| Maida Hill Council Team Office
Your local Council Office has now moved from its old home at 2 Fernhead Road to just around the corner to 470 Harrow Road, the former site of the Rebel Business School. Please do drop in for information about what the Team does and how they might be able to help you.
Conservatives packing up and leaving!
Meanwhile, it seems the Conservative Party is packing up and leaving the area – their offices on Shirland Road are now up for auction. While they last held seats in Harrow Road Ward back in the 1960s, in recent decades they’ve shown little interest in supporting our residents or businesses. By contrast, when Labour was elected in 2022, serious investment in the area began. In addition, your Labour Councillors live locally, work hard for our community, and are always here to listen and help.
Serious Violence Taskforce
Following a number of deeply worrying incidents locally, the Serious Violence Taskforce was established last year. Bringing together residents, community organisations, the Police and the Council, it aimed to develop practical ideas to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime across North Paddington. The final report is now with the Council, which will use the findings and recommendations to shape and deliver a detailed action plan focused on reducing serious violence. Watch this space for updates.
Residents’ Associations
We’ve had some interest from local residents in setting up new Residents’ Associations. These groups can bring neighbours together to tackle issues like anti-social behaviour, housing and environmental concerns, and to improve community life through local projects and events. They also provide a formal way to raise matters with the Council and other authorities. The Council can offer guidance and model constitutions, so if your estate, road or area is considering forming one, please do get in touch.
Greening Harrow Road Ward
The Council is planting new street trees across the City, including here in Harrow Road, to make our neighbourhood greener, healthier and more beautiful. It’s part of Labour Westminster’s wider commitment to improving air quality and enhancing local streets. New trees are being planted across the Ward, including in Fordingley Road, Ashmore Road, Croxley Road, Fernhead Road and Oakington Road.
Each tree comes with a watering bag and a specially prepared pit to help it thrive. We’re also replacing a few that haven’t flourished, to make sure every spot gets the care it deserves. You’ll see a mix of flowering cherry, birch and ornamental trees such as Amelanchier and Prunus Accolade – chosen for their beauty and resilience in urban spaces. Trees help cool our streets, support wildlife and boost wellbeing. If you have ideas for future planting spots, please get in touch with your local councillors. Let’s keep Harrow Road leafy and loved.
Supporting Harrow Road businesses
On 13th November we joined the Harrow Road Business Crime and Prevention Summit at the Hilton London Metropole. Attended by the Harrow Road MPS Safer Neighbourhood Team and our City Inspectors, we had some interesting sessions on ASB, use of CCTV and responding to shoplifting. The event was well attended and everyone learned something new. Watch out for upcoming events!
Maida Hill Neighbourhood Plan
The Council recently held a referendum on the Maida Hill Neighbourhood Plan, which covers most of Harrow Road Ward. We’re delighted that it passed with a large majority. The question asked was: ‘Do you want Westminster City Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Maida Hill to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?’ Huge congratulations to the Maida Hill Forum Committee for all their hard work in reaching this milestone. Click to view the Neighbourhood Plan
| How we’re keeping the streets clean
You can read about a day in the life of Westminster’s cleaning crew here The latest Keep Britain Tidy survey shows outstanding results: our litter score in Westminster is 48% cleaner than the rest of London and 39% better than the national average.
Our detritus score, which measures materials like dust, dirt and debris on the streets, came in at 87% better than the rest of London.
But in a busy borough with many thousands of visitors coming here every day there’s always more to do. You can help keep our streets clean and ensure problems are fixed quickly by reporting dumped rubbish, missed collections, broken street lights, graffiti, wonky or dirty pavements and much more using our Report It Assistant
Giving everyone a bit more time to get across the road
Not everyone is agile enough to be able to cross the road at traffic lights within the alloted time. One study showed that only 1.5% of frail or pre-frail people over 65 could go fast enough. Click to sign our petition calling on the Mayor of London to review crossing times
Tactile paving
Labour-led Westminster Council has put aside £1.5 million to go towards improving crossing points to help visually less able residents cross safely. The new tactile pavements will be set in a high contrast colour and with tactile elements to help distinguish the area – Harrow Road Ward is one of the first to receive the upgrades.
