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Church Street Labour Action Report – October 25

Councillor Aicha Less, Fiona Parker, Councillor Aziz Toki & Councillor Matt Noble
Councillor Aicha Less, Fiona Parker, Councillor Aziz Toki & Councillor Matt Noble

News from your Church Street Labour Action Team – Fiona Parker and Councillors Matt Noble, Aicha Less and Aziz Toki

With autumn upon us, your Church Street Action Team has been responding to residents’ concerns, as well as supporting all the work Westminster’s Labour Council is doing to make our borough a fairer, cleaner and greener place to live and work.

You can read about some of what we’ve been up to in our Action Report below. But first, we wanted to tell you about the Labour Council’s mission to clamp down on the dog fouling which blights our streets.

A Council team will be leafleting and letter-dropping on problematic streets to encourage resident support, together with an online survey, signs and leaflets with QR codes to enable you to report and feedback comments.

We have also improved and upgraded our animal nuisance Report-It platform which makes it easier for residents to use. For more information go to: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/stamp-out-dog-fouling

On a brighter note, on Car Free Day last month, we unveiled Clean Air Routes London,  a free interactive map that helps residents, workers, and visitors choose walking and cycling routes with lower exposure to harmful air pollution. It’s another important step in our mission to cut toxic air and put public health first.

We’re Here To Help

Get in touch if there’s something in your street or block that needs action or an issue that we can assist with. We will always do our best to help.

Or drop-in to one of our regular advice surgeries – every Tuesday from 5.30 – 6.30pm at Church Street Library, 67 Church Street, London NW8 8EU.

Please note that Councillors attend the surgery on a rota basis so if you have already contacted a Councillor about an issue, or if you would like to speak to a particular Councillor, please email them directly.

Report It
You can help keep Church Street clean and in good repair by reporting dumped rubbish, graffiti, broken paving stones, potholes, broken street lights, animal welfare concerns and more. Just click here Report It service

Georgia Gould MP
 

Georgia Gould is our local Member of Parliament for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale Constituency, which covers Church Street Ward.

You can contact Georgia at: georgia.gould.mp@parliament.uk or call 020 8968 7999 10am – 12pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Click here to sign up for Georgia’s regular newsletter by email.

NEWS CASEWORK AND ACTION

How Labour is Delivering for Church Street: Funding Local Spaces, Charities and Community Hubs

 
Councillors Aziz Toki, Aicha Less and Fiona Parker, with our MP Georgia Gould and the team from the Greenhouse Centre.
 

Thanks to Labour-led Westminster Council, dozens of local projects have been supported by CIL funding raised by the Community Infrastructure Levy. Renovation work on the much-loved Greenhouse Centre in Cosway Street is nearing completion with the centre due to re-open as a community, sports and activities hub in January 2026.

This has been made possible by £450,000 of CIL funding for essential roof repairs and by a £663,100 grant from Historic England to complete the essential upgrades to the Grade II listed converted church. It will breathe new life into the building which has had deep connections to the Church Street community for more than 200 years.

Elsewhere, the playground for King Solomon Academy in Church Street has benefited from nearly £299,000 of funding for upgrades and redevelopment.

The Four Feathers Youth & Community Club and the London Tigers have been provided with funds for new electric mini-buses, while the Tigers also received more than £25,000 for new gym and music equipment. The Four Feathers received funds to celebrate the club’s 80th anniversary.

St Marylebone CoE school received more than £164,000 for essential building repairs and an IT upgrade, while Marylebone Bangladesh Societywas awarded funds to improve ventilation for the community hall.

Meanwhile, one year on from the launch of our flagship Core Grants Scheme, we are starting to see results, proving what a big difference having a Labour-run Council makes to your community. Local charities are reaching more people, providing more consistent services and raising more funds.

Under the programme, 55 charities and community groups received three-year core funding grants, giving them much-needed stability to improve governance, fundraising and service delivery. Some 3,840 more residents have been supported and  £1.5 million more raised through improved fundraising.

In Church Street the Central London Youth Development Trust, Fun 4 Over 50’s CIC, the Marylebone Bangladesh Society, the Middle Eastern Women and Society Organisation, Unfold and WEPT (Women Empowerment Project & Training) are just some of the local organisations and charities to have benefited from the Core Grants Scheme.

Building a Fairer Westminster by helping young SEND people into work

Labour Westminster Council is continuing its commitment to make our city fairer no matter what your background or circumstances by backing a scheme that helps around a dozen young people with SEND find work placements. They are supported by specialist work coaches, together with classroom-based learning tailored to meet their needs.

