PIMLICO, SOHO, MARYLEBONE AND WEST END LABOUR ACTION REPORT – December 2021
News from your Westminster Labour Councillors
NEWS AND ACTION
PIMLICO
Raw sewage dumping
The River Trust map of raw sewage dumping indicates several sewers along the river by Churchill Gardens, Dolphin Square and Tachbrook Estate spilled raw sewage for hundreds of hours last year. We will continue our campaign to ban raw sewage disposal
https://www.theriverstrust.org/key-issues/sewage-in-rivers
Tachbrook Estate
Pimlico South candidates Liza Begum. Robert Eagleton and Jason Williams have been speaking with Tachbrook Estate residents to understand how we can improve the local community and are working hard fix the issues we’ve found. We have helped residents facing housing issues (over-crowding and the threat of eviction) and called on Peabody to speed up maintenance, repairs, and the installation of double-glazing (a vital issue given rising energy prices).
Thomson House, Bessborough Place
We have contacted Peabody to urge them to take action to resolve long-standing repairs issues in Thomson House.
Dolphin Square
We are supporting residents who are calling for food waste recycling collection service at Dolphin Square:
“I live in Dolphin Square, and we have no food collection for food waste. While this is something I think it would be good for the management to address, if the council can organise a weekly pickup, or organise places close by we can take food waste, I think it would be good. With 1200 flats in the blocks, what a huge amount of waste we must be making.”
Longleat House
Following our enquiries about water penetration into flats in Longleat House, the Housing Department tells us:
“We are aware several properties along the same walkway are all experiencing similar issues with leakage from the staircase/slope above, brickwork stringer or walkway surface. We have requested our roofing contractor to provide a quotation to resurface the staircase/slope, repoint the brickwork stringer and partial resurface of the open communal walkway.”
Hugh Street
We have again asked the Council to take action to improve state of the pavement outside the Blue Cross Animal Hospital on Hugh Street. Residents say, “unless it rains, the pavement is filthy with urine and dried excrement stains.”
The Council has investigated the situation and has told us:
“It appears the member of staff responsible for washing the frontage each morning has left the organisation, but they will reassign it this week and ensure it is spot checked daily. The hospital do provide dog bags and have also promised to convey the need to clean up to their clients. The Council’s animal welfare team will provide them with a good stock of bags and erect some signage and posters to reaffirm these messages.”
Housing issues
You can read Churchill Ward Councillor Liza Begum’s recent Council speech about the dire state of the local housing situation
http://camdennewjournal.com/article/homes-crisis-kills-people
Proposed merger of Westminster Cathedral and St. Vincent De Paul primary schools.
We have heard from many residents concerned about the proposed merger of Westminster Cathedral and St. Vincent De Paul Catholic primary schools.
Unfortunately, Westminster Cathedral is under-subscribed because there is a lack of genuinely affordable housing and families cannot afford to live in Westminster. We are now working with parents, staff, and councillors to get answers to basic questions.
Pimlico Academy
Councillor Liza Begum recently met with the Pimlico Academy principal, along with Councillor Tim Roca. Liza says:
“I am cautiously optimistic after hearing that there have been a number of positive changes, including student representation and direct engagement with the Senior Leadership Team. I was also pleased that Mr Oulton was very honest and frank about the errors of his predecessor. Students and parents have gone through a traumatic time and I look forward to working with Mr Oulton to rebuild trust.”
Sir Simon Milton University Technical College, Sutherland Street
The Sir Simon Milton Westminster University Technical College is to close. It opened in September 2017 and specialised in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for 14–19 year-olds. The Council says:
“Due to continued low pupil numbers, the Department for Education has now taken a decision to close the UTC in August 2022. A listening exercise taking into consideration the views of students, parents, staff and stakeholders has concluded and a final decision will be taken by the Dept for Education. The site will remain in educational use whatever the outcome of the current discussions and a small number of education providers have expressed an interest.”
VINCENT SQUARE WARD
Abbey Orchard Estate
At the request of residents, we have asked the Recycling Team to supply recycling bags to Abbey Orchard Estate residents. Following our intervention, residents told us:
“Many thanks once again for your prompt response and solution to my problem regarding recycling bags for housing association tenants. I received an e mail this morning from a recycling manager for WCC with an offer to supply both types of bag which I have happily accepted!”
Horseferry Road
Vic Keegan writes about Horseferry Road got its name
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/vic-keegans-lost-london-213-how-horseferry-road-got-its-name/
ST JAMES’S
Great Peter Street
We have asked the Highways Team to check that the bollards by the zebra crossing on Great Peter Street are wide enough to allow wheelchair access.
