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MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – June 2018
News from Cheyenne Angel, Barbara Johnston and Florence Kettle, your Labour Action Team in Marylebone High Street Ward
City West Homes
Are you a City West Homes resident? Fill in our survey about CWH services and how they can be improved. http://bit.ly/surveycwh
Westminster Council has finally agreed to review City West Homes following months of complaints from residents and pressure from Labour Councillors
Unfortunately, the Council intend to consult just a few tenants and leaseholders. We believe all CWH residents should have the chance to tell the Council what they think. Complete the survey by 2 September and we'll forward your views to the Council.
Baker Street Two-Way
We are making enquiries with the Council about this issue:
"I am appalled by the recent tree felling along Baker Street, especially between Paddington Street and Portman Square. The east side of the street is now almost completely treeless. Lovely mature and healthy trees have been sent to the chipper and the one outside Selfridges looks as though it's next. Baker Street has become a concrete canyon and is only getting worse.
"On checking the website, the only reference there is to trees is: "The City Council is currently exploring opportunities to introduce more trees and green spaces". Perhaps leaving what was already there would have been a start? And we all know what the Council's exploratory exercises deliver: absolutely nothing, but they manage to spend a lot of council tax payers' money in the process. The website also refers to "reducing street clutter". If they have included trees in that term, then shame on the planners and the approvers of this wantonly destructive project."
The Council say:
"One of the objectives of the Baker Street Two Way project is to add greenery to the area. The project will supplement existing tree planting to create a more continuous avenue of trees as well as replacing trees that are damaged or detrimental to the streetscape.
The majority of the trees being replaced are Italian Alders that were planted in the 1980s. At the time they were believed to be a good choice for a street tree. But the Council has since discovered that their rapid rate of growth and propensity to grow towards the light and away from buildings results in the trees leaning over the carriageway creating a potential hazard to buses and other high-sided vehicles. This species also produces large surface roots which have a high impact on the footway. Alders are relatively short-lived trees with the majority in Baker Street having a predicted remaining safe life of between five and ten years.
The public realm improvements to Baker Street and Gloucester Place provide a great opportunity to create a new attractive boulevard of trees and a positive contribution to air quality for current and future generations.New planting will take place in Autumn 2018 – Autumn is the optimal time of year to ensure trees can establish."
For more information go to http://www.bakerstreettwoway.co.uk/#building
55 Baker Street
Following our enquiries on behalf of residents, Fitness First have confirmed that they will a preferential rate to local residents in line with the planning permission agreed by the Council.
Dorset Street
We are making enquiries about this issue:
"We have a licence application 18/04539/LIPT that seems to have closed and the local people never had a warning that this was happening. Is there not an obligation to let neighbours know that an application is made so that we can comment?"
Chiltern Street
We are supporting residents in York Mansions who have contacted us about a planning application in Romney Mews.Residents object strongly to the applicant's request for very material changes to the permission granted by the Council's Planning Subcommittee for the erection of a three-story dwelling over the narrow gap in Romney Mews between York Mansions and Portman Mansions. Residents say:
- The new, far taller building will be far more visible from buildings opposite in Chiltern Street and represent an even bulkier imposing mass impinging on the Conservation Area.
- The additional storey will create an even greater sense of "closing in" on residents of York Mansions – the new building will be literally a few metres away from their bedroom windows.
- It will also block out additional light by the erection of yet a further storey
- The proposed roof terrace has already been previously turned down by the planning committee.
Holcroft Court
We were very concerned to hear that a number of children have trapped their hands in the new lifts at Holcroft Court and we have asked City West Homes to take urgent action to ensure faults in the lift doors are fixed as a matter of urgency.
We have also raised residents' concerns about anti-social behaviour from some flats where late night parties continue until the early hours.
Portland Place
We are supporting parents of children at schools in Portland Place who are concerned about road safety. Parents say:
"There are five schools in Portland Place, many with very small children (L'Ecole International Franco-Anglaise, Abercorn School, Portland Place School, Queen's College Preparatory School and Southbank School). Road safety on Portland Place is unacceptable."
Petition Links:
Overall safety review and request for Pelican Crossings/Pedestrian Light Sequence at the following locations:
- Portland Place and New Cavendish Street (north side)
- Portland Place Weymouth Street (south side)
- Devonshire Street and Portland Place (south side)
Extension of time for pedestrians on pelican crossing at A501 and Park Crescent
Expanding current 20mph speed limit trials in Marylebone to include Portland Place
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – Late April 2018
News from Cheyenne Angel, Barbara Johnston and Florence Kettle, your Labour Action Team in Marylebone High Street Ward
Moxon Street car park
The Moxon Street car park site has been bought by property developer Concord London from the previous developer who bought the site from the Council. Planning permission was granted in 2015 for 79 homes and 11 retail units. Concord say:
"The Farmer's Market will continue to call the square home, in a new community hall built for locals with affordable rates. The car park that currently occupies the site will not be lost either, as all spaces will be re-provided underneath the new building."
We will be insisting that the promised on-site affordable homes remain an integral part of the plans.
Holcroft Court
We have asked City West Homes to investigate this issue:
"There remains problems with our lift in our block. There is a new lift which was installed only 5 months ago. At least twice a week our lift does not work. This as you may appreciate is unacceptable especially when you consider the actual costs of the installation of a new lift which we have all paid for. This problem causes major problems for our elderly neighbours and those with mobility problems but the Estate office remains unconcerned."
City West Homes say:
"Our contractor has attended site and confirmed that the utility company phase which supplies power to the block has failed. UK power networks have been notified and are attending site to rectify the power loss to the power supply which has caused the lift cars to fail"
Bolsover Street
We have asked the Council to replace a broken tree outside Villandry on Bolsover Street. The Council say:
"Unfortunately, I won't be able to replace the tree until the autumn as this particular species is not currently available from the supplier nursery. In the meantime, I'll get the stump removed and the pit temporarily reinstated."
55 Baker Street
Following our investigations on behalf of residents, the operators of Fitness First at the development at 55 Baker Street say they "will ensure that the relevant residents do indeed receive a preferential pricing structure."
Oxford Street – where we stand
We continue to oppose the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street because residents' concerns have not been answered by Westminster Council's leaders, by Transport for London (TfL) nor by the Mayor of London.
Westminster Council are entirely responsible for Oxford Street. The plans could never have got this far in the face of residents' fears without Conservative Council leaders fully supporting it.
We oppose the plans; they should be paused and all options remain on the table. We believe there has been:
- insufficient information or planning on traffic displacement
- a lack of ideas on how those with limited mobility will continue to enjoy Oxford Street
- uncertainty on safety on Oxford Street at night
- the consultations appear to residents to be rushed and unprofessional. This has made residents fear they were not being listened to
- ideas to improve Oxford Street need to include the whole area to reduce traffic
Our position has consistently put residents of the West End first. For years of Conservative rule in Westminster residents have not been allowed a voice and the Council has had far too close a relationship with powerful property developers. The Conservatives had years to oppose pedestrianisation and put forward alternatives – and they have done nothing.
We have been listening to residents, having thousands of conversations. We have consistently said we would oppose the plans if residents' genuine fears about traffic displacement are not addressed; if those with limited mobility are not able to access Oxford Street fully and if ASB is not reduced. We have raised these issue for many months with TfL and the Mayor.
It is now time to pause the scheme and continue to listen to residents. Failure to do so could ruin Oxford Street itself and the 1,000 businesses that are already threatened by out of town shopping malls and crippling rent and business rates.
Residents want less pollution, cleaner air, less traffic and fewer accidents for the whole area, not just moving traffic around.
We have consistently passed on these concerns to TfL and the Mayor. If elected we will continue to put residents at the heart of decisions, not the big property developers.
And another 25 more 'Nightmare Stories from City West Homes'
We have issued a new dossier of another 25 more 'Nightmare Stories from City West Homes' this year, following our first report in January 2018, which included 20 Nightmare Stories, and our second report in March with details of 25 more Nightmare Stories.
Once again, we have had reports from tenants and leaseholders living right across Westminster – from Pimlico to Paddington, from the West End to Westbourne – all expressing anger at the incompetent and heartless way in which City West Homes treats its 22,000 tenants and leaseholders.
Service standards have deteriorated badly following Conservative council cuts to the housing management budget, the closure of local estate offices and the bungled introduction of a new call centre and repairs contract.
In 2018, it is hard to believe the almost Dickensian situation some people have to live in and which is summed up by this report about a 70 year old woman in Dowland Street, Queen's Park who "has been without electricity for 6 weeks. Contractors turn up and never finish the job. She is now lighting her flat with candles."
We will immediately put CityWest on notice so that if its performance does not rapidly improve it will be stopped from managing the council's properties. We have set out our plans for change if we are elected to run the council on May 3rd.
Labour's Five Point Plan for CityWest Homes
- From day one, Labour will take action to end the repairs crisis and improve the way CityWest treats residents. If it doesn't urgently improve Labour will scrap it.
- We will re-establish local estate offices.
- We will urgently look at further ways to improve the failing call centre system.
- We will give residents a greater say over how their homes are managed.
- We will introduce a new leaseholders' charter to improve support to resident leaseholders and look to limit huge major works bills
Standing up for our EU residents
In the EU referendum in 2016, Westminster voted overwhelmingly to Remain.
If elected in May, Westminster Labour will fight to support our EU residents at this difficult time by expanding EU residents' access to specialist legal advice and support services.
We will also play an active role in challenging the Government's attempts to weaken EU citizens' rights and demand that all existing rights are retained in the future.
We will appoint a Council Champion for the issues facing EU nationals and create a working group of local residents from the EU27 to help address future issues.
EU citizens are eligible to vote in the Council Elections on Thursday 3rd May.
Labour's Manifesto for the 2018 Council Elections
After decades of the Conservatives taking Westminster for granted, residents have a real chance to change the future of this city. Years of cuts have taken their toll on local services, particularly for the most vulnerable.
