PIMLICO, SOHO, MARYLEBONE AND WEST END LABOUR ACTION REPORT – March 2022
News from your Westminster Labour Councillors
NEWS AND ACTION
PIMLICO
Warwick Way
Residents have asked us to urge the Council to take action to stop the continued blocking of the pavement on Warwick Way.
Residents say there is “a full-scale obstruction to pedestrians’ use of the pavement. Yesterday in the late morning, there were 3 motorbikes against the Domino and Fara shop building wall. 4 were badly parked on the roadway to the point that they intruded as an obstruction on the pavement so only one pedestrian at a time could safely pass by. It is outrageous that they continue to ride roughshod over the needs and rights of the residents.”
Residents say, “As usual, you have worked wonders! The Domino delivery motorbikes that had blocked pedestrian access for months in front of their shop on Warwick Way have been cleared thanks to your intervention. Thank you!”
Unfortunately, the problem has re-occurred and we have asked the Council to take stronger action to ensure the pavement remains clear for pedestrians.
Denbigh Place
We have asked Adult Services to assist a vulnerable Sanctuary tenant in Denbigh Place.
We also asked Sanctuary to fix a blocked drain Denbigh Place. Residents told us, “I so appreciate not having to worry about the drains at the moment, thank you.”
Peabody properties
Councillor Liza Begum reports:
“Just had a really positive meeting with Peabody Association. I have asked that a internal stock condition survey is carried out on all Westminster properties and that the repairs team meet regularly with Residents Associations to ensure accessibility to services. I look forward to working with Peabody to ensure residents have habitable and safe homes to live in. I was extremely pleased to hear their plans on localising teams to ensure a more personal relationship with residents.”
Mary Smith’s Pantry
We are continuing to press the Council to provide toilet facilities for Mrs Smith’s Pantry and to find a long-term base for their activities. The Council say, “we are progressing the order of the toilet block facility and in the meantime all food surplus volunteers have access to the Ebury Edge toilet facilities.”
Claverton Street
We have again urged the Housing Department to complete repairs to flats in Claverton Street.
Erskine House, Churchill Gardens
We have asked the Housing Department to deal with damp and other issues in a flat in Erskine House, Churchill Gardens.
Ebury Estate regeneration
Councillor Liza Begum reports:
“I was glad to have been invited to the Communities future group meeting discussing Ebury Regeneration. A lot of important information was shared, but there is a need for more resident engagement to ensure information is disseminated to all residents. I look forward to attending future meetings.
At this meeting I asked the Ebury regeneration team to organise a meeting with all leaseholders. This was agreed but the team are now reluctant. I have responded to the team insisting on a meeting.” A meeting will now take place in May.
A piling rig operated by Keltbray has overturned at the Ebury Bridge development site. A spokesperson from Bouygues UK, the main contractor on the Ebury Bridge Road site, said the incident involving the piling rig operated by Keltbray took place on 1 March. A Keltbray spokesperson also confirmed the incident and said: “Our health and safety site protocols were highly influential in ensuring there were no casualties or injuries. “The area has been made safe, and while investigations are continuing to fully understand the circumstances of the incident and a safe recovery plan developed, it would be inappropriate to comment further or speculate as to the cause.”
https://www.geplus.co.uk/news/piling-rig-topples-over-on-london-housing-development-03-03-2022/
VINCENT SQUARE WARD
Page Street
On one of our regular ‘Meet the Residents’ days we talked to people living in Abady and Edric Houses and took up a number of local housing issues.
Stubbs House
We have asked the Housing Department to improve the communal lighting in Stubbs House.
Hide Tower
We have reported residents’ concerns about the poor quality of the work recently undertaken to the communal areas of Hide Tower and asked the Housing Department to investigate.
St Ann’s Street Archives Centre under threat
According to a secret Council document, the Council is planning to close the purpose-built City of Westminster Archives on St Ann’s Street. The council document says, ‘it is proposed that the digitisation (of the archives) and off-site storage is explored and fully costed, with a view to repurposing the existing building’.