The scheme is working, with seven of this year’s interns judged “work ready” and six shortlisted for a total of 15 interviews. Others are expected to secure offers in the coming weeks.

New games area at Kennet House 

Labour has invested £122,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to refurbish the multi-use games area (MUGA) at Kennet House. The much-loved and well-used play area is now back in use so the community can enjoy this secure outdoor space. Opening hours are from Monday-Sunday 9am to 7pm and 8pm in the summer months. Everyone is welcome.
Councillor Aicha Less, Councillor Aziz Toki and Fiona Parker visited the refurbished multi-use games area at Kennet House
 

Regeneration News

The regeneration of Church Street will deliver essential new affordable homes and improved community spaces but we understand the uncertainty the regeneration programme brings. That’s why your Church Street Labour Action Team continues to engage with residents as the work intensifies.

The demolition of Site A should be completed by the end of the year, making way for 430 new homes, a new library, improved facilities for market traders and a vibrant new public space.

And as plans are finalised for Sites B and C, we’ll continue to work closely with the community, ensuring that local voices are included in the process at every stage.

Discussions with the Lisson Green Tenants and Residents Association (TARA), The Church Street Ward Neighbourhood Forum (CSWNF) and the 4 Rivers Residents Association on the Lisson Grove regeneration plans are ongoing. We will continue to engage with residents to ensure future developments serve the area and reflect the needs and identity of the community.

To stay up to date with plans for the regeneration go to https://www.churchstreet.org/

Or visit the Regeneration Space, 56 Church Street, NW8 8ET. There is also a dedicated Church Street Westminster Employment Team who are based there from Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm.

You can also get in touch via telephone or email.

Safer Neighbourhood Team

Working with stakeholders, including the police, local businesses and residents, Church Street’s Safer Neighbourhood Team meet every quarter to discuss the area’s most pressing concerns. It represents a great opportunity to raise issues with the local police and council officers. If you are interested and would like to join please contact the chair, Glenys Arthur at glenysarthur616@gmail.com

Broken Lifts

Councillor Aicha Less assisted a resident in Ashfield Street who has experienced difficulty due to the lift in her block being out of service since 18 September. The resident has a disabled daughter and has had to carry her up and down flights of stairs. Officers have initiated a repair request as a matter of urgency.

Abandoned Vehicle

Councillor Aziz Toki has asked officers to remove a vehicle at 6 Mallory Street in Lisson Green which has been abandoned for some months on double yellow lines.

Report It

Do you have an issue in Church Street you want to report, whether illegal waste dumping, abandoned e-bikes or vehicles, pet fouling, street cleaning or anything else? The quickest and most effective way to take action is to use the Council’s Report it service at: westminster.gov.uk/report-it

Voting By Post

It is much easier, quicker and safe to vote by post. Anyone who is registered to vote can apply for a postal vote. It’s great if there’s any chance you won’t be able to get to a polling station due to holidays, away at college, working shifts, or have caring responsibilities – but you don’t need to give a reason. You might just prefer to vote from the comfort of your home.  Don’t wait for the next election – apply online now by clicking this link. It takes just 5 minutes – you’ll need your National Insurance number to hand.

If you have any queries about registering to vote or about a postal vote contact Westminster Electoral Services:  Email: electoralservices@westminster.gov.uk  Telephone: 020 7641 2730 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

October Half-term Activities 

The Showroom on Penfold Street is running a FREE workshop with artist Anna Chrystal, for young artists aged 7–12 on Wednesday 29 October 1-4pm The session invites young participants to explore architecture, construction, and installation art through making their own structures.

Children and young people across Westminster can take part in a wide range of FREE recreational activities through the Our City HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme. The programme is open to children aged 4 to 16 eligible for free school meals.