The Conservatives have put the needs of developers above the needs of the vast majority of local residents. For generations they have failed to build the Council (social rent) and lower (intermediate) rent homes that Westminster needs to give the City a viable future.
Labour has a credible alternative plan that can be delivered today despite the damage being done by the current government. Our communities are calling out for change, and in this manifesto Labour sets out a vision for how things could be run differently, how we will deliver a Westminster for the many not the few if we are elected to run the council on May 3rd 2018.
What you say
"Good luck in the coming election."
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
Cheyenne Angel, Barbara Johnston and Florence Kettle
Your Labour Action Team in Marylebone High Street Ward
Promoted by Robin McGhee on behalf of Cheyenne Angel, Barbara Johnston and Florence Kettle, allat 4G Shirland Mews, London W9 3DY
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – April 2018
News from Cheyenne Angel, Barbara Johnston and Florence Kettle, your Labour Action Team in Marylebone High Street Ward
Cleveland Street
We are helping residents in Howard House who are having difficulties with anti-social behavior and have asked Genesis Housing to investigate.
Bolsover Street
We have asked the Council to replace a broken tree in Bolsover Street.
New Cavendish Street/Marylebone Street
We have asked the Council to replace a missing street sign on the corner of New Cavendish Street/Marylebone Street. Residents say:
"This has been missing (fell off) for two years. It's been reported numerous times."
Labour's Manifesto for the 2018 Council Elections
After decades of the Conservatives taking Westminster for granted, residents have a real chance to change the future of this city. Years of cuts have taken their toll on local services, particularly for the most vulnerable.
The Conservatives have put the needs of developers above the needs of the vast majority of local residents. For generations they have failed to build the Council (social rent) and lower (intermediate) rent homes that Westminster needs to give the City a viable future.
Labour has a credible alternative plan that can be delivered today despite the damage being done by the current government. Our communities are calling out for change, and in this manifesto Labour sets out a vision for how things could be run differently, how we will deliver a Westminster for the many not the few if we are elected to run the council on May 3rd 2018.
Problems paying Water Rates?
Thames Water is running a project with Citizens Advice Westminster to help people who are having problems paying their Water Rates. They can help to access hardship funds and apply for grants to pay off water rate debts. They will provide budgeting advice and negotiate regarding other household debts
Contact the Gateway helpline 03003301191.
There is also an on-line enquiry form at:
We have welcomed the increased on-the-spot fines of up to £150 for dropping litter, including from vehicles.
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
Cheyenne Angel, Barbara Johnston and Florence Kettle
Your Labour Action Team in Marylebone High Street Ward
Promoted by Robin McGhee on behalf of Cheyenne Angel, Barbara Johnston and Florence Kettle, all at 4G Shirland Mews, London W9 3DY
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – Late March 2018
News from the Labour Action Team in Marylebone High Street Ward
Labour's Manifesto for the 2018 Council Elections
After decades of the Conservatives taking Westminster for granted, residents have a real chance to change the future of this city. Years of Conservative cuts have taken their toll on local services, particularly for the most vulnerable.
The Conservatives have put the needs of developers above the needs of the vast majority of local residents. For generations they have failed to build the Council (social rent) and lower (intermediate) rent homes that Westminster needs to give the City a viable future.
Labour has a credible alternative plan that can be delivered today despite the damage being done by the current government. Our communities are calling out for change, and in this manifesto Labour sets out a vision for how things could be run differently, how we will deliver a Westminster for the many not the few if we are elected to run the council on May 3rd 2018.
Paddington Street public toilets
We have asked the Council why the public toilets in Paddington Street have been closed for so long.
Park Crescent
Residents in Park Crescent have contacted us about a construction project which is starting soon next door to their flat and they are concerned about building noise. We were able to find the details of the Project Manager for the development so that they contact him about noise levels and hours of work.
Greenwell Street trees – update
Following our request that two broken trees in Greenwell Street are replaced, the Council's Tree Officer tells us:
"I have included these onto the last tranche of planting for this season. Hopefully the tree species will be available."
55 Baker Street
We are continuing to press the Council to ensure that the discounted gym membership for local residents is adhered to as part of the planning permission granted a number of years ago.
Holcroft Court
We have continued to help residents with a number of issues relating to repairs and maintenance of City West Homes flats.
Oxford Street
Following the announcement of the latest consultation returns on the Oxford Street project, we have made the following statement:
"The consultation results show that TfL and Westminster City Council still have a big job to do to demonstrate that the proposals will have local benefits. Around half of local residents are opposed to the proposals, with the other half in support (with or without concerns).
We have four major concerns and call on TfL and Westminster Council to show ((a) how any additional vehicular traffic will be kept out of residential streets; (b) how air pollution levels will be reduced in residential streets; (c) how the needs of the disabled and elderly will be provided for and (d) how Oxford Street will be managed 24/7 to ensure the safety and security of residents, shoppers and visitors"
"We will keep campaigning to get the best deal for local residents and businesses"
Labour's pledge on Cleaner Streets
Mattresses and other household objects dumped on our street corners have become an all too common a sight. A Labour council will rigorously focus on fly-tipping and bulky waste dumping and we have made a number of commitments that will help tackle the problem. If elected in May 2018:
- Labour will urgently reform the fees and charges for bulky waste collection, restoring a 'first time free'collection and reducing costs for standard collections.
- We will develop a new 'express collection'bulky waste removal service.
- We will look further at the use of mobile cameras to help enforcement at fly-tipping hotspots and at ways to increase fines for dumping.
- As part of our support for a new Private Renters Charter we will improve the information provided to landlords, letting agents and tenants.
- We will provide a smartphone App to make it easier for residents to make use of the Council's 'report it' service, helping further target the worst affected areas.
Building genuinely affordable homes
If Labour win the Council we will create a new type of affordable housing – Westminster Key Worker Homes. We will commit that, in addition to social housing, all new affordable housing built on council land will be at rents that are affordable to residents on average and below average incomes. We will ensure that these homes are focused on providing opportunities for long-standing residents of Westminster and key workers such as nurses, teachers, firefighters and the police.
25 more 'Nightmare Stories' from City West Homes
In January 2018, we unveiled a dossier of '20 Nightmare Stories from City West Homes'. The reaction to this from tenants and leaseholders was overwhelming, with many more 'nightmare stories' coming to light from all over Westminster. Residents are angry with the very poor performance of City West Homes, particularly following the recent debacles over the new call centre and the repairs contract.
We have followed this up with '25 More Nightmare stories from City West Homes' with details of:
- Continued long waits on the telephone to report problems to the CWH call centre
- Failure to deal with emergencies quickly
- Lack of communication between CWH and its tenants and leaseholders
- Poor communications between CWH and its contractors
- Failure of CWH to return calls from tenants and leaseholders
- Broken appointments by CWH contractors
Welcome for extra police on the beat
We have welcomed welcomed the Mayor's decision to invest an additional £59m annually to support an extra 1,000 police officers by using income raised from business rates. This will help avoid falling police numbers due to Government cuts to the Metropolitan Police budget.
We have also welcomed the Mayor's announcement that he is creating a brand new £45million fund to help young Londoners who are at risk of getting caught up in crime. The Mayor's new Young Londoners Fund will see £15m invested in each of the next three years, beginning from April. Of the total new funding, £10million a year will make up a new fund into which local communities, charities and schools will be able to bid for funds, and £5million a year will be invested to scale up existing projects funded from City Hall that are already supporting young Londoners.
In addition, over 1,800 people have signed Westminster Labour's petition to halt the Government's further £400 million cuts to the Metropolitan Police budget.
The petition to Parliament, https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/203543, runs until 27th April.
Register to vote
The local Westminster City Council elections are on Thursday 3 May.
If you aren't already registered to vote, you need to do so to vote in this local election. The deadline to register at gov.uk/register-to-vote is Wednesday 17 April. It only takes a few minutes. Anyone who is already registered to vote does not need to re-register. If you have moved home in the last few months and have not registered to vote at your new address you still have time to register at this new location.
The other key dates are the postal vote application deadline which is 5pm, on Wednesday 18 April and the proxy vote application deadline is 5pm, Wednesday 25 April.
EU citizens are able to vote in these local elections.
You can get more information by visiting www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-city-council-election-2018
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg
Labour Business and Public Realm spokesperson
Westminster City Council
Great Titchfield Street
The Fitzwest Neighbourhood Forum has announced a proposal for greening the east side of Great Titchfield Street, between Clipstone Street and Carburton Street. They say:
"We have ward funding to prepare and consult on a plan for this. We want your views. This will not cost you anything. Images of the proposals can be found above and more details on our website at www.fitzwest.org. To keep it simple, we are just asking four questions which are set out below. The deadline for responses is Thursday 29 March 2018.
There are four questions:
- Are you in favour of turning the pavement on the East side of Great Titchfield St between Clipstone St and Carburton St into green space?
- We're not able to dig into the pavement so have used containers. What do you think about our plan?
- What is your name and are you a resident, business owner, worker?
- Would you like to help with planting and maintenance of the green space?
There are four ways to respond:
- Complete our survey via the link on our website
- Email us with your answers at email@example.com
- If you receive one of our flyers, complete it and leave it at the Fitzrovia Centre, 2 Foley St, London W1W 6DL
- Come to our exhibition on 19 March 2018 at the Fitzrovia Centre, 2 Foley St, London W1W 6DL between 12 noon and 2pm and between 6pm and 8pm and fill in the form there."
55 Baker Street
We have been contacted by residents neighbouring 55 Baker Street who say that the planning agreement requiring discounted membership of the leisure facility for local residents has not been implemented and that when residents have approached the leisure club they are told there is no discounted rate for local residents. We have asked the Planning Department to investigate this.
Holcroft Court
We are continuing to assist residents with repair problems and dealing with City West Homes.
Greenwell Street
We have asked the Council to replace two damaged trees in Greenwell Street.
New Cavendish Street
We have reported dumped rubbish in New Cavendish Street.