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/issues/2022/02/11/libraryclosuresrevealed/
ST JAMES’S
Villiers Street
We are making enquiries on behalf of residents about this issue:
“The council is proposing to pedestrianise Villiers Street except for a slot of 0630 to 1130 daily. This is causing great concern to residents and businesses in the street and streets nearby for many reasons. The whole thing is made much worse because the process, being via a Traffic Order, is not normally the subject of a public hearing. To make matters worse, the consultation, such as it was, took place during a lockdown and many residents and businesses were consequently unaware of it.”
Charing Cross Library under threat
According to a secret Council document, Charing Cross Library is under threat with plans to merge it with the Westminster Reference Library. The secret document also reveals the Council plans to break their promise to replace the St James’ Library.
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/issues/2022/02/11/libraryclosuresrevealed/
SOHO
Broadwick Street
We are supporting local residents’ objections to a proposed nightclub at National Magazine House. Residents in Stirling Court, William Blake House, Westminster Residences and elsewhere have objected to the proposed nightclub which will be open until 2am and will cause huge disturbance to people trying to sleep. The nightclub plans are inappropriate for an area with a high density of residents.
The Soho Society says:
“The tall buildings on Broadwick Street act to amplify the street level noise and another late-night venue will exacerbate the existing levels of antisocial behaviour. There are considerable problems with dispersal late at night in this area.”
You can comment on the proposals on the Council’s website, using ref 21/03136/FULL.
Residents say, “Many thanks for your continuing support. Living in Soho is becoming increasingly like being on a sinking ship!”
Wardour Street
An application under the Gambling Act has been submitted for 147 Wardour Street for a premises licence for an adult gaming centre for part of the basement. The rest of the basement and the ground floor would operate as a family entertainment centre. The application is for 9 am to 3 am every day. An adult gaming centre means gaming machines which have a maximum stake of £2 per game and winnings of up to £500.
Information on the application is on the Council’s website under reference 22/00920/LIGN.
Berwick Street
The local press reports on the problems caused for residents and shoppers by seagulls in Berwick Street
7 Dufour’s Place
At the request of residents, we have contacted Soho Housing Association and the Council’s Environmental Health team about long-standing heating issues.
Women’s Safety in the West End
In November, we ran a survey in response to concerns raised by women about their safety on the streets of the West End. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and experiences of what can be very difficult issues. We are taking action in response to the issues raised by the survey – and in particular the overwhelming need to improve policing and lighting in areas of the West End:
- West End ward candidate Jessica Toale has written about women’s safety for the latest edition of the My Soho Times. Read it here https://issuu.com/mysohotimes/docs/my_soho_times_spring_2022
- The Soho Ward Panel agreed to put women’s safety on the agenda at their last meeting. We presented the findings of the survey and highlighted issues identified by respondents to PC Muldoon.
- We are in the process of organising a walk around of Soho with an urban planner and lighting expert to determine what improvements can be made. Details will be shared shortly.
20th Century House
We are supporting the Soho Society’s petition to Save 20th Century House on Soho Square. Its owners, Royal London, have applied to demolish and rebuild the building. Not only would this detract from the square, losing a building with deep historical connection to the film industry, it would also release a massive amount of CO2. Refurbishing the building could save 9.6 thousand tonnes of CO2. You can sign the petition here https://www.change.org/p/royal-london-insurance-society-limited-royal-london-to-withdraw-its-application-to-demolish-20th-century-house-in-soho-square
Soho Radio
West End ward candidate Paul Fisher appeared on Soho Radio to talk politics, toilets, the Middle East and gambling! You can listen to it here.
FITZROVIA
Holcroft Court
We have asked the Council to clear graffiti from the wall at the southern entrance to Holcroft Court.
New Cavendish Street
We have reported rubbish dumping on New Cavendish Street to the Council. It is unacceptable for rubbish to be dumped on the pavement.
Bolsover Street
We have continued to urge Notting Hill Genesis to fix a broken entryphone at Tabron Court in Bolsover Street. NHG say:
“Unfortunately, there have been many delays on repairing door entry systems due to parts coming from Europe and the effect Brexit has had on sourcing these. Our M&E team are working on contracts within the UK and have advised that parts for this system should arrive by March 1st and then an appointment will be booked in to have this repaired. In the interim, our contractors will be reattending to see if there is anything they can do here before parts arrive.”