Aldwych/Strand pedestrianisation project – what you say
“I think it’s an outrageous misuse of public funds to finance an unnecessary development like this, particularly as the organisations that will benefit from the development aren’t contributing any funding”
Casino plan for Huguenot House site – what you say
“I agree that the plan for a casino where Huguenot House is not good It would probably cause a reduction in residential accommodation. Central London needs residential accommodation to support the infrastructure that makes Westminster the vibrant place it is.”
SOHO
Hopkins Street
Residents in Hopkins Street wrote to us to express concerns about staff working on the construction site being rude. In addition, residents demand the following:
“Can you confirm the space provided is approved? Where are the signs that are meant to around the site? No alternative route for access to a building with 60+ homes.”
Public toilets
We are supporting the Soho Society’s campaign for more public toilets
https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/soho-letterboxes-peed-through-uks-22186912
Last Night in Soho
Clive Jennings writes a review of ‘Last Night in Soho’
Soho Society
You can read the latest Soho Society newsletter here
https://mailchi.mp/23ee28aae95a/gridlock-13404301?e=5acbd6b741
FITZROVIA
Putting planters in place
The FitzWest Neighbourhoood Forum, whose planning document for Fitzrovia was recently approved, are consulting on installing street planters in the neighbourhood. Greening has a number of benefits. including improving air quality, deterring fly tipping and rubbish dumping, and improving the street’s appearance.
Al fresco
The al fresco scheme in Fitzrovia proved largely successful, with residents and businesses finding it added vibrancy to the neighbourhood. This is in marked contrast to the scheme in Soho, where the Council turned its back on residents which in turn led to very many problems for local people.
We’re therefore pressing the Council to consider reintroducing al fresco to Fitzrovia, subject to important conditions – the Council should carry out proper consultation, and it should consider how wealth generated by landlords in any new al fresco scheme is taxed appropriately.
Fitzrovia Rubbish Action Committee
The Fitzrovia Rubbish Action Committee (FRAC) recently met with social housing group One Housing to explain their work to try to tackle fly-tipping and rubbish dumping in the area. FRAC urged One Housing to ensure they communicate effectively and more proactively with their tenants – most of whom follow the rules, with a small minority letting fellow tenants and residents down. They have agreed to come back to us in the New year for us to evaluate actions they’re taking and see how well they’re progressing.
Oxford Street
Fitzrovia resident Nick Bailey writes about the future of Oxford Street
Great Portland Street
The George public house on the corner of Great Portland Street and Mortimer Street has re-opened after a lengthy closure and a major refurbishment. Publican Dominic Jacobs and culinary director James Knappett will follow up the opening of the pub on the ground floor with the “Upstairs at The George” first floor restaurant in February 2022.
Great Titchfield Street
A shop in Great Titchfield Street has had its licence to sell alcohol suspended after a police raid found drugs hidden in sweet packets, according to a council report. Officers recovered a stash of class B drugs and cash at Fashion and Media News in Great Titchfield Street. The raid on October 4 prompted an emergency hearing at Westminster Council which voted to suspend the shop’s licence to sell alcohol pending an investigation.
Foley Street
A new part-time community cafe has been launched at the Fitzrovia Centre, 2 Foley Street. The staff plan to expand the offer in early 2022 providing funds can be raised. Called Fitz Friends, the cafe is open from 2pm to 4pm on Mondays and from 10am to 12noon on Fridays. There is also an invitation to residents to set up a club or activity at the cafe. “This could be a knitting club, a book club, or you could even bring some board games,” say the staff.
Film about Fitzrovia
A film about the history of Fitzrovia and the campaign by local people to restore derelict buildings for social housing and affordable retail premises — and create public open space — has been rediscovered, 35 years after it was produced. The 25-minute film was made for The Fitzrovia Trust by Channel 4 in 1986 soon after the Trust was set up. You can read more here
MAYFAIR
Carrington Street
At the request of residents in Garrick House, we have asked the Highways Team to investigate this issue:
“Since Carrington Street was temporarily rendered a dead-end road by the major works at the site of the former NCP car park, we have seen increased use of the road by commercial vehicles making deliveries to traders in the Shepherd Market area. We have also seen a greater proportion of such vehicles making three-point turns to exit the street, rather than reversing out into the Market. Some of these manoeuvres have recently resulted in vehicles riding up over the eastern Carrington Street pavement and striking the railings alongside our three blocks.”
Aldford Street/Park Street junction
We have asked the Council to take action to stop the regular illegal rubbish dumping at this location Residents say:
“In the past few months this quiet corner has become a nightly dumping ground for fly-tippers. Can the council take action, please? Put up CCTV perhaps to catch the culprits?”