Oxford Street proposals
We have been pressing TfL on a range of issues raised by residents. Our priority is to make the transformation of Oxford Street work for everyone – for residents, for businesses, for shoppers and for visitors. We also want more public toilets and more use of quieter, electric delivery vehicles. As ever, the 'devil is in the detail' and we look forward to seeing a practical and common sense plan that works. Until then, we will keep fighting to get the best deal for local residents and businesses.
If you have any issues you would like us to take up please us know.
Baker Street Two Way
You can register for weekly updates here http://www.bakerstreettwoway.co.uk/index.html#contact
Wig more Street
Works started 22nd January at Seymour St/Gt Cumberland Place and Wigmore St from Duke St to Wimpole St. Any queries relating to the Seymour Street and Wigmore Street works should be directed to the following email address: email@example.com.
Keeping the Council Tax low
If elected in May Westminster, Labour will keep Council Tax low. Labour will support the current proposals by the Council for a freeze in the Council Tax rate and a 2% rise in the adult social care precept in 2018/19. If elected, we will not raise the council tax and adult social care precept by any more than the Conservatives have over recent years.
Council Tax is always an emotive issue. Westminster Council receives the highest levels of parking revenue (£73.2m) in the country as well as substantial commercial income from its large Central London property portfolio (£42.8m) that help prop up its finances far more than in other boroughs. Westminster also has a long-track record of under-investing in its public services and its upcoming budget plans to cut over £3 million from services for children and young people and £2 million from rough sleeping and supported housing.
Due the impact of crippling Conservative Government cuts to local council funding, Westminster Conservatives have raised the Council Tax (including the adult social care precept) every year since 2016.
Cleaning up Westminster's Planning system
We have pledged to clean up Westminster's Planning system if we are elected at the Council elections on 3rd May.
There is a clear perception that senior Conservative Councillors have very close relationships with developers. For example, the Conservative Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Robert Davis, has disclosed that since the start of 2015 he has received hospitality related to his role as a City Councillor from developers, big business and other interests a record 514 times. This equates to a staggering 14 cases of declarable hospitality a month, peaking at 47 cases in December 2016. We believe that such an approach does not help build public trust that the Council will put the needs of residents before those of property developers and business interests.
If elected to run the Council in May, Labour will engage with industry representatives in open settings to share views and push for residents' priorities, but we will do so whilst working to achieve the highest standards. Labour commits that:
- Labour Cabinet Members and Councillors will not accept hospitality from individual developers and their agents.
- Labour will require the Council to formally record all meetings between Cabinet Members and developers when discussing individual schemes. There will always be an officer present.
- A record of these meetings will be posted on the Council website within two weeks.
Labour's Five Point Plan for CityWest Homes
Residents are angry with the very poor performance of CityWest Homes. Service standards have clearly deteriorated after Conservative council cuts to the housing management budget, the closure of local estate offices and the bungled introduction of a new call centre and repairs contract.
A Labour Council would immediately put CityWest on notice so that if its performance does not rapidly improve it will be stopped from managing the council's properties.
- From day one, Labour will take action to end the repairs crisis and improve the way CityWest treats residents.
- We will re-establish local estate offices.
- We will urgently look at further ways to improve the failing call centre system.
- We will give residents a greater say over how their homes are managed.
- We will introduce a new leaseholders' charter to improve support to resident leaseholders and look to limit huge major works bills.
Register to vote
The local Westminster City Council elections are on Thursday 3 May.
If you aren't already registered to vote, you need to do so to vote in this local election. The deadline to register at gov.uk/register-to-vote is Wednesday 17 April. It only takes a few minutes. Anyone who is already registered to vote does not need to re-register. If you have moved home in the last few months and have not registered to vote at your new address you still have time to register at this new location.
The other key dates are the postal vote application deadline which is 5pm, on Wednesday 18 April and the proxy vote application deadline is 5pm, Wednesday 25 April.
EU citizens are able to vote in these local elections.
You can get more information by visiting www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-city-council-election-2018
Baker Street two-way – what you say
"Whose idea was it to spend all this money on changing Baker Street and Gloucester Place into two way and the extra cost of cycle lanes which hardly anyone uses when the present system works perfectly."
What you say
"My wife and I read your reports on what you are doing for local residents with considerable interest."
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg
Labour Business and Public Realm spokesperson
Westminster City Council
News from the Labour Action Team in Marylebone High Street Ward
Chiltern Street
We have asked City West Homes to investigate residents of York Mansions' concerns:
"Residents at York Mansions in Chiltern Street, Marylebone are fed up with the very poor unprofessional management and delivery of general services, health and safety issues and major works programmes by CIty West Homes. We have tried to engage positively with CWH senior managers, our local councillors, the Leader Westminster Council and the Director of Housing but they really don't want to know. We are desperate for advice and support! "
Luxborough Street
We are making enquiries with BT Openreach about this issue:
"I live in Luxborough Street. Outside the flats there is a box marked 'fibre'. We are next door to the university and 100m from one of the busiest roads in London, yet no high speed broadband. I wrote to our MP, who contacted BT Openreach whose response was that there are no immediate plans to install high speed broadband. Any help you can give would be much appreciated. "
Paddington Street toilets
We have raised our concerns with the Council at the continued closure of the public toilets in Paddington Street and asked when the padlocks will be removed and toilets re-opened.
Marylebone Road traffic
Following our enquiries about traffic travelling north-south/south-north jumping the lights along Marylebone Road, TfL say:
"As a result of the lane closures that are in place for the Baker Street works, to introduce two way traffic on Baker Street and Gloucester Place, unfortunately some green signal time has had to be reallocated to Marylebone Road. This is because as it holds a considerable proportion of the traffic travelling around central London. Unfortunately, this has meant a slight reduction in green signal time to the side roads. Increasing the green time to the side roads will result in significant levels of queuing on Marylebone Road which would eventually cause gridlock of the whole network as you can understand. The traffic team are continuing to monitor the traffic signal strategy in the area during the works and have engineers constantly reviewing the signal timings."
Marylebone Library
Proposals to build the new Marylebone Library at Seymour Leisure Centre have been announced. The Council is seeking views on the proposals and has arranged the following consultation events at Marylebone Library, 9 – 11 New Cavendish Street W1G 9UQ
- Tuesday 27th February, 3pm – 8pm
- Wednesday 7th March, 8am – 10am
You can also view the design proposals and comment online at
City West Homes 'Nightmare Stories'
We have published a dossier of '20 nightmare stories' from City West Homes', based on the experiences of CWH tenants and leaseholders over the past few months across Westminster. All have been reported to CWH for action and some problems have now been resolved – but only after a Labour Councillor had intervened. This is not the way to run an organisation responsible for 12,500 tenants and 10,000 leaseholders. How many more similar stories of incompetence and neglect go unreported because the tenant or leaseholder has not been able escalate the problem by reporting it to a Labour Councillor? City West Homes is in need of a radical overhaul and Labour is pledged to do this following the May Council elections.
To see the report go to https://labourwestminster.wordpress.com/2018/01/24/westminster-labour-launches-dossier-of-20-nightmare-stories-from-city-west-homes/
Please let us know if you are having problems with City West Homes.
There is a new Chief Superintendent in charge of Westminster Police and we hope to meet with him soon to discuss his plans. We will keep arguing for more police to keep our streets safe and for the Government to halt the cuts to the Metropolitan Police budget. In particular:
- There have been huge real-terms cuts to policing budgets across the country. In London alone, £700 million has been cut from the Met Police's budget.
- These cuts mean that in London, we've lost 2,495 Police officers and 3,261 Police Community Support Officers.
- The Met Police still needs to find a further £370 million of savings by 2022 – meaning police numbers could fall below 27,500 by 2021 – the lowest level since 2002.
We have started a petition to stop the police cuts https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/203543
Dealing with Airbnb
Research by the Residential Landlords Association published in December 2017 found the number of Airbnb rentals in London has increased by 187% since 2015. Karen Buck MP (Labour) said the number of properties advertised in Westminster North on Airbnb has more than doubled – from 1,603 in 2015 to 3,621 in 2017.
"In blocks of flats, long-term residents find themselves living in a hotel but without the services to support it, like staff and security. They have to deal with constant comings and goings, security concerns, noise, rubbish. These properties turn over every few days so you feel you aren't living in a residential community."
Karen Buck said short-term lets were also contributing to housing shortages.
"The original concept of Airbnb was you rent your flat out when you're away or your spare room. That still happens and that's absolutely fine. But what's also happened is professional landlords have moved in, who in many cases own multiple properties."
Research by Westminster City Council found that renting a one-bedroom flat in the area will make £495 a week for an ordinary tenancy, but £1,561 a week on a nightly basis.
Two years ago, the law changed to allow London properties to be let for up to 90 days a year without permission from the council. In January 2017, Airbnb introduced a block on London hosts renting out homes for more than 90 days a year, to ensure users complied with the law.
But some landlords are finding ways around the rules, including re-listing a property under a slightly different address or advertising a whole flat as a single room, which is not covered by the 90-day limit. People also advertise on alternative platforms to get around the cap.
Karen Buck said it was difficult for councils to enforce the 90-day limit and has put forward a bill to Parliament calling for all short-term lets to be registered
"It's difficult to monitor. Local authorities have to spend a lot of time and money trying to catch the people breaking the rules. My suggestion is very light touch. People who are staying within the law are fine and just need to spend 30 seconds registering their property online. There's no question of denying permission. But for people that are breaking the rules, we have a means of bringing them to justice.".
The Blitz in Westminster
This website shows where bombs were dropped during the Blitz. You can find out how close they got to your home
What you say
"Thank you for your informative newsletters. I read with interest your latest report on Broadband. "
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg
Labour Business and Public Realm spokesperson
Westminster City Council
News from the Labour Action Team in Marylebone High Street Ward
We asked the Council if there is a housing proposal coming forward soon on this long vacant site which was previously a play area before the Council earmarked it for a library and then abandoned the project losing the Council over a £1 million. The Council replied:
"This is at Business Planning stage. A cabinet member report has just been signed to enable further options analysis and design."
