HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – April 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. 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. So far, we have received the following responses:
“Just want to say me and my neighbours in St Michael’s Street are very happy with our little bins and bags.”
“Very happy with the food recycling service in Connaught Square. However, there is an abundance of bins around littering the street. Is there any way we can return bins that are unwanted? We were given two sets of bins when we are only one household.”
“I live in Talbot Square and am very much for the scheme. I have used it for a few weeks now and it is simple to use and, from my perspective, works very well.”
Also, a neighbourhood food waste recycling bin has now been installed at Bouverie Place by the waste and recycling bins.
On Short-Term Lets, our campaign for properties to be officially registered received a significant boost on two fronts recently. Government Minister Michael Gove has given his support for the register and a House of Lords amendment has been tabled which gives the government powers to set up and enforce registration. This will be a huge relief to residents whose lives can be made a misery by non-stop partying, dumped rubbish and anti-social behaviour.
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 6th April, 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
Bayswater Road
We have asked Transport for London to fix the broken bike stands and direction signs on Bayswater Road at the corner of Edgware Road.
We have also reported this problem to the Council,
“For years now there has been a problem with the metal plates in the westbound lane of Bayswater Road near the Lancaster Gate Tube Station. They bang as vehicles pass over them. In the past there were other problematic plates, but currently the only noisy ones seem to belong to Thames Water. The flats in our building at the corner of Westbourne Street and Bayswater Road face this area. They recently ripped up the existing plates and their housing, which were totally silent, and replaced them. Within a week the new ones began to bang.”
Bayswater Road – box junctions
Following a period of monitoring that showed significant non-compliance with the box junctions on Bayswater Road, the Parking Team will be installing Traffic Enforcement Cameras between 18th & 25th April at:
- Bayswater Road at the junction with Brook Street
- Bayswater Road at the junction with Hyde Park Street
Connaught Street
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate this issue and take the necessary action.
“The lights on the junction of Connaught Street and Edgware Road have been swung around so that motorists sitting in Connaught Street cannot see the lights in Upper Berkeley Street. There are also a lot of road signs in front of the lights!”
Norfolk Crescent
We have asked the police to increase patrols in the Norfolk Crescent after reports of people breaking into the storage cupboards at the front of the houses.
Hyde Park Square
We have been taking up this issue with food delivery companies,
“Can anything be done to force Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and other bicycle delivery services to us have lights fitted to their bikes and use helmets? They are an increasing menace, cutting across traffic and pedestrians, jumping lights, and are a in great danger of being knocked down or running into others. It seems the streets of Westminster are a free for all as far as they are concerned and are a risk to others because they cannot easily be seen at night.”
We have also been meeting with Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo since 2022 and have shown photos and videos of anti-social behaviour to make them aware of the scale and persistence of this issue. These meetings have been effective in increasing our knowledge of their operational model and alerting them to driver behaviours and the persistent nuisance it can cause.
We have been able to agree some consistent targeted messaging around behaviours and expectations of conduct. We have also agreed quarterly days of action with each organisation so they and see the issues first hand and to ensure they are engaged in our efforts to solve these problems.
Kendal Street
We have asked the Parking Tram to extend the double yellow lines around the car wash at the corner of Kendal Street and Portsea Place to stop illegal parking. We have also asked that the Parking Marshals take action against drivers who park on the pavement.
25 Porchester Place
We have asked the Church Commissioners and the Council’s Enforcement Team to take action to stop the illegal short-term letting of six flats at 25 Porchester Place. We have passed on the flat numbers given to us by residents.
We have also asked the Council’s highways contractor to reinstate the protective barriers around the roadworks in front of the building which have fallen down.
Sussex Square
Residents of Sussex Square have again contacted us about the problems caused by regular commercial activities at 73 Sussex Square. They say, “until the change of ownership of 73 Sussex Square, residents’ and WCC parking spaces around Sussex Square were not used by commercial vehicles to park vehicles overnight, unless by builders renovating premises on the square. This is the new norm.”
