harbet Road (a private road for which the hotel is responsible). Residents say, “in the last few weeks it has become a real mess. Also, we have a large hole in the road near the Hilton hotel. Cars continue to park on the road and use the road as a waste bin.”
5 Harbet Road – update
Octavia Housing have updated us on progress on installing fire alarms at 5 Harbet Road:
“The good news is that we are down to one outstanding. We are making arrangements to access the property this week. We will get communication out to all residents once this is installed and commissioned as the intention is that the waking watch is removed and residents then rely on the alarms to alert them to any fire in a flat.”
Brunel Building – update
Derwent, the building owners, have updated us on the sprinkler system situation at the Brunel Building:
“We will be replacing the faulty controls board next Thursday 17th November 2022. The equipment has remained isolated whilst we source the part, which has taken longer than anticipated. There will be a degree of testing required on the day, hence why we organised it to align with our testing regime. In terms of the additional sound mitigation, we have an agreed solution and a projected installation for the beginning of December 2022.”
Other Issues
Trees
A link to a map of Council owned trees is now available. It includes trees on streets, in housing estates and in parks.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/planning-building-and-environmental-regulations/trees-and-high-hedges
Making your windows more energy efficient
The Council has produced a guide on how to make your windows more energy efficient
Introducing Rachel Blake
Rachel Blake is 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 is also available as a digital copy with geolocation.
https://footways.london/digital-map
The Ramblers’ Association has organised Wellbeing Walks in central London. You can read more at https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/ramblers-wellbeing-walks.aspx
Dockless e-bikes
The Council has a Team removing dockless e-bikes which are obstructing the pavement. You can also report dockless e-bikes left in dangerous positions by using Report It and the Council Team will remove the bike if it is obstructing the pavement https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it
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
Cycle Hangars
So the Council can install new secure cycle storage where it is most needed and to give all residents a fair opportunity for getting a hangar in their area, residents interested in renting a space should Register an Interest via our website. The Council uses this demand data to inform our new location proposals.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/walking-and-cycling/find-cycle-parking
Local Police
The Hyde Park Ward Safer Neighbourhood Police Team of Sgt Martin Noon, PCs Adam Oddy and Harminder Purewal have 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
Bulky Waste collections
You can book a bulky waste collection service with the Council for £32 for up to 6 items. We aim to complete your collection within 3 working days. If you do not have 6 items for collection you can ask your neighbours if they have any and then share the cost.
If you receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support, the service is free. This is limited to one collection of up to 6 items, every 90 days. You can read more here
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/collections/how-dispose-bulky-waste
If you are a landlord or managing agent and you are disposing of unwanted furniture or building material, please do not dump it in the street! If you do, you will be fined.
Please contact the Council’s bulky waste collection service, and we will take it away quickly and efficiently.
https://cleanstreets.westminster.gov.uk/services/bulky-waste-collections/
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
Report It
Please tell the Council about dumped rubbish, broken street lights, dumped bikes, 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
“As ever, I wanted to thank you all for this incredible work for our community. And thank you for making the fly tipping case your lead story! It is very much noted by us all and greatly appreciated.”
“It’s good to see the video introducing Rachel Blake. She has a real track record of serving our community.”
“Thank you all for the updates, always interesting to read what is happening around the area we all call Home. Thanks also for pushing the planning team concerning the double glazing in St Michael’s Street.”
“Keep up the good work. You are a great team”
“Thank you for your email. My husband and I live at Devonport and are very grateful for all your hard work in our ward. Brilliant!”
“Thanks so much as always. Really impressive on our behalf.”
“Thank you again for all the hard work and detailed action that you take on our behalf as Hyde Park residents. It has inspired us to contribute to the voluntary fund set up in addition to council tax.”
“I would like to say how impressed I have been with your very active performance. I receive regularly your Action Reports and they are clear demonstration of your effectiveness.”
“You are helping to restore my faith in politics. It is very comforting to see your team taking the issues that affect the neighbours’ quality of life so seriously and trying your best to make things better. Thanks a lot for what you are doing- fingers cross it will all be sorted out soon.”
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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