HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – January 2024
News from your Hyde Park Labour Councillors Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Happy New Year!
We hope that all is well. It has been a very busy month, with many events and much activity right across the ward.
We attended the HPEA talk by St Mary’s Hospital at Abasto where we heard about plans to rebuild the hospital so it can treat more patients and improve services for the local community. The Government has still not approved the finance for the redevelopment and we are urging a decision soon.
We met Park West residents, along with the Police and City Inspectors, to discuss the problems caused by late night anti-social behaviour and ways of combatting this. The police agreed to do more late-night visits and we asked the Highways Team to investigate ways of restricting vehicle access to non-residents at Park West Place.
We met West End Quay residents to discuss food waste recycling, dealing with anti-social behaviour and keep the streets clean.
We met Connaught Village retailers to discuss their concerns about the big drop in footfall in Connaught Street and the threat to their businesses. With the recent closures of Le Pain and Abasto, it was good to visit La Maritxu at 12 Connaught Street to taste their coffee and cheesecake. Please taste for yourself! https://www.lamaritxucheesecake.co.uk/
We attended a consultation meeting about the future of Edgware Road organised by the Portman Estate, Church Commissioners and Marble Arch BID. We also attended the opening of the Hub by Premier Inn by the Lord Mayor on the corner of Old Marylebone Road.
We also attended the Hyde Park Estate Association’s AGM and Carol Singing at the Royal Lancaster Hotel with the Minister and choir from St. James’ Church. We also attended the Carol Service at St John’s Church.
The Senior Citizen’s Forum meets in The Lord Mayor’s Parlour from 2-4 pm on 24th January and is open to all Westminster Residents over 65. There is usually a speaker, a raffle and light buffet. http://www.westminstercommunityinfo.org/content/westminster-senior-citizens-forum
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 4th January, 6pm-7pm.
For details of Christmas Tree recycling points see www.westminster.gov.uk/xmas-recycling
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
NEWS AND ACTION
The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road/Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens
Connaught Street
We are very concerned at the declining state of Connaught Street with the latest closures of Abasto, Saint Aymes and Ibu in Bathurst Street where the Church Commissioners has terminated the leases. They say,
“Despite lengthy engagement from the Church Commissioners with the tenants of these three properties, no viable proposals for ensuring their businesses can continue to meet their contractual obligations have been forthcoming and therefore the Commissioners have no other option than to proceed with this course of action.”
We are very worried about the loss of both Abasto and Le Pain Quotidien some months ago. It has taken the heart out of Connaught Street and will make it even less likely that residents will see the street as a local facility. Bringing in pop-ups and other temporary traders is all very well but does not give the street a future or stability.
Residents have contacted us to express their dismay, “There is nowhere, outside of a hotel or a pub, between the eastern side of Edgware Road and Lancaster Gate where you can sit and relax over a cup of coffee, a pastry or partake of a light continental style dish or meal accompanied by a beer or a glass of wine. The area must offer as diverse a choice as possible to cater to all tastes.”
The Church Commissioners say, “We are working hard to relet the former LPQ unit with a high-quality offer as soon as possible. We have opened discussions with our preferred occupier and hope to have more news on that front as those discussions develop. In addition, the restaurant at 17/20 Kendal Street will open in the New Year and we have put the operator in touch with the local residents’ amenity societies to help promote that opening locally.”
Connaught Place
On Boxing Day, following our reports about Connaught Place being used by illegal traders, City Inspectors disrupted and seized flashing toys and similar items which were being prepared for sale to Winter Wonderland visitors, thereby removing cheap plastic, choke hazard toys off the street.
Stanhope Terrace
We have asked the Short Term Lettings team to investigate a property in Stanhope Terrace which, according to residents, “has a frequent turnover of residents. At one time it appeared to be acting as a brothel and is now apparently rented to a group of workers from Winter Wonderland.”
We also asked the Street Lighting Team to fix the streetlights on Stanhope Terrace and the corner of Sussex Place.
Hyde Park Street
We asked the Street Lighting Team to fix the streetlights on Hyde Park Street.
Albion Street
We asked the Highways Team to arrange for broken and missing Thames Water valve covers along Albion Street to be replaced as they are a real trip hazard for pedestrians. The valve covers have now been replaced.
We also asked the Highways Team to remove redundant temporary signs and barriers from Albion Street.
Somers Crescent
The Highways Team say that Somers Crescent will be resurfaced in the next financial year as part of the Council’s planned maintenance programme. Residents have told us the street “has uneven surfaces, poorly reconstructed strips after historical roadworks, potholes and pools of water after rain.”
