HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – April 2026
News from your Hyde Park Labour Councillors Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg and Action Team member Nigel Medforth
Dear Resident,
The last few weeks have again been very busy.
As Lord Mayor, on 12th March, Paul visited Marylebone Boys School in North Wharf Road, to meet the new Head who starts in September. The school will start admitting girls in September 2027 and is changing its name to Marylebone Academy.
We all joined Paul on one of his ‘Lord Mayor’s Walks’ around Hyde Park Ward on 21st March, joined by local residents.
We attended the Hyde Park Ward community celebration bringing together Nowruz, Eid and Easter, organised by ‘Together in Westminster’, on 28th March at Norfolk Crescent gardens.
Judith and Nigel feature in Rachel Blake MP’s latest video on the problems caused by illegal Airbnb short term lets in Hyde Park Ward https://www.facebook.com/reel/1298350732154724
Over the past four years, we have worked tirelessly on your behalf. As well, as getting things done quickly and efficiently on day-to-day issues, here are examples of what we have been doing to improve life for residents https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/hyde-park/2026/03/29/getting-things-done-in-hyde-park-ward/
You can read the Labour Manifesto for the Council Elections here https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/manifesto/
The Council has published three Retail Strategies for Edgware Road, Praed Street and Bayswater/ Lancaster Gate https://paddington-bayswaterhighstreets.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/v3/retail-strategies?step=step1
Westminster City Council is freezing the main Westminster element of Council Tax for 2026/27 to help residents deal with cost-of-living pressures. The adult social care precept that funds care for the elderly and disabled will see a below-inflation rise of just two percent, meaning the Westminster share of the bill that Band D payers receive will increase by just 20p a week and maintain the second lowest Council Tax in the country. https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/keeping-council-tax-low-while-investing-our-communities
The Freedom Pass has been saved after Labour Councils blocked the threat to free travel for over-65s in London.
We hold a regular advice surgery at St John’s Parish Hall, Hyde Park Crescent. The next advice surgery will be on Thursday 2nd April 2026, 6pm-7pm.
Every week we go door-knocking to ask residents if there are any local issues on which we can help. Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance at hplabour@gmail.com.
We post regular local news on Facebook at https://facebook.com/LabourHydePark
NEWS AND ACTION
The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road, Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens
Clarendon Mews
We asked the Street Lighting Team to investigate a streetlight at the entrance to Clarendon Mews which was fixed recently but seems to on in the day and off in the night!
Hyde Park Crescent
We asked the City Inspectors to remove an abandoned bike attached to the bike stands outside 9 Hyde Park Crescent.
Hyde Park Street
We asked the Highways Team to create ‘dropped kerbs’ along the pavement at the entrance to the car park at the southern end of Hyde Park Street.
We asked the Team to request the telecoms box nearby is painted black in the line with the Council’s Street Furniture design guide.
We also asked the Cycling Team to consider an alternative site, at the other side of Hyde Park Street, for the e-bike hire parking bay.
Stanhope Place
We asked the Cycling Team to investigate the signage at Stanhope Place after receiving this comment from a resident, “Please can you do something about the cyclists constantly ignoring the signs to dismount at all the road closures. They all just instead mount the pavement; the whole area has become exceptionally dangerous and hostile to pedestrians.”
Resurfacing of Stanhope Place is planned for the first week of April, at which point the carriageway will be reopened.
Albion Close
We asked the Highways Team to resurface the road at the corner of Albion Close and Albion Street, which is very uneven and has cracks on the side.
Sussex Square
We asked the Short Term Lets Enforcement Team to investigate a property in Sussex Square being used as an Airbnb illegal short term let. The Team says, “We reviewed the Airbnb page again, and it seems the property is active again, with several days blocked out. We will visit the property and issue a planning contravention notice.”
Connaught Square
We asked the Parking Team to investigate this issue, “It would be great to put up some signs reminding visitors using Connaught Square to park just outside the congestion zone that it’s not a public toilet. Like those Westminster has in Soho.”
We also asked the City Inspectors to fine those responsible for dumping rubbish outside a property in Connaught Square.
Connaught Village Green
It’s great to see the daffodils out at Connaught Village Green, bringing extra colour and life to the area. Some dog owners are still allowing their dogs to use the area as a toilet. Please stop so that the rest of us can enjoy the planting.
