HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – Mid-September 2023
News from your Hyde Park Labour Councillors Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Dear Resident,
We met with the Park West Residents’ Association on 8th September and with Connaught Square arearesidents on 15th September to discuss local issues, together with the Police and City Inspectors.
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2023/09/16/meeting-connaught-square-area-residents/
We also attended a consultation meeting organised by Travis Perkins and Unite Students to discuss plans for Baltic Wharf on 12th September. https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/issues/planning/2023/09/12/labour-supports-residents-objections-to-revised-plans-for-travis-perkins-site-baltic-wharf/
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 will be on Thursday 5th October, 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
Portsea Mews
We are pleased that gates have finally been installed at the entrance to Portsea Mews. This means that not only has work started on the refurbishment of the Mews for new offices and homes, but the Mews will now be more secure. The gates will stop the burglaries, illegal parking, fly-tipping, drug use and prostitution that have sadly been a common feature of the Mews recently.
Bathurst Street/Westbourne Street
We urged First Mile to stop their customers dumping rubbish by the tree at the Bathurst Street/Westbourne Street junction while awaiting collection.
Connaught Square/Connaught Street/Portsea Place
Following residents’ concerns about unauthorised parking linked to anti-social behaviour in the Connaught Square area at night, we asked the Parking Marshals to be deployed in the area. In the period between 22ndAugust – 4th September the Parking Marshals made over 100 evening visits to the area and issued 25 Penalty Charge Notices to vehicles wrongly parking in residents’ bays.
We also asked the Highways Team to remove Airbnb key locks attached to the bike stands at the corner with Porchester Place.
Connaught Village Green – Update
Generally, the project has been very well received. However, a large number of residents raised concerns about the traffic impacts from the proposed one-way working on Kendal Street.
We held a drop-in session on 14th September at 39 Connaught Street to further explain the scheme. As a result of the very strong views expressed, we have asked the Highways Team to look at ways to increase pedestrian safety at the Connaught Street/Kendal Street junction, while maintaining two-way traffic along Kendal Street.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/connaught-village-green-public-space-consultation
Connaught Close
We asked the Highways Team to install dropped kerbs at the entrance to Connaught Close to help wheelchair users get across from one side of the pavement to the other.
Connaught Street/Porchester Place
We urged First Mile to stop their customers dumping rubbish by the tree at the Connaught Street/Porchester Place junction while awaiting collection.
25 Porchester Place
We continue to urge the Church Commissioners to take legal action against all leaseholders who are renting out their flats on Airbnb and other short-let platforms.
Porchester Place
We urged the Environmental Health Team to take action against the restaurant in Porchester Place which emits continual smoke from its chimney. Neighbouring residents say the restaurant has “been filling the air around my house with untreated kitchen exhaust for months, my house now smells strongly of grilled chicken.”
Park West Place
Following a meeting with the Park West Residents’ Association, we asked the Parking Team to undertake evening and night-time parking patrols in Park West Place, Burwood Place and Kendal Street to deter unauthorised parking and anti-social behaviour.
We also asked the Highways Team to look into a new design for Park West Place which would reduce traffic speeds and introduce a green and attractive environment for residents.
Norfolk Crescent
Some good news from the Church Commissioners who say, “we have installed locks on any unsecured cupboards on Norfolk Crescent houses and posted the key and a letter through the door of the relevant properties to hopefully prevent these being used for bedding down storage.”
Frederick Close
At the request of residents, we asked the Waste Team to clear the weeds from the cobbles in Frederick Close – and the job was done soon afterwards.
Sussex Mews East
We asked the Parking Team to investigate residents’ concerns about repeated parking by commercial vehicles in the Mews.
The Quadrangle
We asked the Church Commissioners to fix a problem with poor water pressure at a flat in The Quadrangle.
Pedestrian safety
Following our recent walkabout, the Highways Team has arranged the following works:
- Park West Place/Kendal Street junction: a job has been raised to widen the dropped kerb pedestrian access point.
- Porchester Place/Kendal Street junction: a job has been raised to replace some broken tactile modular paving.
- 28 Porchester Place: the protruding Thames Water cover has been re-seated flush in its frame.
- 26 Norfolk Crescent: a job has been raised to relay some loose paving bricks.
Hyde Park
The Royal Parks Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 8 October when 16,000 runners will be raising money for good causes. Roads within Hyde Park will be closed from 00.01am on Sunday 8 October to 5am Monday 9 October. Hyde Park will be open to the public as usual across the event weekend, however users may be directed to different gates to access the Park on Sunday 8 October. Pedestrian and emergency vehicle access across the route will be maintained at all times.
