Dear Resident,
We hope that all is well. It has been another few weeks of activity right across the ward.
We met Norfolk Crescent residents on 22nd September to hear their concerns about the continued ‘bedding down’ under the Water Gardens canopy and the late-night noise, rubbish and regular disturbance from patrons of the late-night cafes on Edgware Road. We have asked the Parking Team to increase the presence of Parking Marshals at night and to make the single yellow lines into double yellow lines to reduce late night activity in Norfolk Crescent.
We attended the induction of Father Timothy Handley as Vicar of St James’s, Sussex Gardens on 1stOctober.
We used our Ward Budget to fund six Learning Trips on the Floating Classroom project for pupils from Hampden Gurney, Hallfield, King Solomon Academy and St James and St John primary schools. We also funded a day trip organised by Age UK Westminster for 48 residents to Hatfield House. We funded a project by the Salahuddin Trust who held a daily Iftar meal feeding approximately 100 people as they broke their fast together within the Mosque on Norfolk Place throughout the month of Ramadan. Also, we used our Ward Budget to support the Hyde Park Police bike-marking event in Merchant Square.
Following their application earlier this year, HyPER has been recognised by the Council as an ‘Amenity Society’
https://committees.westminster.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1932
The Hyde Park Police have launched a survey to get residents’ views on policing priorities https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GTLDNZ/
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 2nd November, 6pm-7pm.
NEWS AND ACTION
The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road/Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens
Connaught Square area
Following the concerns raised by residents about night-time security and anti-social behaviour in the Connaught Square area, the Church Commissioners say, “We have instructed Croma (private security firm) to include Connaught Square on their twice nightly patrols and have highlighted the types of incidents that are being experienced for them to be aware of. The Commissioners will fund this for an initial six-month period and we will be interested to understand from residents any feedback about the patrol.”
We asked the City Inspectors to remove two abandoned bikes chained to the bike stands in Connaught Square opposite Stanhope Place.
As a trial, the litter bin by the post box at the corner of Connaught Square/Stanhope Place has been removed, as has the one on the corner of Portsea Place. Both are regularly dumping hot spots and Veolia are monitoring what effect the removal of the bins has on behaviour. What are your thoughts?
The City Inspectors say, “Officers are inspecting this location daily, with a view to enforcement where possible. It is by and large residential waste, though we have also recently engaged with the commercial premises in the vicinity to check their waste collection arrangements.”
Bathurst Street
Two planters have been installed on Bathurst Street, near the junction with Westbourne Street, in front of the railings for a trial period of 6 months. The City Inspectors will monitor this location to assess whether the planters are effective at deterring rubbish dumping.
We also asked the City Inspectors to fine the person responsible for dumping by the tree at the junction with Westbourne Street.
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/hyde-park/2023/10/02/bathurst-street-planters/
Porchester Place
We asked the Church Commissioners to install locks to the bin stores of houses in Porchester Place after a resident told us, “I’ve just seen that the people are now stashing their bedding in a cupboard in Porchester Place.”
We again asked the Environmental Health Team to investigate restaurants in Porchester Place where residents say, “acrid smoke continues to be an issue. It can not only be smelled in the surrounding streets, but the smoke is also visible and not only unpleasant but unhealthy air pollution.”
25 Porchester Place
We asked the Short-Term Lettings Team to investigate suspected short-term lettings at 25 Porchester Place.
Connaught Court
Following our enquiries, a flat in Connaught Court is being investigated by the Short- Term Lettings Team after reports of it being let out on Airbnb.
Portsea Place
We asked the Highways Team to fix a pavement in Portsea Place which is causing a trip hazard for pedestrians.
Kendal Street
We have asked the Parking Marshals to take action to stop cars parking on the pavement outside the car wash on Kendal Street.
Sussex Square
We asked the Parking Marshals to take action against commercial vehicles parking in Sussex Square after residents told us “They arrive 8.30 each day and park on the single yellow. No suspension in place.”
Norfolk Crescent
We have asked the Parking Team to repaint the yellow lines in Norfolk Crescent so that they are clear and visible.
Devonport
We asked the Short-Term Lettings Team to investigate two suspected short-term lettings at Devonport.
Southwick Place
We continue to urge the Environmental Health Team to take the necessary action to stop the excessive pigeon feeding by the resident of a house in Southwick Place which is making life a misery for neighbouring residents.
The Quadrangle
We asked the Short-Term Lettings Team to investigate suspected Airbnb lettings at The Quadrangle.
Hyde Park Street/Bayswater Road
We have asked the Road Safety Team to investigate this issue raised by a resident, “I am deeply concerned about the safety issues surrounding Hyde Park Street and Bayswater Road corner. The main problem at this corner is the lack of visibility, largely attributed to an obstructing tree. This lack of vision poses a significant threat to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.”