As part of the HAF programme, all participants will receive free, healthy, and nutritious meals and snacks. To explore the full range of activities, visit ourcity.org.uk

Church Street Library also has plenty of activities for children and young people, including Chess Club, Lego Club and a Games Club. To find out more go to https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/libraries/church-street-library/events

 The Cockpit Theatre also has a full programme of events including theatre, jazz and opera, while also serving as a creative hub for the community. For more information go to www.thecockpit.org.uk/

 
FREE Yoga Classes

FREE yoga for men and women Mondays 7.30pm-8.45pm

FREE Yoga for women only on Tuesday’s, 10.30am-11.45am

Studio 1, Cockpit Theatre, Gateforth Street, NW8 8EH. Classes funded by Westminster Community Priorities Programme

If you know of anyonewho might like to receive this report by email, please send them this sign-up link: https://bit.ly/AR-signup-25

USEFUL INFORMATION

Pension Credit 
If you’re over State Pension Age and on a low income you may be entitled to Pension Credit to help with living costs. It is separate from the State Pension. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as service charges and you may get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. You may be able to get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home. Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit

Rent Help For Council Tenants 
To help Council tenants who do not qualify for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, the Council is continuing the Rent Support Fund to help those in financial difficulties. Click here.

Refuse and Recycling Collection
Click the links below for more information about refuse and recycling services.

The Council delivers clear recycling bags twice a year to residents who receive a kerbside mixed recycling collection service. It is quick and easy to order more if you need them. You can also visit your local library to pick-up recycling bags.

Bulky Waste Collections
You can book a bulky waste collection service with the Council for £36 for up to 6 items for collection within 3 working days. If you do not have 6 items for collection, why not ask your neighbours if they have any and then share the cost. Click here for more details here.

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.

Request secure bicycle storage hangars, cycle stands and electric vehicle charging points
If you’ve got a suggestion for a bicycle hangar or stand in your area or for an electric vehicle charging point, send in your request by clicking this link or email Aicha, Matt or Aziz.

Handyperson Service
Westminster residents aged over 60, or anyone 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. Please note this is not an emergency service. You can book online using the above link or call 020 7641 8959

Free Cycling Lessons
Free cycle training is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Westminster. Over 4,000 people have benefitted from this over the past two years. https://www.cycleconfident.com/sponsors/city-of-westminster

Walking
Discover a whole new side of Westminster with Footways. The new interactive walking map reveals quiet streets for walking, with intriguing features to discover on the way. https://footways.london/westminster

Trade Parking Permits
If you are having work to your home or business you can apply for a trade parking permit.  Click here for more details

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 https://thestreetlink.org.uk/

Register To Vote 
If you’ve moved recently or are approaching your 18th birthday, don’t forget to register to vote. It takes just 5 minutes to register online by clicking here  You’ll need your National Insurance number to hand.

Pest Control
If you are a Westminster tenant or leaseholder and have issues with pests in your home or in a public area, the Council’s new Pest Control Service is now live. You can book an appointment online by clicking this link. You will need your 8-digit reference number to hand. Telephone booking is still available via the Customer Contact Centre

USEFUL CONTACTS

  • If you feel as though you or someone you know is struggling to cope for any reason please call the Samaritans 24/7 helpline on 116 123. If you would rather speak to someone over text, text “SHOUT” to 85258 for free, confidential, 24/7 support. In an emergency, call 999.
  • The Angelou Centre helps women & girls affected by domestic violence & abuse. Call free & confidentially on:  0808 801 0660 (Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm, Wed 6pm – 9pm.)Translators available. Or call 0208 741 7008 (Mon – Fri 10am – 6pm, Thurs  10am – 9pm) Translators available.
  • If you or anyone you know are experiencing domestic abuse contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline by calling 0800 2000 247. In an emergency, call 999.
  • Age UK Westminster for people over 50 for shopping service, and other support. Call 020 3004 5610 (10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday). Email: enquiries@ageukwestminster.org.uk
  • Westminster Citizen’s Advice Bureau provide information, advice and support covering areas such as welfare benefits, housing and financial hardship. Call 0808 278 7834 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
  • Community Living Well for all Westminster residents – call 020 3317 4200 (Wellbeing services including benefits, debt and employment advice)
  • Shelter Westminster for people with housing difficulties – call 0344 515 1540 between the hours of 9:30am – 6:00pm, Monday to Friday
  • The Cardinal Hume Centre supports families and young people facing poverty and homelessness by helping them to thrive – Call between 09:30 and 13:30, Mon-Fri on 0207 227 1673 or email info@cardinalhumecentre.org.uk
  • The Passage, for people who are homeless – call 020 7592 1850 or email clients@passage.org.uk (open Monday – Friday, 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 3:30pm)
  • Carers Network for unpaid carers – call 020 8960 3033, Monday to friday 9am – 5pm or email info@carers-network.org.uk
  • Nucleus Legal and Debt Advice Service – Call between 10am – 4pm Mon-Fri on 020 7373 4005 or email info@nucleus.org.uk
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