Bathurst Street
We asked the Highways Team to fix a pothole in Bathurst Street.
We also asked if the street could be resurfaced. Residents say, “In all the time we have lived here (almost 25 years) the street has never been fully resurfaced/attended to. It’s just been piecemeal hacked away at by various contractors and patched.”
Sussex Mews West
We asked the Street Lighting Team to inspect the streetlights in the entrance to Sussex Mews West.
Sussex Square
We asked the Short Term Lets Team to investigate a property in Sussex Square where neighbours say, “There are at least 2 – 3 groups of people a week going in and out with suitcases and cleaners, etc. The comings and goings are a complete disregard for the rules.”
Hyde Park Square
We have asked the Highways Team to take action against e-bike operators for the untidy e-bike/e-scooter bay in Hyde Park Square. Residents say, “these cycles are being left all over the highway, with absolutely no concern for the lines painted on our pavement.” The Highways Team say, “I have raised this again with the operators to ensure active monitoring of the site and increased foot patrols to improve bay management. The cycle stands adjacent is not permitted for any dockless use at this location.”
Porchester Place
We again asked the City Inspectors to investigate a restaurant extraction system in Porchester Place. Residents say, “Do you know what is happening with this restaurant? It’s obviously an ongoing problem and happens regularly. They need to invest in a proper extraction system that is hygienic and doesn’t pollute the neighbourhood.”
We also again urged the Church Commissioners to take strong action to stop illegal short-term letting at 25 Porchester Place.
Southwick Street
We have asked the Highways Team if Southwick Street (between Sussex Gardens and Cambridge Square) can be considered for resurfacing next year. It is very patchy with regular potholes appearing.
Norfolk Crescent
We asked the Highways Team to fix uneven pavements in Norfolk Crescent.
The Quadrangle
We wrote to the Church Commissioners after receiving several pleas from Quadrangle residents about the 7% increase on their service charges. Residents are already paying over £1,000 plus in service charges per month. We asked the Church Commissioners if they can hold off the 7% increase for a year.
Hyde Park Crescent
We are delighted that the new traffic island and kerb build outs have been installed along Hyde Park Crescent outside the church. This will make crossing the road safer and help to reduce vehicle speeds along Hyde Park Crescent.
We also asked the Parking Team to remove two abandoned cars from Hyde Park Crescent.
Park West
We asked the City Inspectors to remove another key box from a pole along Park West Place. This has now been removed.
We also asked the Short Lets Enforcement Team to inspect six apartments in Park West which are regularly advertised on Airbnb.
Park Lane
We asked TfL to investigate the huge ‘lake’ at the top of the Park Lane cycle lane and to fix the problem which causes the area to flood when it rains. TfL say, “I’ve been told an urgent response team is on their way there now so I expect this will be resolved by close of play tonight.” The flooding problem has now been resolved.
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.
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Praed Street
We asked the Highways Team to investigate this issue raised by a resident, “There’s a huge pothole on Praed Street in the middle of road by the crossing outside main entrance to Paddington station.” The pothole has now been made safe.
We also asked the Highways Team to fix a beacon on the very busy zebra crossing opposite HSBC on Praed Street.
Spring Street/Conduit Place – update
Following our report about the broken pavement outside The Bear pub at the corner of Spring Street and Conduit Place, the Highways Team has re-laid new paving stones. The pavement is now safer for pedestrians.
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/hyde-park/2023/12/29/spring-street-pavement-relaid/
Bouverie Place
A local property owner has submitted a planning application to create a semi-enclosed timber bin enclosure on the footpath in Bouverie Place to house the existing big black bins. The application documents are online at www.westminster.gov.uk/planning where you can make comments. Please use the reference number 23/08633/FULL as the primary search criteria.
Edna House, Norfolk Square
We visited older residents in Edna House and discussed the forthcoming Mayoral elections, the Freedom Pass and health and fitness activities. We also helped one resident who overpaid their Council Tax and will now be getting a refund.
Jamuna, 38 Southwick Street
Jamuna is now open offering “contemporary cuisine celebrating the diverse regional tasting across South Asia with a British twist.” For more details see https://jamuna.co.uk/
St Michael’s Street
We asked the Highways Team to remove redundant temporary signs and barriers from St Michael’s Street.
Sussex Gardens
This is not something you see every day along Sussex Gardens! https://twitter.com/marc_laz/status/1740408646805205170
Edgware Road area
Edgware Road restaurants
We asked the City Inspectors to investigate a number of Edgware Road restaurants after a resident sent us photos “showing their relaxed attitude to health and safety in relation to the shisha coals. This includes balancing hot coals atop tables and using a leaf blower to ignite the flames outside Connaught Court.”