Portsea Place/Kendall Street
We again asked the City Inspectors to issue fines for rubbish dumping by the tree at the corner of Portsea Place and Kendall Street.
Somers Crescent
Following concerns raised by residents, we asked the Street Lighting Team to check lighting levels in Somers Crescent. The investigation recommends the installation of a more powerful lantern to bring the lighting levels to the correct standard and “our service provider has been instructed to change 4 Small Grey Wornum lanterns so the correct lighting levels can be achieved.”
The Water Gardens
We asked the Church Commissioners to fix both lifts in The Water Gardens, one of which has been out of use for over a month, and people often get stuck in the second lift which is the only one that works.
The Quadrangle
We asked the Planning Enforcement Team to take action to stop an illegal Airbnb short term let at The Quadrangle. The Team says, “We now have sufficient evidence to prove a breach of planning control, and I have issued warning letters to all parties with a legal interest in the property stating Council’s intent to serve Enforcement Notices on the property.”
Norfolk Crescent
We asked the Highways Team to fix an exposed Thames Water cover outside the Heron Pub on Norfolk Crescent which a serious pedestrian trip hazard.
Raynham, Norfolk Crescent
Last year, we asked the Planning Enforcement Team to investigate the use of the Raynham car park to exhibit sports cars without planning permission. The Team says, “The City Council has received confirmation that the unauthorised use occurred in breach of the lease agreement for the car park. The sub lessee has confirmed that this use will not reoccur, and this has been further confirmed by the head lessee for the car park.”
Portsea Hall
During World War Two, the underground car park at Portsea Hall was Shelter No. 3 for the Borough of Paddington. It was converted to accommodate 600 people in relative safety and comfort and contained separate sections for women and men, as well as a recreation room, a canteen and toilet facilities. The shelter was available to other residents not living in Portsea Hall.
Tyburn Convent cockerel
We hope that things are now quieter for St George’s Fields residents. One resident says, “All is well now, I am not being bothered by cockerels crowing. Thanks again and very much appreciated. Other residents said, “We are within earshot of said cockerel and have no problems with its occasional crowing! Indeed, we welcome having some sounds of the countryside within our very urban environment…makes a change from noisy cars and motorbikes roaring up and down!”
Marble Arch
Construction work for the temporary 546 seat theatre started on 1st April. A fence line will be installed around the grassed area and part of the hard standing in front of the Arch to allow for a safe working area. Vehicle access and egress onto the hard standing area will be from Park Lane. The build and fit out is expected to take between 5-6 weeks after which there will be a two-week testing period before opening in early June.
Hyde Park to Marylebone Cycleway (C43)
Information on the Hyde Park to Marylebone Cycleway (C43) is available on the website Community Forum – C43 Cycleway – Commonplace where you can see information on the whole scheme, construction programme, phasing and FAQs. If you have any questions please contact the Public Liaison Officer, Bob Burton at 07760 962103 or email Cycleway43@wsp.com.
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
Star Street
Work on the new Star Street pavements is progressing well, with new pavements replacing the old uneven paving stones, making it safer for residents and pedestrians walking down the street. One resident said, “Just to say how nice the new paving in Star Street looks, and how excellent the team from Conway’s have been.”
Star Street/Southwick Street
We asked the Trees Team to investigate this suggestion from a resident, “I know that Star Street is too narrow for trees, but I wondered if a flowering tree could be planted on the corner of Star Street and Southwick Street.”
Praed Street
We asked the Highways Team for an update on this issue, “Residents of West End Quay are desperate to see the removal of the temporary traffic lights at the junction of Praed Street and South Wharf Road. Also, for the reopening of Junction Place, which has been closed.”
You can see details of the next steps for the Praed Street Place Plan here
Sussex Gardens
We asked the Trees Team to investigate this issue raised by a resident, “There are wonderful cherry laurel plants around 200 Sussex Gardens that have been allowed to grow over the footpath and people now have trouble walking in that very busy area.”