Moxon Street
We asked the Council when will work be starting on the redevelopment of this car park site where the Farmers Market is located. The Council said:
"We are edging closer to completion of the sale at which time works will begin and the Council will receive payment. We expect completion before the end of the financial year."
Baker Street two-way
Drivers through Baker Street have been told by the Council to add at least 20 minutes to their journey times for the next six months as works are planned for the stretch of Marylebone Road between Baker Street and Balcombe Street. The Park Road/Gloucester Place, Baker Street/Crawford Street junctions, and the southern section of Portman Square will also be severely affected. One-lane closures will be in place along Marylebone Road and locally in Park Road and Baker Street.
Work has already finished on a number of junctions on Gloucester Place and surrounding streets. The new two-way Baker Street is expected to open in early 2019.
19-35 Baker Street
We are continuing to support local residents who are opposed to the redevelopment proposals for 19-35 Baker Street and who are calling for more than the 20% on-site affordable housing offered by the developers. The planning application is being reviewed by the Mayor after being given the go-ahead by the Council.
Holcroft Court
We are continuing to support residents who want to locate a plaque on the wall to commemorate Thomas Holcroft after whom the block is named.
St Mary's Urgent Care Centre
St Mary's Urgent Care Centre (UCC), run by private healthcare provider Vocare Limited in the Praed Street hospital, was rated inadequate in a Care Quality Commission (CQC) report published recently. We've been asking people about their experiences of the Urgent Care Centre. Please sign our petition to take the management contract away from the failing private contractor and return it to the NHS.
Here are some examples of what you told us:
Alexandra Pink said: "I took my husband to A&E recently and we got referred to the Urgent Care Centre … it was a complete disaster. I tried to complain but they weren't interested. Something needs to be done as the company running it is clearly not providing the service they are paid to"
Jennifer Fee said: "My daughter was referred to the Urgent Care Centre by A&E … the doctor walked out of the room because my 2 yr old was crying and didn't return. He told us in the waiting room that it was a soft tissue injury so we left. Five days later we took her to Royal Free where they confirmed she had a fracture"
Another resident said: "My daughter was sent home from the Urgent Care Centre with a groin to toe cast. Six days later, we returned as she was in terrible pain. There was a horrible suppurating wound under the cast for which she needed 2 days of intravenous antibiotics and we were told she might need surgery. And then we found out that her leg was not fractured after all so it was an incorrect diagnosis and the cast had exacerbated the infection!"
You can read about the failing Urgent Care Centre in this article from the Ham & High:
Council housing
Inside Housing magazine has published details of the number of former council homes now being let by private landlords, after analysing statistics from two-thirds of councils in England. The research reveals that on average more than 40 percent of property bought under Right to Buy is now in the hands of private landlords. The figures for Westminster show that out of the 8,988 leaseholds sold to council tenants, 3,363 — 37.42 percent — are now owned as buy-to-let. Inside Housing says that the average weekly council rent in London is £108 while for private flats it is £359.
City Council elections, May 2018
An interesting article looking forward to the May Council elections by Dave Hill which quotes Andrew Murray's State of Soho blog:
Tesco Bags of Help – Community Grant Scheme
Bags of Help is Tesco's local community grant scheme where the money raised by the 10p Bag for Life charge in Tesco stores is being used to fund community projects that benefit the local community. Following a public vote, three projects in each Tesco region will receive an award every two months, with first place receiving up to £4,000, second place up to £2,000 and third place up to £1,000.
- Who can apply? Grants will be awarded to voluntary or community organisations, schools, Parish Councils, local authorities and social housing providers.
- What kind of projects will Bags of Help fund? Projects that benefit the local community are eligible for funding – from improving community buildings and developing outdoor spaces to buying new kit or equipment, training coaches or volunteers, and hosting community events or activities.
- How to Apply – For more information and to apply visit the website: http://www.groundwork.org.uk/Sites/tescocommunityscheme
If you need any further advice or support – including talking through some project ideas or finding out how to make a project eligible – contact Paige Matthews, Community Project Officer, Groundwork London Phone: 020 8762 0321 E-mail: email@example.com
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg
Labour Business, Planning and Public Realm spokesperson
Westminster City Council
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – December 2017
Oxford Street – Getting answers from Transport for London
Our priority is to make the transformation of Oxford Street work for everyone – for residents, for businesses, for shoppers and for visitors. We also want more public toilets and more use of quieter, electric delivery vehicles. As ever, the 'devil is in the detail' and we look forward to seeing a practical and common sense plan that works. Until then, we will keep fighting to get the best deal for local residents and businesses.
Over recent months we have putting your questions to Transport for London to get answers on the key issues for local residents. Here is what they say:
Why is it necessary to transform the Oxford Street district?
- It is estimated up to 500,000 people already use Oxford Circus station every day and the number of people coming in and out of Bond Street station is likely to increase by 30 per cent when the Elizabeth line opens in December 2018.
What is being proposed?
- The guiding principle has been that any improvements to Oxford
Street should not be at the cost of surrounding residential streets and the
whole district must benefit.
- The Mayor is looking at improving Oxford Street in stages, starting with
what we are calling Oxford Street West. We are proposing removing all
east-west traffic between Orchard Street and Oxford Circus with north south
routes retained so traffic can move through the district.
- The Mayor is considering whether the closure should be 24 hours or
whether delivery and servicing vehicles should be allowed access overnight
and have asked for people's views about this.
Won't this simply cause congestion and pollution elsewhere?
- Only two bus routes will run through the district, a reduction of over 70 per cent from 2016.
- Buses will run for just 220m on Wigmore Street, between Welbeck
Street and Baker Street, and will be reduced to low flow overnight. There
will be only one bus stop in each direction on Wigmore Street.
- Buses will be the cleanest, quietest and greenest that TfL has.
- Traffic on many streets will be unaffected, with decreases on some
and slight increases on a minority. We have published expected journey times
for each street.
- Traffic is expected to reduce on Wigmore Street, even with the additional buses. These run at around one every four minutes in the peak in each direction (17 per hour) and one every fifteen minutes (four per hour) overnight in each direction
What will happen with pollution?
- Overall air quality will improve across the district
- There will be some variations, with some sites improved further by
the scheme, but at all sites looked at pollution would be improved in
comparison to now.
- The proposals include installing 100 air monitoring stations across the district
so that, for the first time, we will have an accurate picture of what is
happening, rather than the current estimates. This information will be
available to everyone.
What are you going to do about deliveries to Oxford Street?
- Very few businesses currently use Oxford St for deliveries and
we're looking at new loading bays in side streets.
- There are only between 0 and 5 vehicles loading on Oxford Street West each hour, as the vast majority of activity already happens on side streets or at the rear of premises. Much of the night sees no loading activity at all.
- The changes proposed mean that the maximum distance to a loading bay would be no more than 50 metres for almost all businesses.
- The Mayor is working with the freight industry and businesses to reduce the overall number of deliveries to the district.
How will you make sure that the area is accessible to all?
- The Elizabeth line stations at Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road will be step free, along with the improved Tube stations.
- Taxi ranks will be located no further than 200m from any point on Oxford Street West and be clearly visible. The total number of rank spaces in the area will increase by 25 per cent by 2020.
- A better environment for all will include improvements to pedestrian surfaces, lighting, in-street information, way finding landmarks, seating, resting areas and meeting places.
- Bus stops are currently, on average, 113m away from any point on Oxford Street West. The new scheme could see that increase to 300m, but many will be 200m and intensive work continues to make sure Oxford Street remains accessible for all.
- At least 25 new pedestrian crossings will be installed, all of which will use energy-efficient LED lighting and have pedestrian countdown technology.
- The Mayor is working closely with a range of representative groups for older and disabled people to refine our plans.
- The Mayor is considering the feasibility of providing a further mobility service along Oxford Street and to/from local bus stops.
What will the impact be on parking and cycling?
- There will have no impact on the supply of resident and motorcycle parking and will ensure that disabled parking is retained throughout the area
- Cycling is very important and TfL is working up the detail ahead of a proposed consultation in 2018
What will you do to keep it attractive and safe?
- A comprehensive management plan will set out how we will deal with anti-social behaviour, licensing, street cleaning and enforcement issues, and work with partners to ensure that it is adequately funded.
- Oxford Street is already a potential target for attack and the proposals are to make people safer.
Lost bus link from Queensway to Oxford Circus
- The proposal for changes to bus services means that the 94 would end at Marble Arch, rather than continuing to Oxford Circus
- It is hoped to run the 94 into Oxford Street West if we are able to locate a bus stand in North Row. If we can achieve this then the 94 will run very close to the pedestrianised area.
- Either way, it will be possible to change for the 390 (with the new Hopper fare meaning it can be done on a single ticket) which will serve Oxford Circus after following its new route on Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place
What are the benefits of transformation?
- The transformation will improve air quality across the district
- Create beautiful, safe, accessible and inspiring public spaces to address some of the very serious and pressing current issues of poor road safety and air quality.
- Make it much easier to walk and move throughout the whole area.
- Equally protect and enhance the quality of life for residents in the area.
- Support businesses to grow to create new jobs for the benefit of local people and all Londoners – keeping Oxford Street competitive.
- Support the introduction of the Elizabeth line to the area.
Oxford Street transformation
The opening of the Elizabeth Line at the end of 2018 will bring millions of new visitors to Oxford Street to shop, to work and to visit. The current state of Oxford Street with narrow, broken and cracked pavements, increasing pollution, a very high pedestrian accident record and an unattractive environment is not acceptable. Doing nothing is, therefore, not an option.
But this certainly does not mean that local residents and businesses should simply accept what the Council and TfL propose without questioning it thoroughly and very carefully. Residents are those who will be most affected by the changes and so residents need to be put first. Residents' concerns about displaced traffic and increased pollution on residential streets must be answered. No ifs, not buts. The Council and TfL must show that these concerns are being addressed and ensure that the plans do not lead to the disruption, congestion, pollution and daily inconvenience that many residents fear.