Putting a stop to dockless bike clutter
We’re cracking down on the growing problem of dockless e-bikes cluttering our streets, issuing fixed penalty notices of £100 each to operators like Lime and Forest when their bikes block pavements. In the first week 150 fines were issued. At this rate we would raise over £1 million in fines a year. Any extra money from fines will go back into improving our streets. We’re the first Council to take this direct action rather than rely on the slower ‘seize and return’ system.
New Renters’ Rights Act
The Labour Government’s new Renters’ Rights Bill has now passed through Parliament, so is now an Act – a landmark step giving tenants stronger protections and greater security.
Key changes include:
- No-fault evictions ended: Landlords must now provide a valid reason to reclaim possession of a property.
- Open-ended tenancies: All assured tenancies will become periodic i.e. no end date rather than fixed term, providing greater stability.
- Rent increases: Landlords can only raise rent once per year, and tenants can challenge unreasonable rises at a Tribunal.
- Pets: Landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse tenants’ requests to keep pets.
- Decent Homes: All private rented homes must meet minimum safety and quality standards.
- Fair renting: Discrimination based on benefits or family status is banned.
- Bidding wars: Rental bidding is now prohibited.
These reforms will give tenants the confidence to seek help from the Council without fear of reprisals, ensuring renters can access support when they need it.
Westminster has the largest private rented sector in the UK – and your Labour Council has already been leading the way:
- Private Renters’ Charter: Introduced earlier this year, giving renters clear guidance on their rights and how to challenge unfair practices.
- Selective Licensing Scheme: Rolling out across most of the city this November, requiring landlords to be licensed and meet enforceable standards – supporting responsible landlords while protecting tenants.
- Private Renters’ Forum: A dedicated space for renters to raise issues, share experiences and help shape the Council’s strategy – look out for the next meeting date.
- Proactive enforcement: Council inspectors routinely check homes for hazards such as damp, mould and fire or gas risks, taking swift action when problems are found.
- Support and advice: The Council continues to offer practical help and guidance so tenants can live in safe, secure and decent homes.
The Renters’ Rights Act strengthens the progress already being made here in Westminster – combining national legal protections with local action to stand up for renters. Councillor Ellie Ormsby, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, welcomed the new Act and hosted a conference in November for Westminster’s private renters to learn about the Act and Westminster’s new Selective Licensing Scheme for Landlords. It was a great opportunity to share experiences and have their voices heard. Westminster Council is committed to ensuring all residents, including private renters, have a safe and healthy home. Click here for more information about the Renters’ Rights Act
Electric buses for the 18 route
A transport milestone is on the way for one of London’s busiest bus routes. The number 18 – which serves thousands of passengers every day along Harrow Road – began introducing electric buses from 18 October. This marks the first stage of a phased rollout, with the route expected to become fully electric by early 2026. The change will help cut emissions, reduce noise, and improve air quality for everyone who lives, works, or travels through the area.
New Santander cycle hire site coming to Harrow Road
A new TfL Santander Cycle Hire docking station is planned for the junction of Harrow Road and Bravington Road, with the scheme expected to go for planning permission by the end of this year and installation set for mid-2026. This will make it easier for residents and visitors to travel sustainably, improving connections across North Paddington and giving more people the chance to enjoy safe, affordable cycling in the area.
Westminster Council refreshes its Cultural Strategy
Following consultation, Westminster Council is setting its priorities for culture for the next five years. We want more residents to enjoy local arts and the employment and learning opportunities that can bring.
Elections – vote by post
No elections are planned until May 2026, but it is easier, quicker to vote by post, and it’s safe. 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, or you’re away at college, working shifts, or have caring responsibilities. Or 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.
| Another Community Hub! Brunel Happy Hub is coming soon!
After the success of using a temporary – ‘Meanwhile’ – space in Third Avenue, we’re delighted that your Labour Council has found a longer-term space for this Community Hub, which will be run by Happy Lizzy Entertainment, as it was previously. It will open in January.
The Exchange, 61 Elgin Avenue W9 2DB
There’s always something happening at The Exchange, the nearest Community Hub to Harrow Road Ward, from talking therapies and yoga to pilates, chess, and after-school clubs. You can also access advice sessions from Citizens Advice and One Westminster on housing, benefits and more. Or simply call in for coffee (Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm) or lunch (Mon, Tues and Fri, 12.30pm). Santa has his grotto there on December 13th so drop by! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-exchange-at-w9-110656262371
Lydford Community Hall refurbishment
Plans for the long-awaited refurbishment of Lydford Community Hall have now been finalised with residents. Work has started and the scaffolding’s up, with completion due in early 2026.