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.
Marble Arch
MOCO, a modern art museum is coming to Marble Arch. MOCO will occupy the newly refurbished premises at One Marble Arch and 1 Great Cumberland Place. The museum will be arranged over three floors, with contemporary and modern masters, digital art and a MOCO store. https://marble-arch.london/news/moco-museum-marble-arch/
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Bouverie Place
We are supporting a planning application for a property in Bouverie Place for the replacement of the front and rear windows with double-glazed aluminium windows. A similar proposal was granted planning permission by the Council for the property next door and has been implemented.
Praed Street
The Planning Committee has given planning permission and advertisement consent for the removal of the existing BT phone box and the installation of a BT Street Hub, incorporating two digital 75″ LCD advert screens and telephone, on the pavement opposite 19-21 Praed Street.
Sussex Gardens
We asked the Police and City Inspectors to increase patrols in the Sussex Gardens following reports from residents about a car break-in, kerb crawling, drug users and dog fouling on the pavement.
We also asked the City Inspectors to visit hotels in Sussex Gardens to ask them to keep their rubbish bags inside their private area for collection not on Sussex Gardens as it is attracting more flying tipping.
Star Street
We asked the Tree Team to investigate a tree which is leaning precariously into the road in Star Street and to re-tie it to the stake in the ground. The Tree Team say, “Unfortunately the root system was too damaged to get it re-staked so it was removed. We will add this site to our planting list.”
We are assisting residents in Star Street who have issues with their landlord, Notting Hill Genesis.
We also asked that the Parking Marshals to patrol Star Street more often to stop visitors to the mosque on Norfolk Place parking in residents’ bays.
St Michael’s Street
Thanks to the efforts of City Inspector Adam Davis the railings of BT’s Ambassador House in St Michael House have been extended to stop the regular rough sleeping in this area. The new railings are slightly higher than the existing adjoining railings, making it harder to jump over to get unauthorised access.
We also asked the Highways Team to fix the growing pothole in St Michael’s Street outside the former Sir Alexander Fleming public House. The Highways Team say, “We are aware of this and have raised a permanent repair. It looks like it has deteriorated further, so I will ask if we can have an emergency road closure to carry out the works.”
Southwick Street
We asked the Short-Term Lettings Team to investigate a suspected Airbnb letting in Southwick Street.
Park West Place
Following our enquiries, the Parking Marshals are regularly patrolling Park West Place at night to deter illegal parking and anti-social behaviour.
Talbot Square
We have asked the Highways Team to replace two parking signs in Talbot Square that have been defaced. The Team say, “They have been vandalised with white paint, I asked our graffiti team to clean off the paint, they attempted but unfortunately unable to remove fully. I have raised an order for new signs.”
Paddington Square development
A planning application has been submitted for a ‘restaurant delivery service’ to seven of the restaurants at the Paddington Square development. The application documents can be viewed online at www.westminster.gov.uk/planning where you can make comments. Please use the reference number 23/06484/FULL as the primary search criteria.
Edgware Road area
Edgware Road
We have written to Criterion Capital, the long leaseholders of the Water Gardens shops on Edgware Road to express our extreme disappointment at their total failure to manage the shop on Edgware Road which is currently being used as a street market stall. This market stall has provoked huge anger from local residents and we have insisted that Criterion Capital take immediate action to remove this street vendor from these premises.
Criterion Capital say, “This is a unit that is being squatted in. We have communicated multiple times to the occupier that this is illegal but they have ignored us. We have already started the process to secure a Possession Order so that, with the help of the police, we may remove the squatters. The process is taking longer than we would like. We hope to receive the Possession Order from the Court shortly so that this matter can be resolved.”
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2023/10/07/action-on-edgware-road-market-stall/
We asked the Police to investigate reports of late-night fighting between the employees of two restaurants on Edgware Road, witnessed by residents, and which caused much distress.
We asked the City Inspectors to send letters to all the Shisha cafes on Edgware Road telling them not to put charcoal burners on the pavement as they cause a dangerous hazard for pedestrians.
We asked the City Inspectors to stop people using the pavement to sell goods on the corner of Kendal Street and Edgware Road.
We also asked TfL to take action against a building contractor parked on the pavement with the registration plate obscured with paper.
Edgware Road/Kendal Street
We asked the Church Commissioners to investigate this issue raised by residents, “On the corner of Edgware Road and Kendal Street, next to the Car Wash, is a vacant building with a flat roof which used to be a bank. We overlook the roof which is several inches deep in rainwater which has not drained away, probably because the drains are blocked. If not dealt with promptly, could cause serious damage to the structure and safety of the empty building.”
