PIMLICO, SOHO, MARYLEBONE AND WEST END LABOUR ACTION REPORT – Late March 2022
News from your Westminster Labour Councillors
Read our Manifesto – Labour’s Plan for a Fairer Westminster
We have launched our manifesto for the May 5th local elections, setting out our plan to deliver a Council that puts residents first. Our key pledges are below, and you can read the full manifesto here. A Labour Council will be on your side:
- Freezing Westminster’s Council Tax until 2024 to help with the cost of living crisis.
- Putting the needs of residents before developers in the planning system,
- Keeping our area safe with more police to tackle knife crime and Council action on Anti-social behaviour and rubbish dumping.
- Standing up for better NHS services against cuts and sell-offs.
We are keen to hear from you! Let us know if you have any thoughts.
PIMLICO
We demand answers over the future of the Queen Mother Sports Centre
We have triggered a ‘call-in’ process on Tuesday 29th March (a special hearing before the Council proceeds with a decision) over Council plans to spend £16.5m of taxpayers’ money to buy a large office block at 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road. The official papers make clear that the Conservative-run Council believes ‘the purchase will be an important acquisition in allowing potential future redevelopment and/or expansion of the Queen Mother Sports Centre site and forms part of a wider ownership in the immediate vicinity’.
It is clear the Council is proposing a major step towards the wholesale redevelopment of the Queen Mother Sports Centre – but without informing residents about its plans before the Council Election on 5th May. Residents in Pimlico, Belgravia and Vincent Square had thought they had stopped efforts by the Council to build a large tower on the site through a community campaign back in 2016-18, but it now seems the Conservative Council has other ideas.
You can read more here https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/issues/2022/03/25/queen-mother-sports-centre-future/
Grosvenor Road
Following enquiries from a resident about the damage to railings on the riverside of Grosvenor Road, opposite Peabody Close, we have asked the Highways Team for an update. The area has been cordoned off for some time with no sign of any work happening.
Kent House, Tachbrook Estate
Residents say that people coming to and from Pimlico tube station are using the bike shed opposite Kent House, Tachbrook Estate as a lavatory. We have asked the City Inspectors if this can be investigated.
Lenthall House, Churchill Gardens
Residents of Lenthall House in Churchill Gardens have asked for cameras on the landings as they have had parcels stolen and there has been some ASB in the stairwells. Residents would also like action taken to fix the uneven pavements inside the estate itself. We have reported these issues to the Housing Department.
Ebury Bridge Road
Councillor Liza Begum says:
“If you’re around Ebury Bridge and want a bite to eat then make sure you visit Salman and his wife at Ideal cafe (11-13 Ebury Bridge Road). The Ebury regeneration has affected his business very badly, with most residents having been moved out of the area, Salman has lost most of his regulars. My personal recommendation is the chicken shawarma wrap and a latte.”
St Barnabas’ CE Primary School & Nursery
It’s St Barnabas’ 175th anniversary in June. If you are a former pupil, parent or staff member and would like your stories or photographs included in the celebration publications, please email them to the school office office@stbarnabasprimary.org.uk
Denbigh Place
We are continuing to press Sanctuary Housing to deal with outstanding repairs issues to flats in Denbigh Place.
Warwick Way
We have called on Westminster Council to take action to end the continual blocking of the Warwick Way pavement by pizza delivery bikes and scooters. Residents say that every day there is an array of pizza scooters on the pavement and there is often only room for one pedestrian to pass between the scooters at one time.
South Westminster Neighbourhood Team – Ronald Henderson
We have received this message which we are very happy to share:
“The Eccleston Square Residents Association has learned of Ronald Henderson’s promotion to Sergeant … which will mandate his move to a different area. The residents of Eccleston Square, Hugh Street, Hugh Mews, St. Georges Drive, Belgrave Road and the surrounding area have been blessed for years with a wonderful “policeman”. Congratulations! and “Thank You” for Ronnie’s dedicated, helpful and caring presence over so many years. Our neighbourhood is a better place thanks to his efforts.”