It is for that reason that we have met TfL to insist that residents' questions are answered. We will keep asking these questions until we get answers.
We have called for a street-by-street plan of of the changes so that residents and businesses can see how they will be affected. We want a big reduction in traffic, including buses. We want to see a dedicated transport service for the disabled and elderly so that they, too, can enjoy the new Oxford Street. And we want to see a plan for Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place which shows how buses can be accommodated without causing problems.
Our priority is to make the transformation of Oxford Street work for everyone – for residents, for businesses, for shoppers and for visitors. We also want more public toilets and more use of quieter, electric delivery vehicles. As ever, the 'devil is in the detail' and we look forward to seeing a practical and common sense plan that works. Until then, we will keep fighting to get the best deal for local residents and businesses.
You can see the latest plans for Oxford Street and make your comments here https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/oxford-street/
Baker Street
Westminster Council once again decided to let developers off providing the required 30% of social housing in a major redevelopment plan in Baker Street. The plans for the redevelopment of an entire block at 15-35 Baker Street, 88-110 George Street and 69-71 Blandford Street include 51 new homes but only 10 are affordable – less than 20%.
In addition, the Council's planning policies require the developers to pay over £12.3 million in lieu of on-site affordable house, but instead, the Planning Committee on 14th November voted to accept just £5 million from the developers.
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – September 2017
Holcroft Court
We have reported a serious incident of anti-social behaviour to the Council. In addition, we have reported this issue to City West Homes:
"For the past 4 months that the door to the recycle bins on Clipstone Steet, between Blocks D and E, is not locked or secured. meaning that anyone can walk into this area, sleep rough and drug deal"
Marylebone High Street
We contacted the police after receiving this message:
"We're having issues with suspected rough sleepers and drug dealers getting access to our block of flats. The police don't seem that interested. I'm finding it impossible to find a contact number for our local police liaison (Marylebone High Street area). Do you have any contact details? I've tried calling 101 and filling in contact forms online, but nobody ever responds."
The police say:
"Marylebone High Street ward has two dedicated ward officers – PC's Troy Miller and Jim Black. They can be contacted direct on 02073218500 or via email on firstname.lastname@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com"
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – July 2017
Oxford Street
Residents have raised significant concerns about plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street. We have been making representations to TfL arguing that changes to Oxford Street cannot and should not lead to major bus diversions onto residential streets nor in any way detrimentally impact the quality of life of residents.
After pressing TfL they have told us that:
- They are committed to reworking the bus network in tandem with plans for pedestrianisation, and are already in the process of making changes. The aim is to reduce and remove the number of buses running through the West End as opposed to diverting them. The process of removing some buses has already started.
- They share concerns about the potential impacts on elderly and disabled people moving along Oxford Street if it is pedestrianised, and have appointed an Accessibility officer to look at how the interests of vulnerable people can be protected. We mentioned the idea of a fleet of electric vehicles and they say it is being considered.
- They are looking at allowing some movement of vehicles along Oxford Street during certain times of the day to allow delivery, servicing and refuse vehicles access.
- They are committed to "achieving a scheme that works for the district surrounding Oxford Street".
We will continue to urge TfL to respond to residents' concerns on a point-by-point basis. The concerns of residents must be addressed.
Do you have any concerns about pedestrianisation? Please contact us and we will take them up.
Holcroft Court
We are continuing to urge City West Homes to take strong action against drug dealers living in the block. Residents say:
"There is a young adult undertaking drug dealing in various blocks around Holcroft for at least the past two years, clearly on behalf of a third party. Positive ID have been given along with a description of what he looks like and again the group of people he is associating with who all reside in Holcroft"
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – December 2016
Marylebone Library
According to the 'Evening Standard':
"Residents were concerned the move to a new venue, which is believed to be an old curtain shop on New Cavendish Street, might mean a reduction of services and could threaten jobs. "The library is a focal point of our community, used by hundreds of people every day. What kind of bad message does moving it to a smaller venue give out? That it is not well-used and not a beloved library? That it's not a priority? That is wrong. It is a flagship library and lots of people get a lot of joy out of it. It is just so sad."
Residents were planning sit-ins and other protests, added that the move "does not bode well" for library services Londonwide. Staff members at the library said they worried the move would mark a "downward spiral" for the facility."
Seymour Leisure Centre
We have had further complaints from residents about the declining standards at Seymour Leisure Centre which we are taking up with the Council:
"I am a regular user of Seymour Leisure Centre on Seymour Place, and since the facility was taken over by Everyone Active I noticed a marked deterioration in maintenance in the poolside changing rooms. Generally, the standards of upkeep at the facility seem to have declined. I will make a complaint to them, but I was wondering if it was worth flagging this up to you as well and if you're aware of anyone else raising this issue."
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – October 2016
Westminster Conservatives have voted to give planning permission for a triple basement in Devonshire Mews West
Westminster Conservatives have voted to give planning permission to the Howard de Walden Estate for a triple basement to house a proton beam therapy unit in Devonshire Mews West, Marylebone, a quiet residential cul-de-sac in Marylebone, despite adopting a new Basements policy this summer which restricts basements to just one level and despite objections from 17 local residents for whom the mews is their home. The one Labour Councillor on the Planning Committee voted against the triple basement.
One resident said:
"I really feel that the Council's own policy on basements, in particular so soon after its adoption, would be jeopardised were an exception be made and this development be permitted. I have no doubt you will appreciate, that although this project may serve a worthy medical cause, it is totally ill-suited for this quiet residential cul-de-sac mews. More fundamentally, were this project to get consent, it would just make the promises of the council to protect the residents through its new policy on basements just sound extremely hollow."
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Labour Environment spokesperson, said:
"It is extremely disappointing that the Council's new Basements policy, which has cross-party support, should be breached so soon by this triple 'super basement' that is totally unsuited to a quiet cul-de-sac mews. Surely, a more appropriate commercial location, away from residents, would have been more appropriate for the years of construction, disruption, noise and dust that are involved in digging a triple basement? Many residents in Marylebone, St John's Wood, Bayswater and Pimlico will now be asking if their street is next for a Westminster Council-approved triple basement?"
Marylebone Library – Update
The Libraries Department has given us this update:
"Marylebone Library is located in a temporary location in Macintosh House and there is currently a requirement to vacate the building by February 2017 as the freeholder Howard de Walden Estates (HdW) requires it back for redevelopment.
HdW has assisted the council in identifying a new decant site at 9-11 New Cavendish Street. This is a double frontage pair of shop units which be refurbished as a single unit to make it suitable for use as a library. A lease of six years from February 2017 has been agreed with appropriate break clauses, which will give sufficient time to enable the planned long term reprovision of the service on the Seymour site.
The space available in New Cavendish Street is small, approximately 2600 sq ft, and is over two floors. Officers are working to maximise usage by prioritising the best-used services, including IT, study space and activities for children and families. Some services may be relocated to other libraries nearby or into other settings. Further detail on the New Cavendish Street service will be provided to stakeholders and library customers as soon as a scheme has been developed."
The future of Marylebone Library – what you say
"I have been gathering reactions to the Marylebone Library plans. Most families are extremely disappointed with the plans to relocate to a shopfront as it will no doubt mean a massive reduction in provision. How do we teach our children to have a life long love of learning and books without a library? Other comments I have received in passing discussions are very much along the same lines. Fears over loss of library provision in a shopfront and being downgraded to library services only, loss of the few children's activities we have in the area south of Marylebone Road. Portman Centre and Church Street are not easily accessible. The leisure centre option concerns are that there will be a downsizing of the library. It is also a very long time away so the thought of a shopfront for 3+ years is disappointing."
"I think Seymour Leisure Centre is a poor option. For many people, particularly elderly residents living east of the High Street, it's awkward to get to. Is the area behind Waitrose which is up for redevelopment out of the question? I think that would be infinitely preferable."
"I'm slightly nervous to ask about the 'remodelling' plans for Seymour? They have just signed up with a new provider (Fusion) who cheerfully announced they have a 10 year contract. It's a brilliant and well-used facility, and I believe the gym is too. So where will the library go?"
The Beehive, Crawford Street
We have asked the Council to investigate this issue:
"The Bee Hive pub on Crawford Street and has been closed for some time. It is surrounded by scaffolding. Up to 3 tramps have taken up residency in the door way and the area is now filthy. They have been there for over 3 weeks. They defecate in the adjacent alley leading into the mews and often abuse local residents. The situation really is unacceptable.
There have been numerous of calls to the police. I know that the porter for our block has called several times on behalf of the residents and others have called direct. I have spoken to the police twice and called to Westminster Council but little appears to have happened and the tramps remain in residence."
Holcroft Court
We have asked the Council to investigate this matter with TfL:
"My block of flats near Great Titchfield Street is seriously affected by noise from the Victoria Line, which runs under our block. This is of particular concern with the start of the 24-hour weekend underground service. Someone from TfL took measurements a few weeks ago and was able to pinpoint the problem, a corroded rail. We are now told that the repair cannot be carried out until March 2017. Can you put any pressure on TfL so speed things up? I should add that there is a Tube Noise Action Group which is trying to coordinate complaints from different parts of London (email@example.com)"
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – August 2016
Bus Routes 13, 82, 113, 139 and 189
TfL are consulting on changes to bus routes 13, 82, 113, 139 and 189 that operate in the 'Baker Street corridor' area serving Golders Green, Finchley Road, Abbey Road, Baker Street and Oxford Street. This is a revised proposal following feedback received during a previous consultation held in spring 2015, which resulted in extensive opposition to the plans for route 13. Further information and a response form are available on TfL's website: www.tfl.gov.uk/consultations including full details, maps and frequency information. The consultation closes on Friday 30 September 2016
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – July 2016
Marylebone Low Emission Neighbourhood
We have welcomed the Mayor's decision to select Marylebone as a Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN). The LEN was one of eight announced by the Mayor and is funded by the Mayor's Air Quality Fund with match funding with the relevant Borough. The application was developed with local amenity societies, Business Improvement Districts, neighbourhood forums and property estates.