FitzWest Forum
We attended the FitzWest Forum’s to discuss plans to use their Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) allocation. Here is a note of the issues raised at the meeting
https://www.fitzwest.org/consultations/first-public-cil-meeting-fitzrovia/
Riding House Street
The University of Westminster is inviting local people to an open day on 29th March to learn about its plan to restore a small basement theatre at Riding House Street.
https://fitzrovianews.com/2022/03/04/plan-to-restore-fringe-theatre-in-riding-house-street/
MAYFAIR
Mayfair Library under threat
Leaked documents have revealed Westminster Council are quietly planning to close Mayfair Library. This has sparked outrage and very serious concern. With elections approaching on 5th May, we’re troubled that Westminster Conservatives appear to want to keep these plans secret. Our community deserves to have a say on the future of our libraries.
Councillor Pancho Lewis criticised the plans, saying “The threat to the future of Mayfair Library (and many others across Westminster) is particularly offensive to residents and tax-payers given that the Conservatives in Westminster recently wasted £6 million on the Marble Arch Mound eyesore.”
“Patrick Lilley, one of the three Labour candidates in the West End, added: “Mayfair Library is a huge community asset used by a multitude of local people and groups and should remain open. It’s disturbing that its future is at risk.” Do you agree? Please sign our petition:
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/issues/2022/02/11/libraryclosuresrevealed/
South Street
At the request of residents, we have asked the Parking Team to take action against the drivers who park outside 38 South Street and leave their engines idling. The Parking Team say, “The matter will be highlighted to the enforcement team for further investigation by the parking Marshals”.
St George’s, Hanover Square
We agree with the concerns of St George’s, Hanover Square about proposals to build a ‘bypass’ pavement around the portico of the church which would have the effect of marginalising the historic public right of way that runs through the portico.
Grosvenor Chapel Public Meeting
We attended a meeting of Mayfair residents at Grosvenor Chapel and raised the issues of noise created by nuisance pedicabs, the rise in anti-social behaviour and licensing in the area.
£6 million Marble Arch Mound
The scale of Boris Johnson’s Westminster Conservatives’ £6m Marble Arch Mound financial mismanagement has now come into sharp focus as Westminster Council unveils its budget for the next financial year. As a result of the Conservatives’ financial blunders:
- Council rents are going up £5 a week, bringing in £3m extra income.
- Parking charges are going up, too, raising £1m extra income.
- Adult Social Services are being cut by £500,000 and
- Mayfair Library is under threat of closure to save £200,000 a year in rent.
MARYLEBONE
Marble Arch Apartments, Harrowby Street
We are continuing to support residents in Marble Arch Apartments in Harrowby Street who are being subjected to appalling problems because of plans to build 8 flats on the roof of the building. Residents say:
- 45 people will be evicted from their homes for 8 months
- 350 people will be evicted for 2 months to fit sprinklers into flats which do not need them
- Millions of pounds will be levied in development costs on to the leaseholders without benefit and only for them to lose out from the development
- The residential leasehold block will be left in financial ruin by using money saved in a reserve fund for future maintenance and repairs, for development works that serve no benefit to the leaseholders.
Sherwood Court, Seymour Place
We are supporting Sherwood Court residents who are concerned about the fire risks associated with activities being carried out in the car park.
HYDE PARK WARD
Seymour Street
There are number of large potholes on Seymour Street, outside Lanchester Court. We have asked the Highways Team to fill in the potholes as they look like a potential hazard for cyclists, as well for pedestrians crossing the road. The Highways Team say, “I have passed this to one of my team to action.”
Cambridge Square
The basement areas of two houses in Cambridge Square are in a terrible state. Both houses look as if they might be abandoned or not lived in for a long time. We have asked the Council if they can contact the owners or managing agents and require them to keep their property tidy. It must be awful for the neighbours to live next to such a tip.
Southwick Street/Cambridge Square
We have asked the City Inspector to secure the lock to the telecoms box on Southwick Street, at the corner of Cambridge Square. If the box contents are vandalised it will create huge inconvenience for residents. The City Inspector says:
“This was raised with BT in November. I have been securing myself when I have been in the area. I have chased this today with BT.”