VINCENT SQUARE WARD
Maunsel Street
Residents have raised a number of issues with us which we are taking up with the Council, including:
- The need for more support for cycling in the area, including new bike hangers around Vincent Square/Maunsel Street
- Broken/cracked paving stones on the street and the failure of the Council to do repairs
- Can bollards be installed along the street to stop parking on the pavement as the street is narrow and congested
- Keeping the gas lamps along Maunsel Street
Maclise House
We are taking up a number of housing issues on behalf of Maclise House residents.
Coburg Close
We have taken up a wide range of issues on behalf of Coburg Close residents with landlords L&Q, including:
- When will double glazing be completed?
- Anti-social behaviour and drug dealing are a major problem outside the block. Can gates could be installed at the end of the street?
- Lots of drug dealing and taking on the street. The smell of cannabis is everywhere according to residents.
- Dog faeces are not being cleaned up.
- Lighting on the second floor is not working; the floors and hallways are not cleaned and are dirty/cobwebbed. There are exposed cables and panelling that’s peeling off; a wooden board has been used as a temporary fix on the ground floor door.
John Islip Street/Ponsonby Place
We were out talking to residents around John Islip Street and Ponsonby Place. One resident raised shocking levels of damp in Peabody properties on Ponsonby Place and we have asked Peabody to investigate urgently.
Millbank Gardens
We met residents around Millbank Gardens with lots of complaints about United Living’s handling of repair work on some of the blocks to the north of the gardens which we are taking up.
Ponsonby Place
We have requested an electric vehicle charging point and bike hangar for Ponsonby Place.
We have also contacted Peabody about the need for double glazing at a flat in Ponsonby Place.
Regency Street
We have asked the Housing Department to complete a repair to a door in Norfolk House. We have also requested a bike hangar for Regency Street.
SOHO
Women’s Safety in the West End
We are continuing to take action in response to the issues raised by our West End Women’s survey – and in particular the overwhelming need to improve policing and lighting in areas of the West End:
- West End ward candidate Jessica Toale did a Walk and Talk around the West End with an officer from Charing Cross Police Station, highlighting the areas women feel least safe. The officer will include this in their information reports and suggested residents report any issues to the StreetSafe pilot, via 101 or 999 if its an emergency.
- Jessica also recently wrote about women’s safety for My Soho Times (read it here) and took part in an Instagram Live with @the.soho.girl to mark International Women’s Day. Watch it here.
Wardour Street
Soho residents want to preserve the famous ‘Las Vegas’ sign belonging to the arcade on Wardour Street. In response to a poll by the Soho Society, residents have overwhelmingly backed retaining the sign, when the arcade vacates the premises. The Soho Society asked;
‘Las Vegas is moving and we will lose the Las Vegas sign which has illuminated Wardour Street for decades. Do you think it should be retained? Go to the Soho Museum or in the skip?’
Berwick Street
The problem with seagulls continues and we have urged the Housing Department to take the necessary action to control the problem. The Housing Department say:
“Our specialist contractors have installed spikes to the roof at the front of the building. This was completed in October last year. They have since returned to the building and installed netting to the locations they have recommended. In additional to these deterrent works our contractor will also fly a falcon from the roof of Kemp House. This will be between end of March until the end of May. The falcon will visit 3 times a week.”
FITZROVIA
Holcroft Court
We have again asked the Council to remove graffiti from the wall of Holcroft Court, adjacent to the southern entrance.
Update – the graffiti has now been removed.
We have also reported a number of outstanding repair issues on behalf of residents.
Hanson Street
A resident has sent us this suggestion which we have asked the Council to consider for Hanson Street:
“I demonstrated several years ago at my own expense that putting signs on the bollards outside the doors of buildings around which rubbish is left, showing the times, significantly improved the situation. Most people don’t know the collection times as the turnover of tenants is quite high. Putting the occasional laminated ‘letter’ resembling planning applications on lamp posts are ineffectual.”
Great Titchfield Street
We are supporting residents who opposing the license application for Douglas House, 131-151 Great Titchfield Street. Residents say:
“We live across the road in Holcroft Court which is a family block with many small children and elderly people. It was previously called Vanilla and it was a club in the basement, we had shouting, screaming, urinating, stabbings in the past. The noise from the cars/taxis that came to collect the clients was awful, engines left running, stopping in the road and not parking up, tooting from cars behind as they blocked the road. They are already disturbing us with their late-night delivery of food etc.”