Councillor Jason Williams, Labour's Shadow Cabinet Member for City Management and Sustainability said:
"We very much welcome the Mayor's announcement of the Low Emission Network for Marylebone. The Mayor has made air quality a key priority in his Mayoralty and we also welcome that he has increased the number of LENs from two to five across London.
Marylebone suffers from very poor air quality and the LEN can play an important part in dealing with the air quality issues residents face. We have requested a meeting with the Mayor and Val Shawcross, Deputy Mayor for Transport, to ensure further issues both in Marylebone and Oxford Street are addressed."
Holcroft Court
We are making enquiries with City West Homes about this issue:
"I wonder if you could assist with this problem of 'responsibility ' for an investigation about asbestos in our bathroom area. CityWest deny it is their responsibility but my neighbour has documentation from 2011 citing that this is their responsibilities. It may appear that CityWest have changed this policy but they have not consulted leaseholders. Would you be able to shed light on this issue as we are getting conflicting information?"
Chiltern Street
We have asked the Council to investigate this issue to see if an acceptable solution can be found:
"Residents in Chiltern Street are frustrated by not being able to get anything done about the chimney serving the wood fire burning stove in the Firehouse Hotel. The Council has successfully persuaded the Hotel to change the fire in the outside courtyard to gas as the chimney for this fire is below the roof level surrounding it. However, the other chimney, although taller, isn't high enough to prevent smoke swirling round at the level of the top flats in Wendover Court, Chiltern Street. We have just had our flats painted and already there is a layer of soot on the windowsills and if we open our windows we can smell and taste the smoke. We have explained this to the Hotel and get a response that 'the fuel we burn is legal'. While this is true, the height of the chimney does not allow the smoke to escape efficiently. The solution is either to make the chimney higher than the surrounding buildings or change the fire from and open wood burning one to a gas fired one. One solution or the other is acceptable for us (residents) but the current position is very unpleasant and unhealthy."
Marylebone cycleway – what you say
"Westminster proposes a cycleway which is of no commercial value, and a danger to residents, and coming past Marylebone Mews. The consultation suggests a snaked route including closing down the major west-travelling artery of New Cavendish Street to one lane all the way from the Post Office Tower to Wimpole Street, and providing a two-way cycle-way. All of our emergency services come from east of Euston Station, not least the Fire Brigade. How on earth could they get here in single file traffic crossing dozens of other roads?"
Baker Street and Gloucester Place two-way proposal – what you say
"You only have to see the disastrous effect this will have on the traffic when recently Baker Street was dug up leaving one lane open for traffic. How dustcarts, delivery lorries, buses and what-have-you are supposed to cope with this is beyond me."
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – January 2016
Marylebone Road/Park Crescent
We have asked the Road Safety Team to look in to this issue:
"There seems to be a problem for traffic and pedestrians at the junction of these two roads. When traffic is driving north along Park Crescent, road works have closed the way ahead into the park, so they are turning left as pedestrians are crossing on a green man. Twice this morning I was nearly knocked down by cars coming out and turning left as I crossed Marylebone Road on a green man. I realise this is a temporary situation, but I hope something can be done."
Pedestrian crossings on Marylebone Road
We asked TfL why pedestrian cannot cross Marylebone Road in one go. This is the response we have received:
"All the traffic signals on Marylebone Road work in unison to manage any delays that may occur along the entirety of this section of road. All vehicle and pedestrian signals are therefore timed to work in parallel with one another whilst giving pedestrians as much opportunity as possible to cross both halves of the crossing in one movement. However, dependent on when during the signal cycle pedestrians arrive at the crossing, there will be times they will have to wait in the central island to complete the movement.
While it is possible to cross in one movement at both locations referred to in your email, it is not possible at all crossing points on Marylebone Road. If we implemented full width pedestrian crossings at all locations on Marylebone Road it would have a significant negative impact on the operation of Marylebone Road, creating additional delays at a number of locations.
Unfortunately, I cannot therefore commit to modifying the crossing points but I can assure you we are vigilant to changing behaviours and demand, and that we undertake frequent reviews to ensure our junctions work in the most effective way."
Marylebone Neighbourhood Forum
The Marylebone Neighbourhood Forum will draw up the Neighbourhood Plan and will be involved in all aspects of quality of life in the Marylebone Area. It is therefore vital that as many residents as possible turn up to vote for the adoption of a democratic constitution and committee members, as well as whether we agree or not with Baker Street and Gloucester Place Two Way Traffic.
Do not miss this unique opportunity to exercise democracy in the new Marylebone Neighbourhood Forum on 28th of January 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at International Students House, 229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN.
The Localism Act 2011 devolved power to the community throughout the Neighbourhood Forums.
Anyone who lives or works in Marylebone High Street and Bryanston and Dorset Square Wards, can attend the General Assembly of the Marylebone Neighbourhood Forum on 28th of January 2016 and can put their names forward to be elected as members of the Committee before the new deadline of early January by visiting
Anyone who lives or works in Marylebone High Street and Bryanston and Dorset Square Wards, can join the Marylebone Neighbourhood Forum by completing the application form directly in the Assembly meeting or online in this link:http://www.maryleboneforum.org/support
For more information following this link:
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – December 2015
Marylebone Neighbourhood Forum
Anyone who lives or works in Marylebone High Street and Bryanston and Dorset Square Wards, can attend the General Assembly of the Marylebone Neighbourhood Forum on 28th of January 2016 and can put their names forward to be elected as members of the Committee before the deadline of 28th of December by visiting http://www.maryleboneforum.org
The Localism Act 2011 devolved power to the community throughout the Neighbourhood Forums.
To join the Marylebone Neighbourhood Forum fill in this form:
Nominations for election as Committee Member for the Marylebone Forum
The deadline s 28th of December 2015. Anyone interested visit this link
You can attend the AGM of the Marylebone Neighbourhood Forum on 28th of January 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at International Students House, 229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN.
For more information following this link:
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – October 2015
1 Dorset Street
We are supporting local residents who are opposing the proposals for this building. Residents say they are opposed to:
• Loss of amenity – seriously negative effects will ensue – of privacy, light and noise – for all surrounding residents and properties.
• Change of use from office to residential – further, damaging, "hollowing-out" of Marylebone Village.
• Loss of "Monocle" – the very positive effect that this tenant has had on the area for the last three years will come to an end. Monocle has been a great asset for several years, supporting local businesses and the community.
• Trees – Paddington Gardens avenue of mature trees comes under threat through possible root-system damage.
• Appearance – proposals are two storeys higher than the existing property as well as too bulky for the confined space. Entirely inappropriate "abutting" onto nearby properties – notably St Andrews Mansions – will result in a "hemmed-in" feeling for many local residents. The design is also insensitive to the surrounding Georgian and Edwardian architecture.
Duchess Street
The 'Evening Standard' reports:
"A row has broken out over plans to expand a French school in Marylebone to cope with the influx of expats coming to London. The £24,000-a-year independent L'Ecole Internationale Franco-Anglaise has proposed to expand into the Grade II listed 10 Duchess Street within the Harley Street Conservation Area and wants to set up a 175-pupil secondary school to cope with the demand for French-speaking school places. Some residents oppose the plans, saying pupils will cause "pandemonium". One of the 40 residents who objected to Westminster City Council wrote: "It is unrealistic to imply that there will only be quiet, polite and litter-free children. From personal experience I can assure you that Anglo-French children are no more likely than any other group of similar age to be paragons of virtue."
66 Chiltern Street – what you say
"What I don't understand is why building sites are not fined for working late? Westminster issues parking fines, refuse fines, licensing fines etc. I was fined for stopping outside Oxfam to deliver my unwanted books! It seems there is one law for property developers and a different law for everybody else. This development is repeatedly working late and there is no deterrent for them to finish on time. I suggested to them they pay a self-imposed fine every time they work late, and this money be put to use for children and elderly in the community but they refused."
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – September 2015
Cycling Quietway
Westminster City Council is proposing a Quietway Route from Edgware Road to Fitzrovia
The section of this route being consulted on within the City of Westminster is approximately 2km in length. The streets affected by these proposals are Harrowby Street, Seymour Place, Crawford Street, Paddington Street, Nottingham Place, Nottingham Street, Marylebone High Street, Devonshire Street, Great Portland Street and Carburton Street.
In Great Portland Street, the council is proposing to rearrange the street layout to enable two-way cycling, and a new traffic signal to help cyclists and pedestrians cross the road. Changes to parking bays and kerbside restrictions will also be made.
The plans will allow two-way cycling along Carburton Street to help create a link for cycling between Camden and Westminster, especially for less confident cyclists.
As part of the consultation, Westminster will be holding two public exhibitions for people to attend and learn about the route. The plans — which are also online — will give people the chance to view the detailed designs, as well as meet the design team and discuss the project.
Quietway Route from Edgware Road to Fitzrovia. Public exhibition: Marylebone Library, Macintosh House, 54 Beaumont Street, W1G 6DW. Tuesday 29 September, 4-8pm; Saturday 3 October, 10am-4pm.
Holcroft Court residents' association call for the resignation of three Conservative ward councillors
Holcroft Court residents' association is calling for the resignation of three Conservative ward councillors after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed they withheld information about the sell off and major redevelopment of a property just eight metres from their homes. In 2013 Marylebone High Street ward councillors Iain Bott and Ian Rowley were shown a confidential report and made aware of decisions that led to the sale of the council-owned property. Councillor Karen Scarborough was not elected to the ward until May 2014, Fitzrovia News reports it "would have likely been informed by councillors Bott and Rowley as the Cleveland Street development is one of the largest property developments in the ward."
For the full story read http://news.fitzrovia.org.uk/2015/09/03/residents-association-calls-on-marylebone-high-street-ward-councillors-to-resign/
Ogle Street – Big Black Bins
We have received an update from the Council:
"Thank you for your recent response concerning the Big Black Bin site which was situated on Ogle Street. This site was offered as the nearest alternative for residents still wishing to use a communal bin, but unfortunately due to continued dumping and contamination, the Cabinet Member for City management proposed that the site be removed on an 8 week trial basis, in order to assist identifying offenders and better manage the issues around dumping.
