HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – Late 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 are keen to know what you think of the new food waste recycling service which started on Monday 20thFebruary. Please let us know what you think of the new service and how it is working. For more information, please see https://www.westminster.gov.uk/food-waste-recycling-expansion or contact foodwaste@westminster.gov.uk.
Some good news on the cost of electric vehicle charging. Ubitricity has introduced smart charging technology in Westminster where we have over 2,000 lamppost and bollard charge points. The smart charging allows users to schedule their charge to an off-peak time, such as between 7pm – 4pm which is priced at a cheaper rate. Since December 2022, the average smart charging user has saved £4 on their charging session. A user charging twice a week would save £32 a month.
If you and your neighbours are thinking about holding King’s Coronation street party the application portal and guidance is now live on the Council website.
Apply for a King’s Coronation street party | Westminster City Council
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
Bathurst Street
We have asked the City Inspectors to issue fines to anyone dumping rubbish at the corner of Bathurst Street and Westbourne Street, following an ‘outbreak’ of dumping recently. The City Inspectors say, “Bathurst Street now has daily collections, the waste is collected early in the morning. We will continue to monitor the area as early as possible and add it to our night tasking list.”
Stanhope Place
We asked the Parking Team to investigate this issue on Stanhope Place, “Outside Stanhope House daily, residents are exposed to engine idling for hours on end by cars from journalists and Pakistani High Commission to serve the office of the Pakistani Prime Minister and his brother which is located inside the building. Daily abuse is also an issue.”
The Parking Team say, “we will get the Parking Marshals to have words. Also, we will have a look at what we can do to proactively engage with the High Commission directly, too.”
Castleacre, Hyde Park Crescent
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate works being undertaken at the Raynham underground garages. Castleacre residents say that the works appear to have been abandoned and are now obstructing the pavement and access to the adjacent garden.
The Highways Team say, “This looks like it is on private/housing land, so it would not be part of our publicly maintained highway and therefore out of our jurisdiction. An Inspector has been to site and all works at present are on the private side and not encroaching WCC land (all fencing is safe and held down by extra sandbags), we are now in liaison with the contractors doing the works to make them aware of the boundary and the area Inspector will be making regular visits to ensure all is ok.”
Connaught Street
We have asked the Tree Team if a replacement tree can be planted outside 48a Connaught Street. The Tree Officer says, “Our contractor is expecting a delivery of trees next week for planting over the next two weeks.”
We have also asked the Highways Team if the missing bollard which was knocked down some time ago can be reinstated. The Highways Team has now installed a new bollard.
Connaught Square/Stanhope Gate
We have asked the City Inspectors to issue fines to the people responsible for dumping rubbish by the post box outside 45 Connaught Street and outside 5 Stanhope Gate. We sent pictures of the dumped rubbish with the names and addresses clearly marked to the City Inspectors.
Devonport
We are continuing to support Devonport residents who are opposing the Church Commissioners’ plans to build two properties on the garages site in the garden area. Residents say, “These houses, built in our garden, will affect our privacy and our security and our views of the garden.”
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
Southwick Street
Following our enquiries about the hotel air conditioning units which continue to operate to a level that causes residents is Southwick Mews significant disturbance, the Planning Enforcement Team say,
“I am pleased to report that we have secured the cessation of the operation of the unauthorised air handling unit ahead of the service of the enforcement notice.
We had recently received a request from the owner of the property, to delay the service of the enforcement notice and in return the owner has proposed that the following would be undertaken:
- The unauthorised air handling unit will be switched off from now.
- The unauthorised air handling unit will be removed from the rear lightwell on or before 31st March.
- The air handling unit will be relocated
- The boiler flue will remain in situ until a separate planning application is submitted and determined.
We have considered this requested and have agreed to postpone the service of the enforcement notice subject to the above undertakings. We will of course be ready to serve the enforcement notice should any of the undertakings above not be carried out to the City Council’s satisfaction.”
Residents are very pleased and say, “We have been trying to have this issue resolved for a long time now and we are grateful that this finally has been resolved. It has been extremely trying for residents to have to put up with the hotel’s violation of their planning permission and their recalcitrance in redressing the issue.”