Star Street
Residents in Star Street have started to ‘name and shame’ people responsible for illegal rubbish dumping. Residents are displaying CCTV pictures of the illegal rubbish dumpers on a wall next to Number 1 Star Street as a way of deterring further illegal rubbish dumping. We are supporting this initiative and are asking residents:
What do you think of this as a way of tacking the epidemic of illegal rubbish dumping?
Should the Council be taking a lead on this by ‘naming and shaming’ rubbish dumpers on the Council website and displaying their pictures at rubbish dumping ‘hot spots’?
Residents say, “There is a strong pattern emerging here. It’s quite clear that the majority of dumping is conducted by a small group of repeat offenders.”
We have also asked the police in investigate reports of a property in Star Street where residents are involved in late night drug dealing/ASB.
Sussex Gardens
We have asked the Council to contact the hotel at the corner of Sussex Gardens and Talbot Square which continues to use its forecourt to store building materials as well rubbish. We have asked the Council to require the hotel to keep the area clear, as, at present, it is a real mess.
Eastbourne Terrace/Praed Street
We have asked the Highways Team to repair the road at the corner of Eastbourne Terrace and Praed Street which is in very poor condition. There is also a piece of the kerb which has become dislodged and is pedestrian hazard. The Highways Team say: “One of my team have been to site today and will be raising a job.”
Gloucester Mews
We have continued to liaise with the police and residents about the anti-social behaviour at a property at Gloucester Mews. We have also urged the Council to improve street lighting in the Mews. The Street Lighting Team say:
“We will look into installing an additional wall-light at this location above no.52, but that would be subject to getting an approved wayleave from the property owner to attach the light to their building.”
WESTMINSTER WIDE
Ukraine Appeal
We are standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine in their hour of need. You can support them in their struggle against Putin’s invasion here
https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
Council Tax
We voted for No Increase in Council Tax at last week’s Council meeting. 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.
We are 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.
Council Rents
We called on the Council to freeze Council rents. The Council budget included a Consumer Price Index inflation plus 1% rise in rents for council flats, shops, and other commercial properties owned by Westminster’s Housing Department. That’s the maximum rise local authorities are allowed to impose and works out an average increase of £5 a week.
Energy bills
We have called for local action to help with energy bills.
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
Recycling small electrical appliances
Any household electrical and electronic item that operates on a battery or has a plug and is smaller than 60cm in length and under 30cm in width and height, can be put in an on-street small electrical appliances recycling bin. For details of locations see https://www.westminster.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/reusing-and-other-recycling-services/how-recycle-electrical-appliances/small-electrical-appliances
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
Cargo bikes survey
The Council is asking Westminster businesses and residents to complete a 10-minute survey about using cargo bike services, such as deliveries, and household cargo bike use such as bringing home the weekly food shopping or moving large items (furniture etc). There’s a prize draw and responses will help shape future cargo bike projects.
Resident Survey:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CargoBikeRes
Business Survey:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CargoBikeBiz
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-line
What you say
“Thank you for all your great work. I live at Tachbrook Ward. You might have heard about the awful conditions that many residents are forced to live in, at the Lillington and Longmore Estates. Joseph Conrad House, Parkinson House, Forsyth House, Wisley House have very angry residents who might be willing to reconsider who they want to vote for, in the coming elections.”
“I was, as always, so grateful for all the hard work on residents’ behalf. I wish WCC weren’t so idiotic regarding Oxford Street, and demolishing the Marble Arch M & S building seems to be one of the worst ideas yet.”
“Thank you for the action report. Congratulations to Mayor Khan in his role that has led to the resignation of Commissioner Dick. I feel vindicated that I voted for Mayor Khan in the last mayoral election.”
“Thank you so much for your continued support. You have no idea how grateful we all are to you. We know that in you, we have someone who actually cares and will listen to us.”
“I am always so impressed by your persistence – you make such a huge difference to the community as a result.”
“I must personally congratulate you for your article in ‘Pimlico Eye’ concerning the “Mound” at Marble Arch. You certainly speak for absolutely everyone I know who say the same, and what a terrible and scandalous waste of money that we all know could have been used for much more urgent needs. Well done in highlighting this monstrous waste of money.”
“Thank you very much for the update, much appreciated as always.”
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