The site is now regularly being visited by officers, and residents have been advised to use their doorstep collection service, which in this locality are 7 days a week. Recycling is once a week (Thursday in this area) which is the same for most streets in the city. The trial is due to end on Thursday 10th September where a final decision on whether the bins are remain permanently removed or are returned will be taken.
Residents can use most general waste bags providing they are secured and waste is contained. The council provide free (blue) recycling bags which should be placed outside on the correct recycling day. The council uses red bags for its commercial waste customers, which again need to be secured and presented outside during the correct time."
Holcroft Court
We have asked City West Homes to investigate this issue;
"For the past two weeks (at least), there is a large group of homeless men who are sleeping in the alcove area between block D and E. This alcove has disabled exits leading out of block D and Block E respectively. Last night the group consisted of at least 7 men and one woman. Three years ago a similar problem occurred when drug dealing was occurring in precisely the same location. Despite our repeated emails nothing was done until an elderly neighbour was prevented from going into the block and then the Police had to take action. These homeless individuals, who have become our neighbours need the right help and support but sleeping in this locations puts them at risk and exposes them to organise crime and as a consequence we suffer these implications."
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – July 2015
Baker Street/Gloucester place two-way proposal – Proposed changes to bus routes – have your say
As part of the proposals to return Baker Street and Gloucester Place to two-way streets (www.surveygizmo.co.uk/s3/2145353/Baker-Street-Two-Way-Consultation-Questionnaire), some changes to the bus network in the area are proposed. Details of the proposed changes can be found on the Transport for London website: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/baker-street
A consultation survey is now open, giving you an opportunity to have your say on the proposed changes to bus services in the Baker Street / Gloucester Place area. Please use the following link to complete the online questionnaire: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/baker-street/consultation/intro/view
The deadline for responses is Friday 4th September 2015.
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – June 2015
Westminster Council and TfL should listen to residents on Baker Street two-way proposals
Labour Councillors are supporting the pleas of the St Marylebone Society and the Marylebone Association who are calling for Westminster Council and Transport for London to take more notice of residents' views on plans to return Baker Street and Gloucester Place to two-way working.
At this week's Environment Scrutiny Committee, Councillors heard from Gaby Higgs of the St Marylebone Society and Michael Bolt of the Marylebone Association. Gaby Higgs told the Committee of residents' concerns that the current proposals would cause 'rat-runs' through residential areas and that insufficient information had been provided on how bus and coach traffic would be managed. Michael Bolt told the Committee that residents were concerned that the proposed ban on left turns into Marylebone Road at Gloucester Place would force traffic through York Street and on to Seymour Place. He told the Committee;
"Whilst we are generally supportive of the overall aspirations involved in making these roads two way but we are not supportive of a gold plated scheme which fiddles around with the carriageways to such an extent that we see substantial traffic displacement within our area, and the present scheme is in grave danger of doing just this. The effect of all these changes, plus the reduction in carriageway width on Baker Street and Gloucester Place, will be to move more traffic onto residential streets and spread the pollution noise and disruption to surrounding areas."
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Labour Built Environment spokesperson said;
"The principle of returning Baker Street and Gloucester Place to two way working after over 50 years might be a good idea, but the devil is in the detail of how it will operate at the key junctions. The consultation so far has not convinced many long-standing residents and more needs to be done to show people how the new road system would work in detail. The weakest link for many people is the proposal to ban the left turn at the Gloucester Place/Marylebone Road junction and the impact that this will have on forcing a great deal of traffic through the residential streets north and south of Marylebone Road. Westminster and TfL have a lot more work to do and listening to residents should be the top priority."
Paddington Street/Chiltern Street and Luxborough Street junction
We have reported the very strong concerns of residents and businesses about the closure of Paddington Street to accommodate the lorries associated with the two huge building sites at this junction. Residents tell us:
"This junction is a main artery for families transporting young children and babies in prams to school, to the playground and to the supermarket and I fear that at some point there will be an accident involving them. It can also be a very important route for ambulances and emergency vehicles. As a resident and business owner I am surprised that I received no notification or consultation regarding these proposals. I pay a huge amount of money each year in council tax and business rates. I have asked my neighbouring businesses and they also were not made aware. I find it incredulous that in the past I have been fined for putting out a bag of refuse at the wrong time, but such large scale disruption is permitted."
"As a Resident of St Andrews Mansions I was just outside and traffic was coming from all angles. This is actually dangerous with cyclists also going the wrong way and pedestrians not knowing which way to look. Apart from the fact we used to have a nice quiet place to live and pay a lot of money to live here – and Westminster are more interested in large corporate developers than the residents they are supposed to 'serve' and who elect them. Seems like the developers can do what on earth they want and get anything granted and the residents just have to 'lump it or leave it'."
Following our enquiries, the layout of the respective sites was amended and the necessary signage put in place. However, the situation is still not resolved:
"I am shocked at how little involvement 'Westminster' seem to think they need when so many residents are so very upset. It feels like they are 'hiding' behind developers and contractors and the developers and contractors are pointing the finger at Westminster. The lack of any interest from Westminster is actually creating local resentment and you are ironically making a small problem and really big growing issue!"
Paddington Street Gardens
We have asked the Parks Department to investigate this issue:
"Over the past few months an increasing number of homeless people have been congregating in Paddington Street Gardens. Rather than using the space for recreation, it appears they are "living" in the park during its opening hours. In particular, some are drinking all day and becoming unruly to park visitors. There has been an increase in broken bottles and safety blades left on the grass. The toilet facilities are being used as wash facilities all day long. The major concern is that residents are reducing their use of the park as a result, feeling intimidated by some of the behaviour and larger groups of drunken men. Although we respect everyone's right to free use, we wonder if anti-social use can be deterred?"
The Parks Manager is in contract with the relevant agencies to try to improve this situation. He is also considering relocating the park bench further into the garden so it is not so accessible from the street, hoping this may deter some of these groups. He says this is the first time he had been informed of safety blades left on the lawn areas and the ground maintenance contractor will be vigilant in this area.
Residents have commented further:
"In the past few days the northern part of the gardens has been taken over by 15 or so individuals, who spend most of the day drinking alcohol, smoking and rummaging through clothes they have taken from the clothes recycling bins, on the opposite side of the street. They also have a lot of belongings spread out, such as duvets and personal possessions. Locals were being continually harassed for money (change) or cigarettes. The park is fast becoming avoided by locals and residents!"
Baker Street two-way working proposal – what you say
"The proposal to provide a right turn from A41 Park Road on to Rossmore Road will result in a very large increase in traffic using Harewood Avenue in order to turn right into Marylebone Road. The section of Harewood Avenue both north and especially south of Marylebone station is already a major area of congestion needing urgent attention. This is the only right turn between Baker Street and the Marylebone flyover. Any additional traffic will seriously affect the, already difficult, access to the station for taxis and other service vehicles. Pollution levels are already dangerously high, given the trains and the dozens of diesel driven taxis in the area."
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – May 2015
Baker Street Two-Way Project: Public Consultation Now Open
The public consultation on the proposed project to reintroduce two way traffic operation to Baker Street and Gloucester Place is now underway. The consultation will last for ten weeks up until Friday 31st July, before which everyone in the area can have their say by visiting the project's website www.bakerstreettwoway.co.uk and filling in a feedback questionnaire.
Along with the information on the website, there will also be a series of public exhibitions held in the coming weeks to allow people to see first-hand the scope of the project and speak directly to officers and partners.
Paddington Street/Chiltern Street and Luxborough Street junction
We have reported the very strong concerns of residents and businesses about the closure of Paddington Street to accommodate the lorries associated with the two huge building sites at this junction. Residents tell us:
"This junction is a main artery for families transporting young children and babies in prams to school, to the playground and to the supermarket and I fear that at some point there will be an accident involving them. It can also be a very important route for ambulances and emergency vehicles. As a resident and business owner I am surprised that I received no notification or consultation regarding these proposals. I pay a huge amount of money each year in council tax and business rates. I have asked my neighbouring businesses and they also were not made aware. I find it incredulous that in the past I have been fined for putting out a bag of refuse at the wrong time, but such large scale disruption is permitted."
"As a Resident of St Andrews Mansions I was just outside and traffic was coming from all angles. This is actually dangerous with cyclists also going the wrong way and pedestrians not knowing which way to look. Apart from the fact we used to have a nice quiet place to live and pay a lot of money to live here – and Westminster are more interested in large corporate developers than the residents they are supposed to 'serve' and who elect them. Seems like the developers can do what on earth they want and get anything granted and the residents just have to 'lump it or leave it'."
Local residents around Chiltern Street have raised a petition with Westminster City Council to extend the hours of 'Resident only' parking around the Chiltern Street Firehouse area
We the undersigned petition Westminster City Council to extend the Residents Parking in the subzone including Chiltern Street to 24 hours/at all times
Ever since the opening of the Chiltern Firehouse in W1, the residents are finding it extremely challenging to find Residents Parking due to a number of factors:
(1) drivers waiting for customers dining at the Firehouse restaurant have the right to park in Residents Parking after 8.30 pm
(2) a significant increase in non-zone F permit holders parking on the street to dine at the Firehouse
(3) there has been a decrease in the number of Resident Parking bays – in front of Hardy's Brasserie at 53 Dorset Street they have changed the Resident bays to Pay and Display, etc.
We have also noticed that during resident hours, there are non-zone F permit holders parking in our Residents bay and not receiving parking tickets; this has never been the case before as parking wardens in our area are extremely efficient and effective at issuing parking tickets.
Changing the Residents Parking bays in the subzone including Chiltern Street to "24 hours" or "At All Times" would be a big help in stopping the abuse of these spaces. Resident bays in Mayfair and SoHo that are close to busy night time venues enjoy this parking protection and it should be pretty apparent that we need it too.
