LANCASTER GATE

The previous Conservative administration turned off council CCTV across Westminster. That’s why we were delighted to announce earlier this year the relaunch of the network – thanks to the Labour-run administration in City Hall. We have secured two cameras on Queensway, and are investigating the option of a third. We have also submitted business cases for additional locations across the ward – including at ASB and fly-tipping hotspots. We are also pursuing additional cameras through the Housing department on the Hallfield Estate.

Hallfield Major Works

The independent report into the costs of Phase 3 of the Major Works has been released to residents. One notable outcome is the that the scope of the Major Works has been increased to include full roof replacements. We fought hard to ensure council funding was secured to partially offset the increased costs and will be supporting residents in upcoming meetings with the Council.

Westbourne Terrace Branches 

After residents raised concerns we pushed for action against overhanging branches obstructing the footway on Westbourne Terrace. We are delighted to confirm the works to the hedges which were blocking the pavement outside 56, 58, 60 and 62 Westbourne Terrace have been cut back.

Cleveland Square Signage 

Thank you to the residents of the Cleveland Square Residents’ Association for inviting us to your AGM. One issue which was highlighted was the persistent problem of drivers stopping to urinate in the shaded and private spots around the square. We immediately flagged this issue to the City Inspector who installed signage as a deterrent within 24 hours.

Burglary Awareness

After we raised concerns from residents regarding the spike in reported burglaries in the area. Our Safer Neighbourhoods team were quick to act and have distributed literature on Cleveland Square, Devonshire Terrace, Queens’ Gardens, Craven Hill and Gloucester Terrace to raise awareness on how residents can protect themselves.

Illegally Parked Vehicles 

Several residents have raised the issue of illegally parked vehicles around the ward. There were two vehicles on Cleveland Square which have persistently been illegally parked. Working with the Highways Team and DVLA, we have been able to clamp and remove one of the offenders.

Similarly we have identified a similar problem on the Hallfield Estate with vehicles parked illegally persistently. We coordinated a joint operation with police, parking marshals and the housing team to attend and target repeat offenders. Residents should continue to flag to us where they see cars parked illegally so we can take action and issue fines.

Hallfield Parcel Thefts

With the installation of scaffolding, residents have reported an increase in parcel thefts. We raised this with Axis and the Resident Liaison Officer who are now investigating how we can increase lighting to prevent this going forward.

Winchester House, Hallfield 

Residents reported a mess left within the stairwell of the Estate. We informed housing officers and this was cleared within an hour. We have also received reports of an individual rough sleeping in the stairwell and have referred this individual to our rough sleeping outreach team to ensure they have access to the right support.

Tackling Short-Term Lets 

Unless planning permission is obtained, residents are restricted to renting their property short term for a maximum of 90 nights in a calendar year. We have identified several properties on the Hallfield Estate which are being used for a longer period. While the process has been lengthy we are pleased tenants breaching the 90-day rule are in the process of being evicted through the courts.

Westbourne Terrace Wifi Connectivity 

Wifi connectivity has surprisingly been a persistent issue across Lancaster Gate, despite its central location. We are pleased, after a lengthy period of lobbying and coordination through the Council, that Community Fibre have confirmed they are now able to serve 108-132 Westbourne Terrace. Other providers are also in the process of surveying other properties on Westbourne Terrace to increase connectivity options.

Queensway Post Office 

While we were disappointed to see the Queensway Post Office close this summer. The council has been working hard with the Post Office to secure a new site close to the original location. We are pleased that several potential sites remain live and are being assessed for their suitability. We will not rest until this vital provision is reinstated in our community.

Senior Citizens Lunches 

We are delighted to confirm, after a short break over the next few months, the Senior Citizens Lunches will return to the Hallfield Estate in the new year. This has been funded through our ward budget and we’re delighted to continue to support Age UK with this provision for our older residents. Do get in touch if you’d like to attend!

Chilworth Street / Westbourne Terrace Bins 

Residents have reported frequent fly-tipping in and around these bins. We have offered residents the opportunity to review alternative locations for the bins and are investigating the possibility of CCTV to catch the culprits.

BAYSWATER

Maggie joined a packed coach trip of fifty Bayswater and Lancaster Gate residents on a day trip to Runnymede where we boarded a boat for a cruise to Windsor. Back on the coach to be driven to a country pub for a delicious lunch.  Thanks to Age UK for organising and Waitrose for donating the excellent raffle prizes.

Northumberland Place Play Street

Play streets are permanent designated streets which will provide priority over traffic to children and families to play in streets at specific times.  A play street is proposed in Northumberland Place between Talbot Road and Artesian Place. Proposed times are Monday to Friday, 3pm – 7.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am -7.30pm.   Ist April – 30 September.  The road would be closed to traffic except for access.

Lord Hills Bridge

Many residents have been in touch about the continuing inconvenience regarding the repairs to Lord Hills Bridge, asking when the repairs are going to be completed.  We received the following update from the City Highways Team.

Lord Hills Bridge is a Network Rail owned asset, while WCC maintain the road over the bridge.  Following an inspection, Network Rail closed the footway in May 2023 due to safety concerns found during the inspection.  Following the closure of the footway, the road barriers were also damaged.  WCC replaced the barriers but the footway remained closed.  We have repeatedly raised our concerns with Network Rail and have been assured that the works have been planned.

NR have confirmed that they have the funding for major works and are aiming to start works Christmas 2024; the programme of works will span several months.  I have contacted the engineers regarding the definitive dates and the works that will be undertaken.  Once I have that information I will update you.  In the meantime I will forward the concerns and issues that the residents have raised to Network Rail.  Residents can also use the following site to register their issues  Contact us – Network Rail.

Service charges

We are assisting both NHG and Westminster Housing residents with challenging excessive service charges.

Homelessness cases

We are assisting residents threatened with no fault evictions to access homelessness services. This is an increasing cause of homelessness for tenants in the private rented sector but as the new Rent Act passes through Parliament this should make private renting more secure.

Parking charges

We helped a resident who had bought hundreds of pounds worth of trades parking permits to secure a refund when it was realised they weren’t practical for the street in question.

Porchester Square

After complaints from multiple residents, we have stressed to our local city inspectors and police safer neighbourhood team to ensure dogs are kept on their lead.

Westbourne Grove

We are aiding Tiroler Hut in their campaign to maintain a sign outside their premises, which has been there in some form since 1967, after they were instructed to remove it by pavement licencing.