HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – February 2023
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 met the General Manager of the Royal Lancaster Hotel and her staff to hear about the ‘Royal Lancaster Community Consortium’ which raises money to support charities, schools, nurseries, organisations for old and young, greening projects, young apprentices and entrepreneurs.
Also, Judith made her ‘maiden’ speech at the Council meeting on 25th January, speaking on ‘End of Life Care’. Paul visited the Veolia recycling facility in Southwark to see how the recycling process works. Shamsed has continued his late-night walkabouts around the ward with Council officers.
The new food waste recycling service starts from week commencing February 20th and you will receive further information over the coming weeks. For more information please see: www.westminster.gov.uk/food-waste-recycling or contact foodwaste@westminster.gov.uk
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 March, 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
Brook Street
We asked the City Inspectors if signs can be installed in Brook Street telling drivers not to throw rubbish out of their cars while they are charging their electric vehicles at the EV charger. The new signs have now been installed.
Sussex Gardens
Following our letter to Royal Mail about the post van that regularly parks in the cycle lane along Sussex Gardens, we have received this positive response:
“I contacted the Manager for Paddington Delivery Office who has discussed this with the regular postie for Sussex Gardens. I have received an assurance that we will no longer park in the cycle lane in Sussex Gardens – he sends his apologies. In future we will find a more suitable place to park without causing obstruction to residents and other road users.”
We have also asked the Street Lighting Team to fix a faulty belisha beacon by the pedestrian crossing in front of the Monkey Puzzle pub.
Porchester Place
Following our request to the Environmental Health Team to inspect a restaurant in Porchester Place, we have received this update, “I have been provided with the report to confirm that the whole duct work has been cleaned to the current standards. An additional cleaning opening was required to ensure that the whole ducting was cleaned. I have also requested clarification that the next scheduled deep clean of the extraction duct work from the kitchen has been booked in to prevent a build-up of fat and grease.”
We have also asked the Street Lighting Team to fix a broken streetlight on Porchester Place at the junction with Connaught Street.
Norfolk Crescent
We reported a Lime dockless e-bike blocking the pavement in Norfolk Crescent and asked for it to be removed and the rider fined.
Portsea Place
We have asked the Highways Team to fix a broken utility cover on the pavement in Portsea Place which has created a pedestrian trip hazard.
Connaught Square
We have asked the City Inspectors to remove abandoned bikes from the bike stands in Connaught Square.
Park West
We have asked the Environmental Health Team to investigate the noise from air conditioning and ducting equipment belonging to the cafes on Edgware Road located on the Park West walls. Residents say, “some of them are noisy and perhaps need servicing, the constant noise (sort of turbine noise) is very disturbing. This noise started a couple of weeks ago, previously it was working fine.”
Park West Place
We have asked the Highways Team to turn the ‘No Entry’ sign the correct way along Park West Place to stop vehicles travelling the wrong way along this narrow road.
Hyde Park Crescent
The Highways Team are working up proposals to improve safety for pedestrians crossing Hyde Park Crescent by installing a central refuge in the road and pavement build outs. This will also slow down speeding traffic and ensure that cars keep to the correct lane. Interestingly, a resident showed us a photograph of the road in 1906 where there was a central refuge in the road (which was then called Southwick Crescent).
Residents say, “This will be a significant safety improvement”, “Fingers crossed that something happens with the crossing as I am not so nimble as I once was and getting across Hyde Park Crescent is a real challenge these days” and “Thanks for this, at last!”
Westbourne Street
Occasional rubbish dumping has started again by the lamppost in front of 20 Westbourne Street. We have asked the City Inspectors to issue fines to those responsible.
Hyde Park Estate security
For residents living on the Hyde Park Estate, the Croma mobile security supervisor contact number is 07880 680257. The mobile team provides 2 patrols each evening between the hours of 19.00pm – 07.00am. This is paid for via the service charges at blocks managed by the Church Commissioners, who also pay for the patrol at Portsea Mews and around Connaught Village.
Please note, you can only use this number to report incidents within the boundary of the Hyde Park Estate as Croma are paid to operate within that area only.
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Sale Place
The ‘drinking shelf’ outside the former Royal Standard pub on Sale Place has now been removed following our enquiries with the Planning Department. Residents had complained that the ‘drinking shelf’ was encouraging late night drinking outside the premises.
Sale Place/Praed Street
We have asked the Highways Team to fix a pothole at the junction of Sale Place and Praed Street. An interim repair has been done and we will continue to monitor the until the permanent repair is completed.
Southwick Mews
The Police tell us that new ‘warning notices’ signs will be attached to the walls at the entrances to Southwick Mews to deal with long-standing anti-social behaviour under the arch entrances.