We have alerted the Parking Team who say, “Since 7th March we have issued 5 PCNs here over many visits. Additional monitoring of the location overnight will continue for the next few weeks.”
Park Lane
We asked TfL to clear a large ‘pond’ in the Park Lane cycle lane which has now been cleared.
Possible threat to dogs
We asked the Animal Warden and the Police to investigate this issue reported to us by a resident,
“I noticed that there are piles of white powder that look like flour distributed all around the estate… Especially Hyde Park Square, Connaught Street, Hyde Park Crescent – every few metres. They have been placed seemingly strategically where dogs would sniff… Lampposts, sides of buildings etc and they are everywhere. Someone has seen something on one of the neighbourhood WhatsApp groups about a guy putting down poison from a rucksack in other areas, so I just wanted you to know as it’s obvs potentially very dangerous for dogs.”
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
Praed Street
We are continuing to press TfL to tackle the growing problem of noise from the tube lines below Praed Street. Paddington BID tells us, “So many businesses are adversely affected by the Tube noise which has reached an all-time high. I also understand some residents have moved out of the area because of the same issue. “
Southwick Street
We are pleased to see that the uneven pavement in Southwick Street has now been re-laid following our reports to the Highways Team.
We have asked the City Inspectors to pay special attention to the regular dumping on the pavement and road outside 42 Southwick Street and to issue fines to those responsible.
Sale Place
We have again asked the City Inspectors to investigate this issue raised by a resident, “I passed by the Royal Exchange this afternoon and the benches were stacked in the same way – there would be no space for a wheelchair or a large buggy to get through.” Following the City Inspector’s intervention, the benches have been reduced in size and are being stored away from the pavement.
Bouverie Place
A neighbourhood food waste recycling bin has now been installed at Bouverie Place by the waste and recycling bins.
St Michael’s Street
We have asked the Highways Team to adjust the ‘Give Way’ sign on St Michael’s Street at the corner of Sale Place which is facing the wrong way instead of facing incoming traffic.
Norfolk Place
We have asked the Highways Team to investigate two manhole covers in Norfolk Place. They make a loud noise when a vehicle passes over them just by Edna House which is sheltered accommodation for older people. The Highways Team has raised this with Thames Water to fix.
Edgware Road area
Burwood Place
Thank you to Marble Arch BID for replacing the vandalised trees at Burwood Place with four sturdy, multi-stemmed silver birches, and a splash of colour from violas.
Grosvenor Court Mansions
We have continued to urge that the management of Grosvenor Court Mansions, Plaza Estates, be required to use large bins by the side of the block to store the 25 plus black plastic bags they currently dump on the pavement waiting for collection.
Edgware Road
We have asked Transport for London to fix the following issues:
- Broken streetlight at the junction of Edgware Road and Bayswater Road
- Dangerous pavements outside 75 and 101 Edgware Road
- A large pothole outside Starbucks, 209 Edgware Road
49 Edgware Road
We have again urged the Environmental Health Team to stop the building works at 49 Edgware Road which continue into the evening, disturbing residents in the flats above.
Road Safety
We have asked Road Safety Team to investigate this issue,
“My son goes to school in Marylebone and every morning on our walk together, we safely cross Edgware Road and then we get to the crossroads of George Street and Seymour Place. For some reason there are no pedestrian lights here, or even a waiting time between the two directions of vehicle traffic, so to cross you just have to decide when to make a run for it. There are lots of school kids every morning crossing in all directions and no one really seems to know how to navigate it.”
The Road Safety Team say, “Our Highways Officer has examined the historical ‘personal Injury collision’ statistics for this junction, which showed one slight collision reported, and have confirmed the location does not highlight any immediate concerns for intervention at this time.”
Please let us know if you have had problems crossing the road at this junction.
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Chapel Street
We have asked the City Inspectors to take action against those responsible for dumping rubbish in Chapel Street and at the corner of Chapel Street and Transept Street. We sent photographs identifying the address of the people responsible
Oxford & Cambridge Mansions
We have passed details of a flat in Oxford & Cambridge Mansions to the Council’s Short Term Lets Team where it is believed the tenants are letting out the flat on Airbnb.