The City Inspectors say, “The pictures show that this is dangerous and unacceptable. We will review whether the premises is adhering to its licensing objectives and ask the health and safety team to see if a notice can be given.”
Trip hazard pavements
We asked TfL to fix uneven pavement slabs causing a serious trip hazard outside 76 Edgware Road and outside 80 Edgware Road.
Edgware Road/Harrowby Street
Following discussions with BT, the phone box on the corner of Harrowby Street has been cleaned and is now locked to stop it being used to store mattresses and bedding.
The Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
38-47a Chapel Street
Following our enquiries on behalf of residents, the Housing Department has now fixed the faulty lighting. The faulty light on the Transept Street gate has been reattached and the car park and stairwell lights have been converted to LED lighting.
In addition, the Waste Collection team has installed a new Paladin bin in the chute room.
We asked the Homeless Team to help those sleeping in the doorway at the corner of Chapel Street and Transept Street. The Homeless Team said, “I’ll ask the outreach team to attend and make contact.”
Hyde Park Mansions
We have asked the Police and Freshwater to take action to close down a brothel in Block 10 Hyde Park Mansions. Residents say, “the flat is a brothel judging not only by the numbers of customers that ring the wrong doorbells, knock on the wrong doors, wedge the front doors open and generally stomp up and down the stairs throughout the night in and out of that flat.”
The Police say, “we will conduct a visit to the address and see if we can speak to the persons inside. Check on their wellbeing and explain what will happen should it continue. If any offences are disclosed we will deal with them.” The Police also advise residents “to contact 999 if arguments are going on, in the early hours, and it appears that violence is imminent”.
Old Marylebone Road
We contacted TfL after receiving this message from a Wallace Court resident, “A portaloo has been placed outside Wallace Court. It has been there for a week now! I would be very grateful for anything your team may be able to do to ensure that it is removed urgently.”
Cabbell Street/Chappell Street
We told the e-bike operators to remove dumped e-bikes on the pavement on Cabbell and Chapel Streets. The Council say, “This is not a bay location and I have requested them to check on their apps and asked for all vehicles to be removed asap.”
Marylebone Road
We asked the Homeless Persons Team to visit a person sleeping in the tent in the middle of Marylebone Road and offer assistance. The Team say, “I have arranged for the Outreach team to visit this area and to discuss interventions with the person who is clearly sleeping in a very difficult and risky area.”
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
South Wharf Road
We asked the Highways Team to fix uneven pavement slabs outside the entrance of Westcliffe as this is a serious trip hazard along the most used pedestrian route to St Mary’s hospital. The Highways Team say, “I visited site and raised a works order to repair the rocking paving stone.”
West End Quay
We met residents and management of West End Quay to discuss (a) Short letting and unlicensed letting, (b) Recycling (c) Street security including the Romanian gangs (d) Street cleanliness and Rental bike parking. After the meeting we received this message. “After your visit and subsequent connections made with the waste team, we have received 5 new bins allowing the team and residents to recycle more waste. We are also moving to food waste in the new year.”
5 Harbet Road
We have been contacted by residents of 5 Harbet Road who say there has been a decline in the service delivered which includes the gripper carpet at the entrance door being loose, bins not being emptied, heat detectors going off frequently and being ignored, drug dealing taking place on the stairways. We have written to Octavia to ask when these outstanding issues will be fixed.
Hermitage Street
We asked the Highways Team to remove redundant temporary barriers from Hermitage Street.
Montgomery House, Harrow Road
We again wrote to Peabody about the problems being endured by one of their tenants who is living in appalling conditions following a serious water leak from above. The resident says, “In the last 2 years, the water leaks non-stop, there is a large hole in the ceiling, and every day I have to collect the water and throw it out of the apartment. Now is the winter period where, because of the cold, I have to close the windows, but I can’t breathe because of the smell and mould, so I have to sleep and stay in the kitchen.”
We also asked Peabody to replace the damaged floor tiles in the entrance lobby which are causing a danger for residents. Peabody say, “This has now been raised with our repairs team”.
Harrow Road
We asked the Highways Team to fix a paving stone causing a pedestrian hazard outside 135 Harrow Road.
Dudley House
We contacted Getir after receiving this message from a Dudley House resident, “It was Sunday around 5am, a very loud truck once again did not let my building sleep, It was from Getir, the supermarket in our building. Please ask them to be considerate and respect the community “