Star Street/St Michael’s Street
Notting Hill Genesis tell us they have completed the roof renewals in Star Street and St Michael’s Street and are now working on fitting new double-glazed windows, before repainting the building facades.
Star Street
We have asked the Police to investigate residents’ concerns that a brothel is operating at a flat in Star Street and we have provided details of the address.
We have also been helping residents organise a collection of furniture by the Bulky Refuse Team.
Southwick Street
We have asked the Planning Enforcement Team to investigate the works at 42 Southwick Street. Residents say, “The owners still do not have planning permission but have gutted the property, erected scaffolding and continue to do major building works to the property. Despite multiple residents complaining nothing is seemingly being done to address this behaviour.”
The Planning Enforcement Team say, “When this was first reported, strong warning letters were issued advising that no works take place in advance of obtaining planning permission and listed building consent. A Senior Planning Inspector has attended the property. The foreman confirmed that he was aware that no works which impact the special architectural and/or historic interest of the building should be undertaken without the relevant consent being obtained.”
We have also asked the City Inspectors to remove a bike frame attached to the bike stands in Southwick Street. Both wheels and the seat are missing.
Edgware Road area
Edgware Road
We have asked TfL to fix a loose pavement outside 236 Edgware Road which is causing a hazard for pedestrians.
We asked the City Inspectors to take action to stop Noor supermarket regularly leaving waste on the corner of Old Marylebone Road and Cabbell Street. Noor have been told to leave their waste for collection on Edgware Road from where there are frequent collections every day.
We have also asked the City Inspectors to take action against a number of Edgware Road shisha establishment for repeatedly breaching their table and chairs licenses.
We asked Lime to remove one of their dockless e-bikes that was obstructing the pavement outside Waitrose.
Paperchase
We are disappointed that Paperchase has closed following their financial problems and we are keen to see a new retailer take their place as soon as possible. We would be interested to know what type of shop you would like to see here. Please let us know
Burwood Place
We have asked the City Inspectors to take action against businesses who had dumped rubbish on the pavement in Burwood Place.
As requested, the Police will be marking bikes on Friday 17th February from 11am-1pm at Burwood Place. You can have your bike marked for FREE! and speak to your local officers about any issues you might be experiencing
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
38-47a Chapel Street
The Housing Department are planning major works to the flats at 38-47a Chapel Street, starting in Spring 2024. The works will involve internal and external fabric to the building.
Chapel Street
The final part of the London Underground new fencing on Chapel Street has now been completed. The new fence has helped in tackling some of the ASB and crime issues along Chapel Street, as well as improving the lighting levels and overall look of the area. There was one small area of wooden blue hoarding left in place by the bus stop area, which TfL contractors needed to do some extra work for the new metal barrier fencing. Thanks to Adam Davis, Neighbourhood Coordinator for all his efforts to get this completed.
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2023/01/22/chapel-street-fence-renewal-now-completed/
Marylebone Road underpass
The Marylebone Road underpass between Lisson Street and Cabbell Street is regularly flooded when it rains which suggests there is a fundamental problem here. We have asked Transport for London to investigate.
Old Marylebone Road
We have continued to urge TfL to better control the roadworks on Old Marylebone Road after receiving this message from a resident, “I am getting really concerned about the level and frequency of noise at night from digging/drilling/various roadworks in Old Marylebone Road. This has become an ongoing issue in the last few months. The works and noise are generally around 10pm or later in the evening.
The noise especially from the drilling is at times unbearable and it goes on for bouts of 15 minutes or more.”
TfL say, “The only recent works information I am aware of are emergency works by Cadent Gas which should be finished by now. TfL will be carrying out carriageway resurfacing works on Old Marylebone Road from Homer Row to Edgware Road between 27th May and 1st June. Unplanned emergency works occur all the time which we have no sight of until the emergency permit is applied for.”
Marylebone Road/Old Marylebone Road
We have asked TfL to alert Thames Water to a water leak at the junction of Marylebone Road and Old Marylebone Road. There is lots of water on the carriageway.
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Merchant Square
At the request of a resident, we have asked the Merchant Square management to clean up the canal near The Lockhouse. The Merchant Square estate manager says,
“The entire canal network falls under the remit of the Canal and River Trust who can be contacted at enquiries.londonsoutheast@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We at Merchant Square Estate are passionate about our environment and it was quite a concern when we saw the amount of rubbish that was released from upstream and arrived in the basin at 14:20. In this instance our staff immediately acted on a voluntary basis and all the rubbish was cleared by 16:40.”
“We also host a number of voluntary canal clearance sessions where we would love to get local residents involved. If this is of interest, please follow us on social media to see when the next sessions are held.”
