We met with Connaught Square area residents on 15th September at the Indigo Hotel, London Street to discuss local issues, together with the Police, the Church Commissioners, Veolia and City Inspectors. The meeting was very well attended with about 75 residents present.

We discussed a wide range of issues, including

• the continued unacceptable situation on Edgware Road with people bedding down under the Water Gardens canopy
• the need to increase police numbers in the area
• action taken by the Church Commissioners to tackle the growth in unauthorised Airbnb short-term letting.
• action taken by the Council to ensure late night cafes and restaurants adhere to their licensing conditions.

Residents said:

“On behalf of the leaseholders of Connaught Court, a huge thank you for arranging Friday night’s meeting. We were quite surprised by the extent of the problems being experienced in other parts of the estate.  We were also pleased to see the Church Commissioners all committed to doing something to improve the area.  However, what certainly came out of the meeting is that we all need to keep reporting in order to keep the momentum going if we want to see any change.”

We will be arranging further meetings with residents in other parts of the Ward over the coming months.