HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – January 2023
News from your Hyde Park Labour Councillors Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Dear Resident,
Happy New Year!
We hope that all is well. It has been another few weeks of activity right across the ward.
Older Persons Champion, Councillor Judith Southern attended the Tea Dance at the Grosvenor House ballroom on 11th December. It’s a free event for 1,000 of Westminster’s older residents to socialise and have a dance, too.
We were all delighted to attend the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at St John’s Hyde Park on Sunday 18th December. The day before, we met Gloucester Square residents in their Garden.
Taking strong action against rubbish dumping is one of our top priorities. Data across Westminster for 2022/2023 (to date), shows the following:
- The Council has carried out 9,310 waste investigations.
- In terms of dumping by residents, there have been 1,861 enforcement actions – a 40% increase on the previous year.
- 1,476 warning notices and 385 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued to residents.
- In terms of dumping by businesses, 197 warning notices and 2,079 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued.
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 2nd February, 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 Street/Porchester Place
We noticed First Mile waste bags dumped by the bin at the corner of Connaught Street and Porchester Place. We have asked the City Inspectors to contact as it appears that their customers are dumping their waste, rather than leaving it outside their premises for collection.
Westbourne Street
We have again asked the City Inspectors to issue fines to those responsible for dumping rubbish on Westbourne Street. The name and address of the culprit is clearly visible as 17/18 Westbourne Street.
The City Inspectors say, “I have contacted the managing agent for the property and have sent through photos of their badly presented waste deposited outside collection schedules. I have informed the managing agents of their responsibility to ensure residents are informed of their waste protocols and the consequences for residents if caught dumping waste outside collection times. Patrols are ongoing at this location and any evidence found will be followed by enforcement action.”
Bathurst Street/Bathurst Mews – update
Following our request for dropped kerbs to be installed, the Highways Team say, “We have raised a job to install 2 dropped kerbs now. Once we have a programme date, I will let you know.”
Residents say, “This looks like great progress and I am massively grateful.”
25 Porchester Place
We have contacted the Church Commissioners after residents contacted us about a water leak that ruined flats on one floor, forcing some residents to find alternative accommodation. We have asked about compensation for residents for the extra costs and inconvenience caused.
Porchester Place
We have asked the Drainage Team to fix a problem with water ‘ponding’ in Porchester Place.
Connaught Street/Hyde Park Square
We have asked the Highways Team to reinstate a heavy steel bollard at the corner of Connaught Street and Hyde Park Square which appears to have been smashed right out of the ground by a heavy vehicle and is lying on the pavement.
Oxford Street
We asked the Highways Team to Please a large and dangerous porthole in the pedestrian crossing on edge of Oxford Street and Park Lane opposite Marble Arch station.
Air Quality Monitoring
Congratulations to HyPER who have been chosen by the Environmental Research Group at Imperial College London to trial an air pollution monitor as part of a community programme to improve local air quality. The award is part of the Breathe London Community Programme, a research scheme in which local groups with a proven track record in community engagement are given the right to host an air monitor worth £2,500. Read more at https://hyper.uk/hyper-wins-prestigious-environmental-honour/
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.
Also, someone has decided to change the road markings outside 17 Star Street. “They’ve painted over the white lines and added in more single yellow to make the bin area bigger,” says a resident. We contacted the Highways Team who say, “I will ask our contractors to remove it.”
Star Street
We have been helping Notting Hill Genesis tenants in Star Street with various housing issues.
We have also asked the City Inspectors to take action against those responsible for the persistent rubbish dumping by the post box on the corner of Star Street and Southwick Street.
We are also making enquiries with Transport for London after receiving this message from a Star Street resident:
“In recent months, there has been a drastic and noticeable increase in the vibrations that I feel and hear in my property from the tube. It makes items rattle in the basement, which is where our bedrooms and bathroom are, and wakes us up when the tubes start running. Something must have been done in the recent tube works to cause this as although we could feel slight vibrations when we moved here in 2019, it was nowhere near as invasive or disruptive as this.”
Norfolk Place
We have asked the police to investigate attempted break-ins at Foodwise on Norfolk Place.
Sale Place
Residents tell us that the former Royal Standard pub in Sale Place has installed a long shelf for drinks on the outside of the building. Residents are concerned about noisy outside drinking and we have asked the Planning Team if the pub needs planning permission for the shelf. We know this is a very small ‘development’ but the implications for noise and ASB are potentially significant. The Planning Team say, “I will ask the Planning Enforcement Team to open an investigation regarding this shelf.”
We are also making enquiries with the Highways Team about the roadworks on Sale Place where there have been problems with unstable vaults under the pavement and roadway, causing the area to be blocked off with safety fencing. The Highways Team say: “The vault has been identified as a weak structure, and our contractors, FMC, have made safe in the interim. The freeholder/managing agents have engaged their own structural engineers to identify the works required. We are awaiting an update on the programme so I will let you know as soon as we hear back.”