Aster House
We have asked Octavia Housing to arrange for illegally parked motorbikes to be removed from outside Aster House.
5 Harbet Road
Octavia Housing tell us that the waking watch has now been removed and the arrangements for dealing with residents who need assistance to evacuate have been agreed.
Marylebone Boys School, North Wharf Road
Rachel Blake, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for the Cities of London & Westminster, spoke students at the school on 20th January. She said, “A total honour to speak about politics, Parliament, MPs and being a candidate. Insightful and knowledgeable questions from school representatives and politics students. I’m sure I met some future representatives.”
Dudley Street
We asked the Parking Team to install double yellow lines at the dropped kerbs on Dudley Street to prevent cars parking and creating an obstacle for pedestrians. The Parking Team says:
“The addition of DYLs is not required as during the normally controlled hours (0830 – 1830 Mon – Sat) vehicles parking across this dropped kerb section of Dudley Street would still be subject to enforcement action due to the existing No Waiting restrictions. Outside of these timeframes, the dropped kerb regulations (PCN code 27) apply. We will ask the Marshals to monitor the area and also encourage residents to utilise the Report It, when necessary. as this is available and monitored at all times.”
Bishop’s Bridge
We asked Lime to move a dockless e-bike obstructing the pavement on Bishop’s Bridge near the Travis Perkins entrance.
Paddington Basin
We are making enquiries with the Canal & River Trust after receiving this enquiry from a resident, “Believe it or not the boat that caught fire alongside St Mary’s hospital a couple of years ago is in the same place again. Together with another boat they do not look remotely seaworthy. What is the canal policy on boat safety? Do canal boats need MOT’s like cars?”
5 Kingdom Street
British Land have submitted two planning applications for 5 Kingdom Street. One is to revise the approved plans to now build a lower building than previously approved. In addition, there would be a new public route from Kingdom Street to Harrow Road, via a new winter garden building on Kingdom Street. The second application is to convert the former Crossrail works space beneath podium level as a delivery, logistics and distribution hub from which online deliveries would be made by cargo bikes. You can see the application documents and comment online at www.westminster.gov.uk/planning. Please use the reference numbers 22/08597/FULL and 22/08571/FULL.
Hyde Park
Byron Statue
We are supporting a proposal from the Byron Society to move the statue of Lord Byron from a traffic island on Park Lane to a site within Hyde Park to coincide with the bicentenary of Byron’s death in 2024. The Byron Society say,
“The Byron Memorial Statue was originally erected in Hamilton Gardens, then part of Hyde Park, in 1880. The marble plinth on which the statue sits was a gift from the government of Greece. The statue has remained where it was first erected but when Park Lane was widened in 1959/60, Hamilton Gardens was absorbed into the new road scheme and the Byron statue was left stranded on a traffic island. Since then, it has remained, marooned, inaccessible, and unmaintained so that now its condition is something of a disgrace. No one admits to owning it or being responsible for its maintenance.”
Head Gardener
The Royal Parks has appointed Beth Handley as Head Gardener to lead and inspire the horticultural team in Hyde Park. She will also expand the horticultural volunteer programme, mentor The Royal Parks apprentices and work closely with the Assistant Park Manager to design, lay out and care for the permanent and seasonal planting across the park.
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
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
How to retrofit an air source heat pump
An air source heat pump is an environmentally friendly way of heating buildings. It’s a low carbon alternative to gas boilers that can reduce your carbon footprint, may save you money, and could future-proof your home from regulation changes. Our new ‘How To Retrofit’ guide explains how heat pumps work, their benefits and any practical issues to consider when installing one. It also outlines what permissions you may require from and how you can make a successful application.
The Council has also produced a guide on how to make your windows more energy efficient
Environmental Justice
The Council has produced an ‘Environmental Justice’ map which shows the distribution of environmental conditions, climate impacts and access to green, sustainable resources across Westminster.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3f7bf2a160e047748e2526b3f2536902
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
Who to call in the event of a power cut
https://www.powercut105.com/?dm_i=1T2Q,86RF6,A4QRUV,XK8HG,1
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
What you say
“Thank you once again for such an informative Newsletter. Very well done to everyone.”
“Thank you all for this amazing work and extraordinary commitment to our community. It is hugely appreciated.”
“A note of thanks for the excellent letter sent to the Planning Department, seen in your newsletter. We applaud your efforts for the whole area and read the newsletter with interest. It’s vital to have community representation, and you are doing an excellent job as councillors.”
“Your support is greatly appreciated.”
“You have been very supportive on these objectionable planning applications and it is truly appreciated.”
“Thank you for all the good work you are doing.”
“Thank you for all of your constant help, very much appreciated.”
“I would like to thank you for your help with everyday issues us residents come across!”
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
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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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