For more information contact info@royalparkshalf.com
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
We asked the Highways Team what action can be taken to resolve this issue raised by a resident, “I’m writing to ask if anything could be done about Google Maps routing delivery drivers through Southwick Street, north of Sussex Gardens. The sharp turns onto Star Street and then immediately onto Bouverie Place mean that delivery riders accelerate loudly around both corners, which is very disruptive. if you ask Google Maps for driving directions from just about anywhere east of Sussex Gardens to get to St Mary’s or surrounding area it will route you around that little corner instead of a better road.”
Also, following our enquiries, Thames Water have fitted a new cover on the pavement outside 42 Southwick Street which has removed the pedestrian trip hazard.
London Street
We asked Veolia to empty the litter bins on London Street more regularly as they have been getting full quickly with the huge volume of people in the area, including those coming and going from Paddington Station. Veolia say, “the litter bins were emptied as soon as I forwarded the email to my team. I have asked my team to monitor this location closely in the next few weeks.”
The litter bins in this busy area are emptied at least 6 times a day. However, it is common for people to misuse street litter bins, especially in areas with a mix of commercial and residential properties. City Inspectors monitor these areas and issue fines to people who misuse the bins. We asked the inspectors to increase their monitoring to stop people who use the litter bins to dispose of household or commercial waste.
Spring Street
Following our enquiries, the Highways Team will be replacing the broken paving slabs outside The Bear, at the corner with Conduit Place.
Bouverie Place
We asked the Waste Team to clear paint from the pavement by the Black Bins in Bouverie Place – the area was clean a few hours later.
St Michael’s Street
We asked the Highways Team to investigate a ‘crater’ in St Michael’s Street, at the junction with Bouverie Place.
We also asked the Street Lighting Team to fix the broken street light 7 in St Michael’s Street.
Praed Street
We asked the Highways Team to fix a dangerous pothole in the middle of the road by a drain cover at 62/63 Praed Street.
BT will be removing two rarely-used phone boxes in Praed Street, near the Post Office, and replacing them with one advertising column.
Sussex Gardens
We asked Lime to remove an e-bike obstructing the Sussex Gardens pavement and to fine the rider for leaving it in such a dangerous position.
Sale Place
Following our enquiries, the Highways Team has updated us on the long-term issue with the faulty vaults in Sale Place, “I contacted the owner and they have employed an engineer and contractor with a view to start the repairs. This is progress but only the beginning of what can be a long process. I will continue to liaise with the owner and ensure that the repairs are done in a timely manner.”
Edgware Road area
Voug, 45-49 Edgware Road
We have asked the Planning Enforcement Team to investigate this issue raised by a resident, “I have to ask you to get chairs and tables removed from the pavement in Connaught Street. All along the south side of Voug’s 45-49 Edgware Road establishment immediately opposite 5 and 15 Connaught Street. Their application for chairs and tables in Connaught Street was refused recently by the planning department but they are there all the same.”
80 Edgware Road
Following our enquiries, warning letters have been issued to all known parties with an interest in 80 Edgware Road, as well as all known parties with a legal interest in 82-84 (Palm Palace), advising that the use of the public highway in front of No. 80 is unauthorised and to remove all furniture from the front of No. 80.
228 Edgware Road
Following our enquiries, TfL has served a notice on the owner of 228 Edgware Road for failure to have a scaffold license.
Edgware Road
We have asked TfL to remove redundant signposts along Edgware Road after a resident contacted us to say, “They are clutter in the street and get in way and they just look like junk, for years with no use for them. Can you possibly get these taken away?” TfL say, “We will check to see if the signs are missing or not and take action in due course.”
Some good news. TfL has removed two more phone boxes outside the Hilton Metropole, adjacent to the Joe Strummer subway.
Edgware Road Facts and Figures
- Veolia collects rubbish 3 times a day, every day, Monday-Sunday from Edgware Road.
- Edgware Road has 36 litter bins and they are emptied multiple times a day to ensure they are not overflowing.
- Pavements on Edgware Road are swept everyday Monday-Sunday.
- Pavements on Edgware Road are deep cleaned every quarter
Cambridge Court
We asked the police to investigate a smashed window in Cambridge Court which resulted in patrons in the café underneath being showered with glass.
