Hello

Here’s my June Action Report with news about Little Venice ward as well as updates on the issues I’ve taken up on behalf of local residents in the past few weeks.

I’m pleased to introduce two new Action Team members – Megan Schellinger and Shad Hoshyar – who joining me as candidates for Little Venice Ward at next year’s Council elections.

Please GET IN TOUCH if there’s something in your street that needs action or if there’s an issue we can help with. Just click this link to email me – or leave a message on 020 7641 5377 and I’ll get back to you.

Report It
You can help to get problems sorted quickly via Report It  Use it to report dumped rubbish, overflowing bins, broken street lights, wonky pavements, potholes, animal welfare concerns, anti-social behaviour, noise nuisance and much more.

Sara Hassan – Labour Councillor for Little Venice Ward

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NEWS CASEWORK ACTION

Residents’ Survey
It would be great if you could take a few minutes to fill in our residents’ survey.

Labour gained control of Westminster Council from the Conservatives in May 2022. We’re keen to hear how you think we’re doing, as well as your views about your area and what the Council’s priorities should be for the future.

Bakerloo Line – New Trains Coming!
After years of Transport for London being starved of funds under the previous Conservative Government, the Chancellor’s Spending Review has unlocked the long-awaited Bakerloo Line upgrade.

Thanks to a £2.2 billion new capital renewals program TFL are now able to get on with buying new trains to replace the rolling stock on the Bakerloo line that is now decades past its use-by date.

TFL have confirmed that they are taking more action to tackle the graffiti and improve cleaning on the Bakerloo trains in the here and now, but this investment in new trains will help transform both reliability and passenger experience on the Bakerloo Line, which stops at 11 stations in Westminster, including Warwick Avenue and Maida Vale.

Dog Fouling Campaign
You’ll have seen the posters all over Maida Vale and Little Venice advising dog owners to pick up after their pets. The campaign is backed by a dog-patrol which has already issued warning letters to residents in Shirland and Kilburn Park Roads.

One resident wrote:  “The posters you speak of are around the area I live in and have proved to be very successful, no more fouling. Hope they are displayed in most streets in Westminster. It’s made a big difference.”

If you have any information about dog fouling hotspots, please share them with the Council via this survey.

CCTV Update
Our Neighbourhood Co-ordinator has been working closely with City Inspectors and the CCTV Control Room to collect evidence of aggressive begging at Warwick Avenue and Clifton Road.

They are reviewing existing CCTV footage and compiling descriptions of those involved. This information will be shared with police colleagues to consider appropriate enforcement action, such as issuing Community Protection Warnings or Notices.

Investigations are also taking place about fly-tipping on Hall Place, which CCTV footage is helping with.

The Council has confirmed that cameras have been successfully installed at the following locations:

• Formosa Street
• Randolph Avenue
• Blomfield Road
• Hall Place
• Warwick Avenue
  

Graffiti and Flytipping
We have also been reporting graffiti, including by Warwick Avenue tube station and by the Westway. Flytipping issues are also being constantly reported and then actioned on both estates: John Aird Court and the Hall Place Estate.

You can help to get dumped rubbish cleared quickly by informing the Council using Report It

New Children’s Playground
The Council is moving forward with plans for a new accessible playground at Paddington Green, following positive feedback from residents during recent consultations. You may have seen the consultation boards displayed at Westminster College.

Officers will now seek permission from the church and begin developing design proposals including hosting community design workshops and collaborating with local schools and disability groups.

Tents at the Westway /Travis Perkins Roundabout
The tents located under the Westway and near St Mary’s Terrace have now been cleared, following the Council’s successful application for a possession order from Central London County Court.

Last week, working in partnership with Transport for London (TfL), the joint landowner, the Council took action to gain possession and secure the site.

The Westway area is a particularly busy part of the road network and poses significant safety risks for people sleeping rough.

The Council will continue to work with outreach teams and partner organisations to ensure that individuals are offered appropriate support. There are currently vacancies available in our hostels and other temporary accommodation options for families.

To prevent further use of the site for rough sleeping, the Council is planning to install perimeter fencing. We have also requested that the space be repurposed, with secure storage emerging as a preferred option.

Paddington Green – Burnt Out Vehicle Removed
Following delays caused by attempts by the Council to contact the owner, I am pleased to report that the burnt out vehicle on Paddington Green has finally been removed. I have now asked for the area to be deep-cleaned and repaired.

Sutherland Avenue Recycling
Residents have requested an additional recycling bin in front of 161 Sutherland Avenue, next to the existing general waste bin. The Council will trial the recycling bin here for three months and assess its usage, contamination levels, and any dumping noted along the bins.

Farewell to PC Paul Reading, Welcome New Officers to Little Venice
It was a sad moment last month as PC Paul Reading retired after more than a decade of dedicated service in Little Venice. Fortunately, he’s not going far. Paul has taken on a new role with Westminster Council as a City Inspector and will continue running the popular youth boxing club at Little Venice Sports Centre twice a week.

Little Venice now welcomes a new team: PC Akeem Greenidge, PC Ruby Ley, PC Emily Allinson, and PCSO Gareth Grant. However, not all officers will be assigned full-time to the ward. Sergeant Augustine Anyaegbuna remains in charge of the area, overseeing both Little Venice and Westbourne.

More Money for Safe Haven Basketball
Safe Haven Basketball has been awarded £2500 for their 2025/2026 project from the Little Venice ward budget, with activities starting again from September. This is basketball provision for children with learning disabilities. It is the only basketball club of its kind in London, and has attracted strong support from players and their families since its creation.