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Dudley House
We have asked the Council and Pinnacle to take urgent action against residents of Dudley House who are letting out their flats on Airbnb and other short-term letting platforms. Residents have sent us links to Airbnb adverts which clearly show Dudley House flats advertised. Pinnacle say:
“I have now fully investigated the issue with our site team. We have already managed to identify the property featured in the report and are dealing with the matter today. We have reminded all residents the terms of their tenancy agreements and sub-letting. We will take further action against this tenant as needed.
For assurances, Pinnacle Group have a very robust pre-qualification and verification processes at Dudley House to prevent sub-letting from occurring as much possible from the outset, by ensuring all applicants are intent on living theire as their sole home. We visit each property twice a year to verify the tenancy is being correctly adhered to (most recently all flats were visited in October 2022). We have recently identified two other cases of sub-letting in Dudley House and are currently engaged in legal possession action against the tenants accordingly.”
Aster House
We have contacted Octavia about the service charge increase. Residents say,
“When we moved here in October 2021, we were paying £350 a month in service charge. In April 2022 it went up to £450, and we’ve just been informed it’ll now be approx £500 per month. At the same time, the standard of the service we’re receiving is going steadily downhill.”
5 Harbet Road
We have written to Octavia Housing about the service charge increase and a number of outstanding maintenance issues. We have also asked for an update on the cladding situation.
North Wharf Road
We have asked Lime to remove abandoned e-bikes in North Wharf Road after receiving this message from a resident, “Many residents in my building have noticed that Lime Bikes are being dumped recklessly on the street on North Wharf Road, causing problems for disabled people and drivers.”
We have also asked the Highways Team to fix a pothole outside the M&S building on North Wharf Road.
Bishop’s Bridge
We have reported an abandoned Lime bike on the pavement on Bishop’s Bridge and asked that it be removed and the rider fined.
Other Issues
Bus Route changes
Transport for London has announced the following bus routes changes that will come into effect on 29th April:
Route 6 (Aldwych to Willesden Bus Garage): 24-hour route 6 will be rerouted from Marble Arch to Victoria station via the current route 16, instead of running to Aldwych. Customers can instead use revised route 23 between Marble Arch and Aldwych.
Route 16 (Victoria Station to Cricklewood Bus Garage): Route 16 will be extended from Cricklewood Bus Garage to Brent Park, Tesco following the current route 332. Route 16 will also be rerouted at Edgware Road station (Bakerloo line) to Paddington station following the current route 332. Travellers can instead use revised route 6 between Edgware Road station and Victoria station.
Route 23 (Hammersmith Bus Station to Westbourne Park Bus Garage): Route 23 will be rerouted from Hyde Park Corner to Aldwych, replacing route 6 between these points.
Route 332 (Paddington to Brent Park Tesco): Route 332 will be withdrawn and be replaced by revised route 16.
Route N16 (Victoria Station to Edgware Station): Night Bus route N16 will continue to operate as it does now but will be renumbered as Night Bus route N32.
Cost of living support for families
To help Council tenants who do not qualify for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, we have introduced a Rent Support Fund to help those in financial difficulties.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/ps1m-fund-offers-tenants-lifeline-rent-payments
Children aged three to 14 in Westminster will now be able to receive a free school lunch https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/westminster-rolls-out-free-school-meals-14000-children-huge-expansion-lunch-scheme
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
You can read her latest article on Oxford Street https://labourlist.org/2023/03/oxford-streets-candy-stores-are-evidence-of-londons-dirty-money-crisis/
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 includes Sgt Martin Noon, PCs Harminder Purewal and 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
The Report It system has been updated and improved https://marble-arch.london/news/westminster-council-overhauls-report-it/
You can tell the Council about dumped rubbish, broken streetlights, 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 for your hard work and the detailed reports you provide – it is much appreciated.”
“Thanks as always for the informative newsletter.”
“Another brilliant update. Many thanks for all you do.”
“Thank you for your hard work”
“Thank you for your intervention – they have finally sent the report. Without your intervention it would have been impossible. Thank you very much.”
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