Joe Strummer subways
TfL has announced plans for the redundant subways at the junction of Harrow Road and Edgware Road through new planting and landscaping. Three of the five closed subway entrances to the Joe Strummer subways will be turned into ‘rain gardens’, incorporating sustainable urban drainage (SuDS) systems. The remaining two entrances will be used for maintenance access.
‘Rain gardens’ aim to reduce the risk of flooding by allowing rainwater to slowly infiltrate into soil instead of flowing directly into the sewer network. The rain gardens will be connected to the exiting sewer system and used as outflows from the gardens. TfL expect to build the scheme between January and March 2024 and will be responsible for maintaining the gardens.
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Hyde Park Mansions
Thanks to the efforts of the Short-Term Lettings Team and freeholders Freshwater, we have been told by Freshwater, “the serial Airbnb-er in Block E Hyde Park Mansions has turfed out his tenant who was (apparently) the guilty party doing the short lets. Let us all hope for a bit of peace and quiet now!”
We also asked the Managing Agents of Blocks 7 and 9 to remove a key box attached to the railings and to stop contractors using the pavement on Cabbell Street as a building site. The Managing Agents say, “The pavement has been washed, and the lock has been removed.”
Old Marylebone Road
We again asked TfL to remove the graffiti from the wall of Griffith House on the corner of Old Marylebone Road.
Chapel Street
We asked the Street Lighting Team to fix the lamp column by the bus stop on Chapel Street which is out of action.
38 – 47a Chapel Street
We asked the Housing Department to investigate a suspected Airbnb letting at a flat in the Council housing block on Chapel Street and to tell the leaseholder to stop renting it out as a short-term let otherwise face legal action to forfeit the lease.
Meanwhile, the short-term tenants continue to leave rubbish outside the front door which has been cleared by the Council cleaning staff. Residents say, “Nice to meet you again and thanks for stopping by the other day. Yes, the cleaners have been really kind and clear all the rubbish, they also clean the area affected. Thanks.”
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Travis Perkins site, Baltic Wharf
We attended the Travis Perkins/Unite Students meeting with residents on 12th September. Residents once again expressed their strong objection to a massive building on the Travis Perkins site that would take away their daylight and sunlight. Residents also objected to the development of a 600-bed student block which would put huge pressure on services in the area. As previously, we will be supporting residents opposition to these inappropriate development plans.
We urged Travis Perkins and Unite Students to re-think their plans and to not put residents through another year of misery with battles and objections to this unwanted development. We are keen to keep Travis Perkins in the area and urged the company to come forward with scaled down plans to regenerate the site.
Residents say, “Thank you for attending tonight and speaking out on behalf of the local community” and“Thank you for your ongoing support with the Baltic Wharf plans rearing its head above the parapet once more!”
St Mary’s Hospital
The St Mary’s Hospital Team is doing all it can to persuade the Government to keep its promise to rebuild the hospital. The hospital says, “our estates team is working hard to delay any further major buildings failures for as long as possible. Works include an extensive weather-proofing programme for our oldest buildings at St Mary’s and essential inpatient ward refurbishments to ensure we are able to maintain infection prevention and control standards.”
Harbet Road
We contacted the Head Office of Hilton Hotels which is responsible for sweeping Harbet Road, a private road outside the front entrance to the hotel. The hotel is also responsible for parking control and the double yellow lines on Harbet Road indicate that parking is not allowed. Harbet Road is not swept regularly and the parking is not controlled at all. Despite repeated requests from the Council’s City Inspectors, the Hotel Management has failed to address both these issues on a regular basis.
Harrow Road
We asked the Highways Team to remove the barriers on the pavement in front of Montgomery House on Harrow Road. The barriers belonged to Merchant Square and have now been removed.
North Wharf Road
We asked TfL to allow one of the under-used taxi bays on North Wharf Road to be turned into residents’ parking. TfL previously refused to consider this, but we are asking again as the bays are clearly underused.
Sheldon Square
We investigated early Sunday morning drilling and construction work being undertaken at one of the bars in Sheldon Square which severely disrupted life for residents living in the flats above. The Paddington Central Team say, “The drilling noise resulted from unauthorised maintenance work, an issue we have spoken to them about on a number of occasions. I have asked to meet with owners of the unit personally and will report back afterwards.”
We also asked the City Inspectors to stop the noisy outside drinking at one of the bars at Sheldon Square. Residents say, “Staff appear to turn a blind eye to it and noise from this premises is causing an anti-social disturbance well into the early hours with drinkers making a noise and not always heading home.”