St Michael’s Street
We continue to urge the City Inspectors to issue fines to those responsible for dumping rubbish at the Edgware Road end of St Michael’s Street.
Talbot Square
We have made enquiries about the future of the Lilian Penson Hall student accommodation in Talbot Square which is now vacant. The University of London say, “The property has now been sold. I understand the buyers want to undertake works to the property and continue to use it for student accommodation.”
Edgware Road area
McDonalds, 178-180 Edgware Road
McDonalds have applied for a variation in their licence to go to 24/7 operations, including deliveries. This could be detrimental to the local area due to the potential to encourage ASB, begging and rough sleeping at this location. You can read the application details and make comments on the licence variation application.
Edgware Road
We have asked the City Inspectors to investigate a ‘fairground’ boxing punchbag in operation outside Creams on Edgware Road one evening recently. We have not seen anything like this before and we have asked for action to be taken to stop the pavement being used in this way. The City Inspectors say, “To offer any form of commercial gambling a venue would need to have a licence under the Gambling Act 2005, and this would not be permitted on the public highway.”
The Water Gardens
We have sent details of over 20 apartments in The Water Gardens which residents believe are being used as unauthorised short term lets to the Planning Enforcement Team for investigation. We have also sent the list of apartments to the Church Commissioners and urged them to take action against the offending leaseholders.
Residents say, “There has been a massive influx of short-lets in the Water Gardens with some ‘tenants’ telling the porters they are ‘checking-in’. Flat 374, in particular, has been a revolving door of sublets since 2015 and Knight Frank, Hyde Park Estate, Church Commissioners, Westminster Council and now Savills have been made aware of this over the years however, the constant subletting still continues in that flat.”
The Planning Enforcement Team has made an initial visit to investigate. The Church Commissioners say,
“We have previously identified these flats where we suspected illegal sublets were taking place. All the leaseholders have been contacted and a number have provided applications for licences to sublet for AST tenancies of longer than six months. Where leaseholders fail to engage or where we suspect subletting is taking place we are continuing to collect evidence on occupiers to enable us to take legal action.”
Park West
We have asked Freshwater to fix broken windows in an apartment in Park West. Residents say, “My kitchen window is held closed with a wooden pole. The chain from the sides has broken and they need to repair it, 2 years waiting for them. The bedroom window is the same and a lot of cold air blows in. They were supposed to double glaze it last year.”
We have also asked the Planning Enforcement Team to take action against the leaseholder of a flat in Park West where 8 (eight) people ‘checked-in’ to an illegal short term let recently.
Park West Place
We are continuing to work with Veolia to revise the position of the recycling bins in Park West Place to stop the area being used as a toilet and to stop car parking on the double yellow lines.
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Transept Street/Chapel Street
Two new planters have been located at the dumping ‘hot spot’ on the corner of Transept Street and Chapel Street. We hope that this discourages dumping over the coming weeks and months. Similar initiatives have been successful elsewhere in reducing dumping.
Old Marylebone Road
We reported a water leak at the Old Marylebone Road/Marylebone Road junction and asked Thames Water to fix it.
38-47a Chapel Street
Following our enquiries about a water leak, the Housing Team have updated us:
“Operatives attended on site and found tenants had tiled and decorated the bathroom themselves and installed their own shower and shower tray which we had to remove. We returned so that contractors could unblock the stack pipe in the float. They also discovered a leak on the copper 2-inch pipe and a temporary repair has been completed. We will be advising tenants in future to request consent for all alterations.”
Oxford & Cambridge Mansions
We have asked the Enforcement Team to take the strongest possible action against the leaseholder of a flat in Oxford & Cambridge Mansions who, despite repeated warnings from the freeholders, continues to let out the flat regularly to short term lettings. The freeholders say, “we have video footage of the latest group of holiday makers arriving and departing. Their luggage was so heavy and suitcases so numerous that the lift broke down from being overloaded. We will be recharging the leaseholder the cost of the call out charge to the lift company and informing not only our legal team of this further breach of the Lease but also the local authority’s Licensing team.”
At another flat in Oxford & Cambridge Mansions, a pile of hotel style laundry was left outside a flat being used illegally as a short-term holiday let, presumably in readiness for the next guests. Freshwater are taking action against the leaseholder and we have informed the Council’s Enforcement Team.
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Sheldon Square
We are helping residents in Sheldon Square who are experiencing problems with their heating bills. Network Homes has a charitable fund that residents can make an application for support at Network Homes’ Charitable Fund | Network Homes.
We are also making enquiries with Network Homes about the lift that has been out of order at 7 Sheldon Square for over nine months.
5 Harbet Road
We continue to press Octavia Housing on when the fire alarm installation will be completed and the lifting of the waking watch regime for which residents have to pay. Octavia says, “The alarms have been installed and commissioned, access is needed to a couple of flats to resolve some issues. We haven’t removed the waking watch as our Fire Contracts Manager is seeking some additional clarification from Rendall & Rittner. I hope he will confirm that everything is in order, at which point we will advise the residents and give notice to remove the waking watch.”