The Church Commissioners say, “We will pass this onto our contact at Portsea Hall as this comes under their headlease and ask them to investigate.”
Edgware Road phone boxes
We met BT recently and urged them to remove the following phone boxes in and around Edgware Road which are being used for anti-social activities.
- outside Melur, 175 Edgware Road, north of the Sussex Gardens junction
- on Old Marylebone Road, at the Edgware Road junction
- near 145 Edgware Road, under the Water Gardens canopy
- at Harrowby Street, where the phone box had a chain and lock around it
- on Seymour Place, outside the synagogue
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
38-47a Chapel Street
Following a report of unauthorised short-term letting at a flat in 38-47a Chapel Street, the Housing Team say, “The property was attended twice last week and both times no one answered the door. Posters have been put up in the communal area and letters have been hand delivered to all properties. We will continue to carry out visits and keep in contact with the managing agents.”
Cabbell Street
We have asked the Tree Team to prune a tree in Cabbell Street which is blocking the light from an adjacent streetlight.
The Council is consulting on changes to waiting restrictions on Cabbell Street, outside and opposite Edgware Road underground station. This is to help the occupiers of Capital House who experience difficulties collecting waste when cars are parked on existing single yellow lines at their vehicle entrance. The proposal is to introduce 6.5 metre lengths of double yellow line “at any time” waiting restrictions.
Hyde Park Mansions
We asked the Short-Term Lettings Team to investigate two suspected Airbnb lettings in Blocks 1 and 2 Hyde Park Mansions.
Oxford and Cambridge Mansions
We asked the Short-Term Lettings Team to investigate a suspected Airbnb letting in Block B Oxford and Cambridge Mansions.
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Sheldon Square
We asked the Noise Team to investigate a faulty alarm bell at the Travis Perkins site which was ringing for two days and annoying residents in Sheldon Square. The Noise Team say, “An officer has visited the premises. The operators are aware of the issue. Apparently, they had experienced some flooding due to heavy rains the other day and this has triggered some electrical faults. Contractors were on site today to fix the problem.”
We also asked the Paddington Central Team to investigate the operation of the ‘Big Screen’ at Sheldon Square after residents told us “our bedrooms were lit up like a Christmas tree from the white glare coming from the big screen – which I can only describe is like having the glare from floodlights shining down onto a football pitch.”
The Team says, “There was a technical glitch with the screen that meant it froze. As it is controlled externally the site team were unable to respond. So, we’ve added a site override which enables the site team to shut the screen down if it continues to operate outside of the agreed hours.”
Merchant Square
We used our Ward Budget to support the Police bike-marking event in Merchant Square on 29th September. During the day, 40 bikes were registered, 2,000 information leaflets were distributed and the Police spoke to approximately 300 people about crime prevention, including local school children and the wider community. In addition, 2 crime reports were taken. The Police said, “Overall, we had a great day and will be keen to work with you all again for the next event!”
Harrow Road
A resident has contacted us about this issue, “It seems when the new Premier Inn opened on the A40 just opposite Paddington Green, the bus lane or yellow road markings were never reinstated and now this area is being used for parking and blocks westbound buses.”
The Highways Team say, “There is a “no stopping” restriction on the A404 Harrow Road westbound between Lord Hill’s Bridge and Harbet Road which should cover the road outside the hotel. The “no stopping” sign at the junction with Harbet Road is missing its length supplementary plate and is perhaps easy to miss amidst the other signs on the lamp column. Once the supplementary plate is fitted it would become an enforcement matter.” We have asked the Parking Marshals to patrol this area.
Bishops Bridge
We have again asked TfL to move the National Express coach stop from Bishops Bridge to the top of Eastbourne Terrace. As one resident told us, “This narrow pavement area by the National Express Coach stop becomes impossible for anyone to walk past, or to move along this pavement area, especially if you use a walking stick or if you are elderly or if you use a wheelchair or if you simply want to walk on this narrow pavement area.”
Other Issues
EV charging points
Council proposals for new electric vehicle charging points in the area will offer motorists a fast 22kW AC charge, which will charge a vehicle in four hours. The new bays will be short stay bays, with a maximum stay of four hours and no return on the same day. To make space for these new bays, there will be some changes, as follows.
- Chapel Street north side – two new EV bays will replace two shared-use parking spaces.
- Park West Place west side – two new EV bays will replace existing car club bays.
- Sussex Place on the south side of Gloucester Square – two new EV bays will replace shared-use bays.
Transport for London are upgrading the existing EV charging point on Harrow Road below the Marylebone Flyover (near Marks and Spencer) to include infrastructure with longer charging cables.