Climate grants from Grosvenor
Grosvenor say:
“Do you have an idea for improving your local environment? We know that working together at every level is key to igniting an incredible climate response. You know what’s going to work in your neighbourhood! So, if you are part of an organisation or charity with a project in mind, we want to hear from you.
Grants of up to £30,000 are available through our new ‘Greener Futures Fund’ in partnership with the London Community Foundation. If you have any questions, please email: greenerfutures@grosvenor.com”
MARYLEBONE
M&S Oxford Street
We have called on M&S to rethink plans for new Oxford Street Store. Ten storeys high, the new building embodies 39,500 tonnes of carbon. The new M&S does use less carbon than the current one, but it will take 15/16 years for the ongoing savings to make up for the upfront 39,500 tonnes. That’s great news for the 2040s but no use tackling the climate emergency today.
If M&S is determined to go ahead with the new building, we urge them use the low carbon construction techniques recommended by their own consultants. These include replacing 50% of cement with ground granulated blast furnace slag and using structural steel from electric arc furnaces.
House of Fraser, Oxford Street
The House of Fraser building on Oxford Street is set for a facelift after Westminster Council approved plans to refurbish the building. The building was built in 1937 and originally occupied by department store DH Evans and is currently home to House of Fraser. The building will be given an extensive refurbishment of its exterior and convert its upper floors into office space and a top floor restaurant.
However, House of Fraser will be closing its store in January, saying “it was being forced to exit the building after being served notice by its landlord.”
£6 Million Marble Arch Mound
It is costing Westminster Council Tax-payers about £150,000 a month to keep the Marble Arch Mound open to the public. The Council had planned to charge visitors for entry to recoup some of the £6 million it has cost to build the Mound. But, because the Mound failed to live up to the Council’s misguided high expectations, the Council was forced to scrap entry charges.
The costs have trebled from £2 million to £6 million and the Deputy Leader of the Council, who was responsible for the debacle, has resigned. The £6 million could have been put to much better use – for example, on CCTV to catch illegal rubbish dumpers or on more police on the beat or on re-opening the youth clubs that were closed by the Council a few years ago.
HYDE PARK WARD
Cambridge Square/Southwick Street
We asked the Council to issue fines to those responsible for a large amount of illegal rubbish dumping by the post box on the corner of Cambridge Square and Southwick Street. The Council told us, “an officer has visited the location and a Fixed Penalty Notice is to be served for residential fly tipping at this location.” We also asked for a nearby telecoms box to be secured and the graffiti removed.
Bouverie Place
Following our enquiries to the Highways Team about the delay in installing promised double yellow lines on one side of Bouverie Place, residents tell us:
“Great news, the double yellow lines were done on the opposite side of the road yesterday! They have also added the suspension of the bays to my side of the road for the same day for the repairs. Thank you for all your help in this!”
The double yellow lines will prevent parking on both sides of the road and allow emergency vehicles to access St Mary’s Hospital.
38-47a Chapel Street
Following our enquiries about installing bike racks for residents of 38-47a Chapel Street, the Housing Department tells us that, “The installation of bike racks will be completed by the end of January 2021.”
In addition, we also asked if a sign could be installed on Chapel Street informing delivery people that the entrance to the flats is in Transept Street. The Housing Department say, “We will put up a temporary laminated paper sign to direct individuals to the entrance whilst the sign is put up by January 2021.”
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2021/12/02/success-in-chapel-street/
Sheldon Square
Over recent months we have been pressing Notting Hill Genesis, Network Housing, Paddington Central and First Port to come to an agreement on the location of the long-promised air-conditioning units for residents in Sheldon Square. We recently received some good news from Paddington Central who tell us, “we have now reached agreement with First Port on the location on the units”. We will now be pressing all concerned to install the air conditioning units as soon as possible. Residents say, “This is indeed good news and thank you for your help!”
Following our call on the management at Paddington Central to install signs urging bar and restaurant patrons to keep their noise down in the evening, new signs recently appeared in Sheldon Square.
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2021/11/11/keep-the-noise-down-in-sheldon-square/
Travis Perkins site, Harrow Road
Unite Students and Travis Perkins have submitted revised proposals to the Council. The main changes are very minimal:
- The proposed building is now stepped from 6 – 20 storeys, as opposed to the original proposal, which was 7 – 22 storeys.
- The number of student beds has been reduced from 843 to 768 – just 75 fewer
You can see more at www.balticwharfpaddington.co.uk
Over 120 objections were made to the original proposals. You can object to the revised proposals on-line at https://idoxpa.westminster.gov.uk/onlineapplications/ reference 21/04536/FULL. Or you can send an email to northplanningteam@westminster.gov.uk giving your name and home address and reference 21/04536/FULL.