Tackling rubbish dumping
Labour Councillor Pancho Lewis co-chairs a resident committee in Fitzrovia that is working to develop solutions to tackle illegal rubbish dumping. If Labour wins the elections in May, we will roll out a five-point action plan to get results for residents, including a “zero tolerance” policy of immediate fines for those responsible for rubbish dumping and introducing CCTV cameras at dumping “hot-spots”.
Newman Street
West End ward candidate Patrick Lilley met with the residents’ association at 14 Newman Street.
Mortimer Street
Sue Blundell writes about safe spaces for working women in Mortimer Street in late Victorian and Edwardian times.
MAYFAIR
Save Mayfair Library
We are continuing to campaign to save Mayfair Library. Leaked Westminster City Council documents have raised doubt about the future of Mayfair Library and we have received no assurances that the long-term future of the library is secure.
West End ward candidates Paul Fisher and Jessica Toale met with the Friends of Mayfair Library to raise our concerns and to highlight the questions we would want answered by the Council. Patrick Lilley and Jessica Toale spoke with parents outside St George’s Hanover Square Primary School in Mayfair to raise awareness about the issue. If you would like to support our campaign to keep Mayfair Library open, sign our petition here.
Mayfair and St James’s
We attended the Mayfair and St James’s residents’ Community Awards. Congratulations to all the winners!
Binney Street
We successfully got an untaxed vehicle removed from Binney Street.
South Street
We are continuing to support residents in South Street who have called on the Parking Team to enforce the parking regulations outside 38-40 South Street where cars are regularly parked throughout the day.
HYDE PARK WARD
Edgware Road – empty shops and restaurants
We have counted at least 14 closed or empty shops and restaurants along Edgware Road. In addition, there are also empty retail and restaurant units in the new developments at Marble Arch Place and Regent House. This number of empty retail and restaurant units is undermining the economic success and future of Edgware Road as a destination for visitors, as well as for long-term residents who value the mix and diversity of the local shops and restaurants.
We are calling on the Council, local retailers and restaurants, landowners, including the Church Commissioners, Portman Estate, Almacantar (Marble Arch Place) and Native Land (Regent House), Marble Arch BID, residents’ groups and local stakeholders to come together to discuss how Edgware Road’s fortunes can be revived. We need a ‘plan of action’ to get Edgware Road back on its feet.
38-47a Chapel Street – update
Following our regular enquiries about the installation of bike racks for residents and a new sign on the Chapel Street entrance, the Housing Departments says:
“We apologise for the delay in providing the bike stands to the basement car park. Our contractors visited the site and established that they cannot put the racks directly on to the floor however, they will be putting them up against the adjoining wall. They are currently waiting for the delivery of the bike stands and works will commence once they have arrived.
The design and correct location for signage has been agreed and our contractors will be completing the works shortly.”
We have also repeated our call to the Council to take action against those responsible for the regular illegal rubbish dumping on the corner of Transept Street and Chapel Street.
5 Harbet Road
We have asked Octavia Housing for an update on the cladding situation and the cost of the waking watch at 5 Harbet Road, after receiving this message from a resident:
“I am a leaseholder shared ownership. We are getting nowhere with Octavia and the freeholders regarding the cladding and fire safety issues in the building with no EWS1 issued. I try weekly for information from Octavia, but I am just told we have no information to share? We now have a waking fire watch again as they have decided the building is unsafe again after not having one for two years which I am sure they will charge to residents in the sky-high service charge that we see nothing for.”
Octavia says:
“Our recent Fire Risk Assessment determined that the property should be placed under an evacuation policy, pending further works on the building. As such, Octavia have installed a ‘Waking Watch’ patrol at 5 Harbet Road in light of these findings. To take matters forward, an onsite meeting with the Managing Agents, Octavia and the Fire Safety Inspector from the London Fire Brigade is being arranged on Monday 28th March. We will update residents on progress as soon as possible after that meeting.”
Harbet Road – street sweeping and parking
We have again contacted the Council about the poor street sweeping and parking control of this private road by the Hilton Hotel who are responsible for the street. Residents say, “The street is still always a mess and for the last week railings have been dumped on the path from cars that move them just so they can park on the double yellows. The council never seem very interested I just get told it’s a private road it’s out of their control.”