St Mary’s Hospital
‘Community Matters’ is a regular update about what’s new at St Mary’s Hospital. It includes stories about the hospital, patient and staff stories, opportunities to get involved, and more. You can subscribe at
https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/about-us/get-involved/stay-in-touch
If you have any questions or comments on the redevelopment plans for St Mary’s Hospital, please get in touch with the team at imperial.redevelopment@nhs.net.
Edgware Road
Black Sheep Coffee Shop,124 Edgware Road
The City Inspectors tell us that the Black Sheep Coffee shop remains a concern due to ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour and suspected drug dealing occurring outside the premises. In response, a Council camera has been deployed to monitor the area. Additionally, photographic evidence has been obtained of an individual believed to be involved and shared with agencies that are patrolling the area.
Marylebone flyover
We again asked TfL to remove the graffiti on the Marylebone Flyover.
Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Chapel Street
We asked the Street Lighting Team to fix a defective streetlight at the corner of Chapel Street and Cabbell Street.
Block 15 Hyde Park Mansions
We again asked the police to investigate the regular vandalism at Block 15 Hyde Park Mansions by a group of squatters. The police say, “The team have night shifts coming up and will pay Hyde Park Mansions some attention. The owners of the building are looking into ways to make the building more secure.”
245 Old Marylebone Road
We asked the Planning Enforcement Team to investigate the works that have been undertaken at 245 Old Marylebone Road without planning permission. The Team has confirmed that investigations are underway.
We also asked TfL to deploy additional traffic wardens to the area to deal with irresponsible and dangerous parking on the red route. The Parking Marshals issued parking fines to vans parking illegally in residents’ bays in Cabbell Street while working at the premises.
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Harrow Road
We asked the Parking Team to investigate this issue raised by a resident,
“Is the council aware of the illegal cab rank which has appeared on Harrow Road, around to Bishops Bridge Road? For the last couple of weeks black cabs are sitting on double yellow lines and white zig zag lines.”
The Team says, “I had a meeting with the taxi trade. The reduction in flight traffic at the airport means more drivers are in town rather than out at Heathrow and the higher price of fuel drives taxis more toward ranks than just “circulating”. TfL are working to ensure the rank is functioning properly, with all internal lanes utilised to minimise overspill. And the driver associations will remind drivers not to block turnings or zigzags.”
Paddington Station/St Mary’s Hospital
We asked the Highways Team to investigate a water main leak in the path next to St Mary’s Hospital between Paddington Station and the canal. and We also requested a thorough sweeping of the path.
Sheldon Square
We received the following message from a Sheldon Square resident, “Thank you for kindly assisting me to persuade British Land to re-instate the lights on the Silver Grand Union Canal Bridge over the Grand Union Canal (at the back of Sheldon Square).”
Merchant Square
We asked the Merchant Square Management Team to repair and re-instate the Merchant Square Grand Union Canal Bridge Accessibility Lift, which has now been out of service for a couple of weeks now. The Team says, “The lift is currently out of service following a fault identified today. The issue has been escalated as a priority, and our maintenance contractor has been instructed to attend.”
UPDATE – The lift is back working again, and residents say, “Thank you so much for your kind update. This is great news!”
Montgomery House
We are helping a resident whose flat in Montgomery House needs major works requiring them to move out temporarily.
Aster House
We continue to urge Octavia/Abri to fix the hot water problems in Aster House.
Dudley House
We asked the Housing Team to arrange an urgent meeting with Pinnacle to discuss the number of illegal Airbnb short term lets in Dudley House, taking social housing away from people in housing need. One resident told us, “It is numerous flats on every level. The number of suitcases and tourists I meet in the lift is obvious that it’s not visitors to residents.”
Westway and Marylebone Flyover closure
Until late-April 2026, the A40 will be closed in both directions between the Westway roundabout and Marylebone Flyover. This includes the Marylebone Flyover. More information is available at: https://www.tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events/a40-westway-works
This is to allow safety-critical renewal work on the flyover structure. Parts of the structure have reached the end of their service life and TfL has been carrying out renewal works for several years. The next phase of work involves replacing two joints on the Marylebone Flyover section of the Westway. The joints allow the flyover to safely expand and contract with temperature changes and vehicle movements.
Promoted by Jonathan Charles on behalf of the Hyde Park Labour Councillors and candidates, all at 4g Shirland Mews, London W9 3DY