Investing in our communities
Your Labour Councillors have made sure that North Paddington is finally receiving the community funding it deserves — after years of neglect under the previous administration. Three rounds of Community Priorities Funding have supported many local groups to run activities for the benefit of local people. These include Zodiac Arts, Sports4All and the London Disability Network. A fourth funding round is due to open in 2026. Local projects funded in Harrow Road Ward include:
- Healthy Hearts, Happy Homes
- Emancipation Celebration
- Box and Brunch
- Loosen Up with Arkefi
Community Champions expansion
At the 13th Annual Community and Maternity Champions Conference, held in Westminster in November, it was announced that Westminster is expanding the Community Champions programmes in Harrow Road, Queen’s Park and Westbourne Wards. This will increase their reach and volunteer capacity by 25%.
In addition, the Council will fund two new Community Champions programmes – one on the Brunel Estate, one in Pimlico – extending support to more residents in need.
North Paddington Programme
Funding has been awarded to WECH to modernise their kitchen, nursery and playground, while Paddington Law Centre received support for specialist legal and technical training. The London Disability Network and Tell It Parents have also received vital funding to improve their spaces and expand support for families and residents with learning disabilities.
Apply for ward budget funding
Do you have an idea for a local project? Ward Budget funding is open to community groups and residents with ideas that benefit local people. The programme has previously funded or helped fund a wide range of activities across Harrow Road and surrounding areas — including community events, ongoing projects, local clubs, essential items and support groups. Click here to find out more and apply.
You Said, We Did — Action Taken by Your Labour Councillors
Harrow Road Co-op licence application
Residents told us they were unhappy about the Co-op’s application to extend its alcohol licence beyond normal hours. We joined residents in objecting, and the Co-op withdrew its application.
Concerns over Kensal Canalside redevelopment
We know many residents are concerned about the large-scale ‘Flourish’ development planned for the Sainsbury’s site in Ladbroke Grove. While we recognise the need for more housing, we wrote to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to raise concerns about the project’s scale, design and local impact. We’ll continue to monitor this closely.
Tackling Anti-social behaviour on Fermoy Road
Following reports of ongoing anti-social behaviour, we’ve pushed for additional CCTV cameras to be installed and secured plans for new trees and greening along the street as part of this autumn’s planting season. Click here for the CCTV camera locations.
Traffic and road safety – Goldney, Warlock, Oakington & Edbrooke roads
We’ve heard your frustrations about speeding and congestion on these roads. We’ll be engaging directly with residents to gather views and press the Council for action to make these streets safer.
Rubbish and waste – Marylands Road and Harrow Road
After repeated complaints about waste collection and overflowing bins, we’ve asked the Council to review its contract with Veolia to ensure rubbish is collected on schedule and streets are kept clean. The City Inspectors have, at our request, taken tough action on offenders and over 80 actions were taken against 19 offenders!
Speeding on Shirland Road
Residents raised serious concerns about speeding and pedestrian safety. We are pleased that the Council is going to install additional 20mph speed roundels painted on the carriageway wherever possible. In addition, council officers are now exploring a formal zebra crossing on Shirland Road immediately north of its junction with Essendine Road, just outside Harrow Road Ward, which should improve pedestrian safety along the full length of the street.
Overgrown trees and pavements – Saltram Crescent area
During a recent walkabout with the Council’s tree team, we identified overgrown trees and dangerous hedges along Saltram Crescent, Denholme Road, Bradiston Road, Fernleigh Close, Croxley Road, Fordingley Road and Macroom Road. The pyracantha obstructing the pavement was cut back immediately, and the Council is investigating property ownership to deal with recurring issues.
Your Labour Councillors are continuing to act on what you tell us – tackling local problems and keeping pressure on the Council to deliver results.
And finally….did you know?
That every Freedom Pass held by a Westminster resident is largely paid for by your Labour Council? We may not manage the organisation of the scheme, but we do fund it!
We hope you found this newsletter useful.
Do get in touch with any issues you want us to take up!
Concia, Ruth, Regan and Rhys
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