The Neighbourhood Coordinator says, “I will endeavour to visit the hotel myself tomorrow if able and see who is around to speak to.”
Aster House
Following our enquiries with Octavia Housing about the door mechanism, Octavia say, “I have chased the door mechanism. I’ll let you know as soon as I have a date.”
A few days’ later, Octavia told us, “I’ve had confirmation that the mechanism has been repaired.”
Sheldon Square
We have again contacted Notting Hill Genesis and Paddington Central for an update on the long-awaited installation of air conditioning units for flats on the first two floors of Sheldon House.
Residents in Sheldon Square have also contacted us about the £150 Council Tax fuel rebate which is available to residents living in properties in Council Tax bands A-D. Some residents believe they have been wrongly placed in Band E which means they do not qualify for the £150 fuel rebate. Council Tax bands are set by the Valuation Office (central government agency) and residents have the right to appeal to the Valuation Office – contact www.gov.uk/contact-voa
MARYLEBONE
Seymour Place
We are helping a resident in Seymour Place who says, “The building next door to me has had scaffolding on it for many months and there is very little work or activity going on. Apart from being a security risk as somebody could climb up the scaffolding and access my balcony, it’s also an eyesore.”
Luxborough Street
We are continuing to support residents who fighting the Council’s decision to build on the Luxborough Street Play Space and have raised questions about the impact and control of construction traffic in the area.
Luxborough Tower
We have asked the Housing Department to move the refuse bins back to their previous position which was out of sight of the street. The new position of the bins encourages fly-tipping by non-residents.
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 the last Council meeting. 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.
Air pollution
Under a recent Freedom of Information request, we uncovered that Westminster Council has issued just 1 fine for every 1,112 reports of unnecessary engine idling since 2017. Over the 5-year period, over 70,000 incidents were reported to the Council, but a mere 63 fines were handed out and only 34 were actually paid.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
If you are thinking of organising a street party to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, these links might of interest
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/queens-platinum-jubilee
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/queens-platinum-jubilee/apply-street-party
Handyperson service
Westminster residents aged over 60, or in receipt of disability benefit, can request free help from a handyperson. The service covers minor works to a home such as replacing light bulbs and other small DIY jobs. It does not cover gardening, plumbing or decorating, and it is not an emergency service. Please see the following link for details https://www.westminster.gov.uk/handyperson
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.
Regulating Airbnb premises
To help residents in Westminster and elsewhere who are plagued with problems associated with unauthorised short-term lets, Labour MP Karen Buck has introduced a Bill in Parliament calling for a national register of short and holiday-let accommodation. This is another move in her long campaign to regulate AirBnB and similar companies to control the impact on neighbours and neighbourhoods.
Unfortunately, Karen’s Bill was blocked by a Conservative MP.
There have been a number of parties in flats let out as short lets. A number of residents have experienced massive disruption as a result and it’s unacceptable. As soon as parties begin it’s crucial to both contact the Council’s Noise Team and the police so they can turn up to break up the party. Both need to be there to intervene effectively and preferably they should be called out as soon as possible.
- Contact the Council’s noise team: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it or 0207 641 2000
- Contact the police on 101 or tag them on twitter on @MetCC
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
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
“Excellent report and most welcome. Keep it up!”
“I received, as always with gratitude, the latest Labour Action Report. Thank you and your colleagues from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work and all you do.”
“Many thanks for all your hard work keeping the Council under constant and necessary scrutiny. We still haven’t had a proper i.e. an independent enquiry into the mishandling of the mound fiasco. Is it true that the council marked their own homework with a gentle reprimand ‘must try harder’ report?”
“Good piece of work.”
“Keep up the good work.”
“Thank you for the action report. It informed me via a link that yet another staff residence of University College Hospital is closing down. The health service is probably Britain’s greatest institution and needs viciously defending. Voting for the party that defends it best is a good start.”
“I recently endorsed the 3 Labour candidates for this ward and sincerely hope that at very least they will shake up our current representatives at election time.”
“This is the best response I’ve had after months of trying. Many thanks.”
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.