Star Street
We have again asked the City Inspectors to take action against those responsible for dumping rubbish by the post box at the corner of Southwick Street.
We have also reminded Veolia to ensure that the big black bins at the corner of Star Street and Sale Place are located outside of the parking area on Star Street.
Norfolk Square
We have asked Veolia to tell the street sweeper not to feed the pigeons in Norfolk Square.
London Mews
We asked the City Inspectors to investigate this issue affecting London Mews, “Paramount Restaurant pour their dirty water into London Mews. This has been on-going for over a year. I have reported it multiple times but there has been no change.”
The City Inspector told us, “I visited Paramount restaurant to address pouring of water unto the street. I have spoken to the manager and he assured me that it would not happen again. They believe the water is leaking into their basement especially when it rains. They have also employed new cleaners and have made them aware of this.”
Praed Street
The Council is consulting on plans to improve the footway on the north side of Praed Street, between Eastbourne Terrace and London Street outside the Hilton
London Paddington Hotel. This proposal includes the following improvements:
- Widened footway on Praed Street outside the Hilton Hotel to provide additional space for pedestrians and stop taxi parking.
- Introduction of a cycle lane on the north side of Praed street from its junction with Spring Street to the junction with London Street.
- 16 cycle stands and 4 trees on the widened footway.
- Resurfacing of the carriageway along northern section of Praed Street from its junction with Spring Street up to its junction with London Street
The proposed scheme will tie into the adjoining Paddington Square Development’s Highway works which are being implemented by the developer.
It is anticipated that construction would be undertaken in summer 2023. The deadline for responding to this consultation is Friday 10th March 2023. Any comments can be emailed to praedstreet@fmconway.co.uk
New BT ‘hub’ on Praed Street
BT have replaced the two derelict phone boxes on Praed Street, at the corner of Harbet Street, with a new ‘hub’ which includes a phone and advertising screens. These new ‘hubs’ will replace other derelict phone boxes in the area over the coming months.
We think that these ‘hubs’ are better than the filthy, smelly phone boxes which are used for all sorts of anti-social activities. What do you think?
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2023/02/21/new-bt-hub-on-praed-street/
Edgware Road area
Paperchase unit
We have received the following suggestions for new retail uses for the Paperchase unit on Edgware Road,
“What we badly need in this area is a vintage designer clothes shop. Other parts of London have amazing shops in this sector. Some, like the Red Cross shop in Chelsea, are legendary. We have so many posh folk in their fancy houses in this area, that we are ripe to produce such a shop. Contact the Red Cross and see if they want to open a similar shop here.”
“A mixed stationery outlet with a Post Office concession within. It can be a long way to Praed Street Post Office, and difficult to access for those with mobility issues”
“A Flying Tiger. It is vibrant and fun and would attract demographic footfall.”
“I would like to see a Wilko or LIDL”
Equally, residents don’t want “more coffee/ice cream outlets, or more suitcases/bags/bureaux de change et al”
Edgware Road
We have asked the Environmental Health Team to investigate two issues raised by Portsea Hall residents. First, there is rodent infestation behind the kitchen of Al Dar, 61-63 Edgware Road. Second, there was a fire inside the aircon unit of Riteway, 57 Edgware Road. The porters from Portsea Hall thankfully put the fire out. The Environmental Health Team say,
“The Compressor serving the refrigerated unit in the store was smoking heavily on 15th February 2023. The fire brigade disconnected the Compressor from the power supply in the rear of the store and made it safe. Since the incident, the Compressor and refrigeration unit are now redundant and will be removed and replaced with a refrigeration unit that does not require a Compressor. I will be writing to the business owner to formally require that this Compressor is not used and to inform me when it has been removed from site.”
We have also been in contact with the police following the theft of a debit card at the cash dispenser outside Barclays Bank. Please be alert as it appears that the thief is responsible for other similar thefts here.
Grosvenor Court Mansions
We have asked the City Inspectors to take action against the managing agents of Grosvenor Court Mansions for regularly dumping mounds of black bags on the Edgware Road pavements. We have suggested that the managing agents buy large bins where the bags can be stored until collection.