We will continue to support residents’ objections to the revised proposals.
Chilworth Street
We are supporting residents’ request that lights should be attached to the new hoardings around the building at 40 Eastbourne Terrace. Residents say:
“As opposed to the area on Eastbourne Terrace, no lights were installed on the Chilworth Street side on the wall around the site. As a result, the area between Eastbourne Terrace and Eastbourne Mews is extremely dark in the evening. This is a security issue and is causing garbage to be left in the area. Unsurprisingly, the wall there was already graffitied last night”
Update – Residents tell us:
“Thank you very much for your support with this. I can confirm that lights have now been installed on the wall along Chilworth Street, which is really great. Thanks again for your help.”
WESTMINSTER WIDE
Council Tax
We have called for No Rise in Council Tax until at least 2024. As residents face a challenging winter with rising prices and energy bills, they want to know that they aren’t going to have any nasty surprises in the spring in when it comes to Council Tax.
Labour Councillors will vote against any increase in Council Tax until at least 2024 to try to help residents through these difficult times. We think that at the very least Council Tax should be frozen at its current rate, while further efforts are made to protect those on low incomes.
Green New Deal for Westminster
We have launched a Green New Deal for Westminster which sets out a clear, ambitious agenda to achieve the change we desperately need. Key measures include:
- Appointing a Cabinet Member with responsibility for climate action. This will be pivotal to driving change from day one of a Labour Council.
- Implementing a Net Zero Test for all decisions to assess the climate impact of decisions made, and a sustainable approach to procurement.
- Seeking to refurbish first rather than demolish, putting real emissions standards on all developments, and retrofitting our existing housing.
- Driving a green recovery and a just transition, with a Local Climate Bond for investments in our neighbourhoods, a focus on green jobs, and training available to all.
- Starting recovery in the streets, with a commitment to 15-minute neighbourhoods, new tree planting, and high streets that attract customers with active travel infrastructure.
In the spirit of working collaboratively with others we are keen to hear from residents, experts, and other stakeholders about how to develop and build on this plan. So please do get in touch with us to share your thoughts.
Westminster Foodbank
The Westminster Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network of Foodbanks. The foodbank provides nutritionally balanced non-perishable food to residents in Westminster experiencing financial crisis through a referral system. The foodbank is currently operating an Appointment Only Collection Service. Clients can be referred by one of the following agencies:
- Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau: 0300 330 1191 (freephone – 0808 278 7834)
- The Cardinal Hume Centre, (Pimlico): Tel: 020 7227 1673
- Local Support Payments: Tel: 020 7745 6464.
www.westminsterchapel.org.uk/ministries/foodbank/
Voting by post
It is much easier, quicker and safer to vote by post. You can use this form to apply for a postal vote
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/sites/default/files/postal-vote-application-form.pdf
You can email your completed form to electoralservices@westminster.gov.uk or post it to Electoral Services, Westminster City Council, 14th Floor City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP.
Refuse collection and Recycling collection times
Recycling bags can be ordered from https://webforms.westminster.gov.uk/order-recycling-bags/. Bags will be delivered within approximately 10 days of order. You can check when refuse and recycling is collected from your street here http://transact.westminster.gov.uk/env/streetsearch.aspx
Report It
You can report dumped rubbish, broken pavements, defective streetlights and more on the Report It service.https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it
Electric Car charging points
Charging points have been installed in lamp columns across the area and you can register your interest in having a lamp post charger installed near you by completing the form below. You can also register an interest in having stand-alone charging posts installed in your local area.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/request-vehicle-charging-point
Coronavirus (Covid-19) UPDATE
Interactive Map
You can see the latest data for your area here
https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map
‘Westminster Extra’
You can read the ‘Westminster Extra’ on-linehttps://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=09649383-4dbb-4a3d-b164-9d26398578f3
What you say
“Lots of interesting items which I don’t see reported in the every-day press”
“I read the latest Action Report with, as always, enormous gratitude for all the hard work being done for us by the Labour Team.”
“Thank you for continuing to keep us all up to date on local issues”
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
Please feel free to pass this report to your neighbours. If you know of anyone else who might like to receive this report, please send them this sign-up link https://bit.ly/labour-news
Please keep safe, stay well and look after yourself and your neighbours.
Regards
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg
Labour City Management spokesperson
Westminster City Council
Your Labour Councillors can be contacted as follows
Churchill Ward – For details of ways to contact Councillor Liza Begum and Councillor Shamim Talukder, please see the Churchill Labour website
West End Ward – You can contact Councillor Pancho Lewis by email or telephone.