Aster House
We have asked Octavia Housing to remove a motorbike parked outside Aster House. Residents say, “There is a moped which has been illegally parked in Paddington Gardens for several weeks now, between Aster House and Paddington Exchange, and needs to be removed. I’m concerned that if this individual is allowed to get away with parking there, more will follow suit.”
We have also asked Octavia to investigate residents’ concerns about “Several flats have had leaks, leading to electrical problems and ceilings caving in.”
Harrow Road/Hermitage Street
Following concerns raised by residents about accident ‘hot spots’ we asked the Road Safety Team to investigate the Harrow Road/Hermitage Street junction. The Team says,
“We examined historical ‘personal injury collision’ data for the junction to Hermitage Street and Harrow Road junction, which showed three collisions. Two were slight accidents involving motor vehicles and 1 serious, involving a pedestrian, which was due to the driver failing to look properly while reversing.
This section of Harrow Road has 20mph roundels and 20mph markings on the carriageway. After reviewing the data there are no immediate concerns. Should any dangerous driving be witnessed, this can be reported to the Police, providing as much details as possible via the following link: https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-beta-2.1/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ “
The Cube – update
Following our enquiries with Sellar, developers of The Cube, about reducing the night-time lighting of the building, a resident has contacted to say,
“Can you please thank them for reducing the bright lights of the Cube to something much more amenable. I am really very pleased with your efforts in this matter and the Cube no longer bothers me. I came home via the Westway the other week and was really amazed at how dominating it is from that angle. Many people must be pleased that the lights have been dimmed not only because of the brightness but because of the energy crisis.”
The Floating Classroom
We have used our Ward Budget to fund educational trips for local schoolchildren on the Floating Classroom at Paddington Basin. So far,
“King Solomon Academy have already joined us board for their trips. Year 2 classes joined us for our Pirate Materials module.
Pupils at Hampden Gurney CE Primary are provisionally booked in February.
Year 6 pupils at St James & St John CE Primary come on board in March for our Everything Electric module.
The two trips for Hallfield Primary are still to be confirmed, but we are in dialogue with the school on this and will book classes in at the start of the new term.”
We hope that the children enjoy these educational outings on the Floating Classroom.
Other Issues
Cost of living support for families
The Council has announced that Primary School aged pupils will receive a free school lunch in Westminster from January. This now includes Years 3 – 6, as well as pupils in reception, years 1 and 2, who are already receiving this offer https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/free-school-lunches-all-primary-school-aged-children
Residents have been in touch with their reactions
“I’ve just read about WCC offering free school meals for primary pupils. I can’t tell you the difference this will make to my family at the moment. The cost of everything has increased immensely, I’m hugely grateful for this support for families across the board.”
“Very positive response at the food bank today to the announcement on free school for all primary age children in Westminster. Thank you.”
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
Help getting your shopping or prescriptions delivered
If you are vulnerable and cannot get to the shops, the Westminster Connects shopping service volunteers can collect your shopping and prescriptions and deliver it to your home. Please email westminsterconnectsshopping@westminster.gov.uk to get help through this service. You can read more here
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/advice-vulnerable-residents/food-delivery
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
Animal Welfare
The Council’s Animal Welfare Team addresses animal cruelty cases and offers support and advice to those that need it. The Team has delegated authority to enforce the Animal Welfare Act and, in worst case scenarios, authority to seize animals. You can contact the Team at animalwelfare@westminster.gov.uk
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
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, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP.
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
A resident who used the service says, “We booked the handyman to put up a shelf. Excellent result. He came earlier than he was due (by arrangement) and got straight to it – shelf erected in no time at all. Pleasant, efficient and tidy. 10 out of 10.”
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
Bike 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) Interactive Map
You can see the latest data for your area here
https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map
What you say
“Thanks all for your ongoing work to make our area a safer and cleaner area also you help us feel we are part of a community with these informative newsletters. Much appreciated.”
“Thank you for this excellent newsletter.”
“I didn’t vote for you guys, but the differences you are putting in place are palpable and I’m sure other people are noticing too. Thanks so much.”
“Thank you for the latest news of all your activity in the Hyde Park Ward. I am extremely impressed and grateful to the 3 of you for all your hard work on behalf of us residents. It’s very unusual to have such committed Councillors.”
“Huge thanks for this and for your speedy reply.”
“Thank you again for taking the trouble to meet us. It is reassuring to have someone of your calibre and commitment in place in Hyde Park.”
“I’ve been reading your newsletters – they are really helpful and greatly appreciated. I have never felt so involved in my community before now and we residents owe you a big thank you.”
“Thank you for all your help to me this year.”
“I LOVE your newsletters – so informative and positive and full of proactivity and response to neighbourhood issues and problems. Bravo.”
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
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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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