45-49 Edgware Road
Residents in Connaught Court have raised concerns about the proposals for a restaurant in the former Maroush Bakehouse premises at 45-49 Edgware Road. We have raised these concerns with the Planning Department who say,
“In September 2020 the Government changed the Use Classes Order. Class E now covers a wide variety of uses such as shops, cafés and restaurants and therefore planning permission is not required to change from uses within Class E. However, any external alterations including any extract ducting for the proposed restaurant’s kitchen will still require planning permission and finding a suitable route for any external ducting to terminate at high level has been an issue in the past. However, we do now allow recirculation systems which use louvres to intake and extract air, but this type of system is only suitable when no gas is used in the kitchen and subject to agreement of Environmental Health.”
We will be urging the Planning Committee to ensure any planning application for new ducting complies fully with all Environmental Health requirements, including no gas use in the kitchen.
House in Multiple Occupation
Westminster City Council has won an appeal regarding a penalty fine of £8,000 against Sentry Guardians Ltd for operating a property on the first floor of 234-238 Edgware Road without a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) license.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/unlicensed-occupied-hmo-property-licensable-rules-judge
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Oxford & Cambridge Mansions
We have asked Freshwater to repair the pigeon netting at Oxford & Cambridge Mansions so that it is secure and stops pigeons roosting outside residents’ flats.
The Council’s Short Term Lets Team is working with Freshwater to take action against a leaseholder who continues to regularly let their flat on Airbnb. Pictures taken of the short-term renters entering and leaving the flats with suitcases are being used as evidence.
Hyde Park Mansions
We have asked the Council’s Short Term Lets Team to investigate two flats in Hyde Park Mansions which the Managing Agents for the block say are “either HMOs or Airbnb. By the terms of the leases these flats are only to have families and we need the Council’s help to remove all registered or non-registered HMO/Airbnbs.”
The Short Term Lets Team say, “We will arrange for some visits to the premises that you have identified as being STLs. Together we can look at the areas that are in breach of existing legislation and what the best course of action is in respect to those breaches.”
Transept Street/Chapel Street
We reported two Lime e-bikes obstructing the pavement at the corner of Transept Street and Chapel Street. Lime told us “the bikes have been moved from the location and the users have been fined.”
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
St Mary’s Hospital buildings
We have asked Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust if the graffiti on the buildings on Paddington Basin can be removed. The estates team for St Mary’s say, “We are looking at this already and trying to gain safe access to the area to get it addressed.”
Eastbourne Terrace
We have asked the City Inspectors to remove an abandoned tent outside Paddington Station after residents told us, “For a while, a person was using it, but it has now been empty for a couple of weeks, and is gathering refuse.”
Harrow Road
We are delighted that the pavement outside the Premier Inn on Harrow Road has finally been re-laid by FM Conway, the Council’s Highway contractors.
Paddington Gardens
We have contacted Paddington Works about an issue raised by a resident:
“There is a problem in Paddington Gardens at the moment, with people from Paddington Works discarding cigarette butts on the ground outside their office. This is highly inconsiderate to those of us who live here – children play in the communal garden, and whilst this is just a workplace to their staff, to us it is a home. They should get a cigarette bin, as they have outside all the apartment blocks, and tell their staff to stop this ignorant behaviour.”
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
“Thanks for this great update! I’m really excited to see attention brought to Hyde Park Crescent as I’ve run into issues here as well.”
“What can I say, you are a miracle worker. You really do get things done.”
“Thanks for another great update. We are so grateful for all this work and aware that you guys work almost 24/7 for our community. Thank you.”
“I have been extremely impressed with all the work you do for the Hyde Park Estate.”
“I am really impressed with your letter and its very pertinent observations. Very many thanks for your help.”
“I must say it’s good to finally have a council majority that actually care about protecting vulnerable people!”
“Always appreciate your very kind help and support.”
“This is fantastic and keep up this great work”
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
If you do not want to receive this report you can unsubscribe below.
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/
Follow us on
Facebook @LabourHydePark
Instagram hyde.park.labour
Twitter @HydeParkLabour