You can sign the petition here http://petitions.westminster.gov.uk/ResidentParking/
There are also two other local petitions
To convert St Vincent St to be entirely pedestrian in order to increase the safety and amenity of residents, students and visitors.
Residents say:
"St Vincent Street is narrow and difficult for cars to navigate. The only entrances to St Vincent's Catholic Primary School are on St Vincent Street. Most of the parents and schoolchildren of St Vincent Primary must traverse St Vincent Street at least twice daily. Vehicles turning on to St Vincent Street from Cramer Street routinely ride up onto the pavement due to the tight angle. This creates a hazardous situation for all pedestrians, but particularly for parents and schoolchildren. The road also serves numerous pedestrians living, working and shopping in the area. The proposed development will further increase foot and vehicle traffic thereby increasing the already very significant risks to safety."
To construct a zebra crossing at the intersection of Aybrook Street and St Vincent Street in order to increase the safety and amenity of residents, students and visitors.
Residents say:
"The intersection of St Vincent Street and Aybrook Street is near two schools and crossed twice daily by hundreds of schoolchildren and parents. It is also frequently used by residents, visitors and shoppers. The proposed Moxon Street car park development would increase foot and vehicle traffic on Aybrook Street making a zebra crossing vital to insure the safety of pedestrians."
Baker Street Two Way Scheme
The Baker Street Two-way scheme has a new website at http://www.bakerstreettwoway.co.uk giving background information on the plan. The public consultation is still scheduled to start this month.
Bus Route No 13
Transport for London recently consulted on proposals to replace Bus Route No.13, which runs through Marylebone from Golders Green to the Aldwych/Drury Lane, with alterations to routes 82 and 139. Over 3,000 responses were received but TfL has decided "not to progress the scheme at this time" as "concerns have been expressed that the consultation has been partially undertaken during the pre-election period which runs until 7th May".
Thanks to the Marylebone Association for this information
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – March 2015
Fitzrovia parking
We have asked the Council to investigate this issue:
"F Zone Residents Parking is a mess, the zone is to large, and the needs from the western end to the eastern end are as different as they could be. Whilst the Lancaster Gate end has 24hr parking and plenty of it, we at the Fitzrovia end desperately need more, and it must be 24hr, we residents cannot find anywhere to park at most times of the day and in the evening it is impossible until after midnight and as the person in your newsletter says, we regularly get abuse from contractors!"
Fitzrovia – building work
We have reported this issue to the local warden:
"I'm in despair at the amount of development going on round here. I live in Langham Street, and works in this road, Cleveland Street, Tottenham Street, and to a lesser extent Goswell Street, make walking about hazardous. I can't imagine what it might be like for someone with sight impairment or any other disability. Pavements are blocked all over the place; we have to move on and off pavements, and cross roads to find a way through. It's particularly difficult and dangerous at the West corner of Langham Street and Cleveland Street, where for several hours a day, the corner is blocked off by a huge lorry so that, approaching from Cleveland Street, one cannot see what is coming down Langham Street.
There are long traffic jams in Great Portland Street, no doubt due to some diversion. I know that developments are intended for Langham Street, Riding House Street, Gt Portland Street, meaning that the whole of my block will be subject to noise, dirt and comings and goings of builders, and more pavements blocked, no doubt.
Doesn't the Planning Department give any thought to the well-being of residents and those trying to get to work? Not to mention the closure of small businesses."
Fitzroy Place
We are making enquiries after receiving this message:
"What provision has been made for the 293 dwellings of Fitzroy Place for extra residents parking? The disabled parking bays in Cleveland Street (inherited form the old Middlesex Hospital) have not been used since they were painted in and should be residents parking? We desperately need more 24hr residents parking, we have paid for it and I see it is the council's responsibility to provide it, as they keep on allowing more and more flats to be built! Previously with your help it took me two years to get four more spaces on Newman St, Charlotte St which I trigger to get parked on, sometimes I have to park as far away as Wells St."
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – February 2015
Chiltern Street, Blandford Street and Paddington Street area
We are making enquiries with the Council about these issues:
"The two large developments running at the same time on the corner of Paddington Street and Chiltern Street make that area very dangerous for pedestrians at peak times as both sides of the pavement are obstructed and there is a lot of works traffic in addition to normal traffic. in addition to this there are three large refurbishments in Manchester Street, and at least one in Blandford Street. Meanwhile there is a totally unprecedented amount of traffic in the area on account of the Firehouse in Chiltern Street, and the seven other licenced premises that now exist within 50m of my flat. 10 years ago there were, I think, two. This would seem to be the result of either a lack of planning strategy or a strategy hostile to residents. There are a lot of planning and licencing battles on account of this situation.
One thing you might be able to help us look into is parking. We have lost a number of Residents' Parking spaces not only suspended to building works, but some have been converted to pay and display such as Dorset Street). WestOne have been totally unresponsive when I have emailed them to ask why this had happened after we were promised that the total number of spaces for residents would be the same after the Firehouse-inspired reconfiguration of the street. Moreover because Residents' parking in the area is only protected until 8p.m. and as there is so much chauffeur/taxi traffic in the evening it is impossible to park if you come back after this time. There is a proposal sponsored I think by the Police and the Neighbourhood watch to extend Residents Parking to 24 hours – is there anything that you could think of that might help this?"
Baker Street two-way traffic – what you say
"As a resident who lived there before the one-way system was introduced I'm in favour of it as it gives alternatives if one road is blocked for any reason and is a much more rational system. My only disagreement is the expansion of the already adequate pavements – which are fine as they are in my opinion."
"I think the council have forgotten who votes for them. They've accepted an enormous promise of cash from a single vested interest (the Portman Estate) who wants this to happen, at the expense of hundreds of residents and small business owners who will be directly affected but who are not on the Estate and who are not being consulted until the eleventh hour. We are asked to accept as an article of faith that switching to two-way traffic will make lower Baker Street friendlier to pedestrians. I just cannot understand why this is the case – but even if there were a small marginal gain at the southern end of Baker Street from this very expensive scheme, how can this be worth the very considerable loss in terms of reduced safety, increased noise, reduced parking and increased pollution in the residential areas north of Marylebone Road? "
"I would say that I am in favour of a two-way Baker St/Gloucester Place as they are both presently like motorways."
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – January 2015
Baker Street/Gloucester Place two way working proposal
There is a concern amongst residents about the proposed two way traffic for Baker Street and Gloucester Place. For example, a Montagu Mansions resident says;
"I have searched the Westminster Council website for notice of a public consultation but I can't find anything. Is the Conservative council hiding this consultation and why haven't residents received a letter about this scheme which will affect them? I am fundamentally against this scheme which can only reduce traffic flow and add to the congestion. The number of road lanes will be reduced and traffic flow will be restricted. The pavements on both Baker Street and Gloucester Place are wide enough at present. There is no need to widen them. This scheme reminds me of the idea that surfaced a year or two ago to restrict parking in the West End. It is badly thought out and will only harm the interests of residents and visitors alike. We have lost the car park on Crawford Street and everyday more parking spaces disappear. I don't believe this scheme is wanted by the residents and is a waste of money."
Transport for London has told us the following:
"The aim of the Baker Street and Gloucester Place scheme is to reduce the dominance of traffic throughout the area and improve the street environment by restoring two-way streets. This would greatly increase and improve footways for pedestrians, improve accessibility for all road users, and would also provide an opportunity to improve facilities for cyclists and bus passengers. It is also intended to reduce vehicle speeds and thereby improve safety, as well as reducing vehicle trip length (and therefore noise pollution and emissions) by improving accessibility.
The project is presently still in the feasibility stage of design and to this end, the proposals are subject to further changes. A period of public consultation is currently proposed to take place in Spring 2015.
The concerns which you raise around safe cycling, walking and increased traffic volumes are noted. There is no intention to create a signed diversionary route via Dorset Square, or any of the alternative streets being explored. It is expected that the vast majority of vehicles would continue to route their journeys via Baker Street. We are working closely with Westminster council to ensure that we minimise any impact on side roads in the area as a result of the changes to the highway network."
What do you think?
Charlotte Street
We have reported this to the Council:
"Rubbish was dumped here last Thursday, I reported it on Thursday lunchtime asking that inspectors find out and fine the dumper and fine them as this was dealt with by Camden council on their side earlier in the week. And here we are Monday and the rubbish is still here. Perhaps you can get this matter dealt with. It's an eyesore and a fire risk"
Newman Street Post Office
Fitzrovia is to lose another post office with the announcement that a branch at 19 Newman Street is to close and there are plans afoot to open a beauty salon or late night club on the site. A notice displayed at the sub post office states: "Following the resignation of the Postmaster and the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use the branch will close temporarily on 22 December 2014." The notice goes on to apologise for the closure and says "we are seeking to restore a Post Office service in the area as soon as possible". The post office is situated within a general store selling newspapers, magazines, stationery and foodstuffs.
Two other post offices are nearby, one in W H Smith's at the Plaza Centre, 120 Oxford Street, and at 54-56 Great Portland Street. These are the only post offices serving Fitzrovia and customers say that these branches are often busy and with long queues. Another post office on the corner of Carburton Street and Great Portland Street closed several years ago. Last year the Russell Square Post Office also closed.
There is a planning application pending to change the Newman Street premises to a beauty salon. There is also planning permission granted for a late night private members members club in the basement. But a recent licensing application seeks to expand the proposed club to include the ground floor and increase its capacity to 280 people. Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Association and Fitzrovia West Neighbourhood Forum have made objections to the increase in the club capacity. Westminster City Council will make a decision on the applications in early 2015.
Paddington Street – what you say
"There are two major developments taking place in Paddington Street (not three as stated by your complainant). Traffic management is provided intermittently rather than not at all. There is, however, a medium-sized problem. There is no off-road parking facility for the former car park site and the opposite side of the road has had the pavement moved into the road to facilitate safe demolition of the office block. This creates a pinch point which is compounded when any delivery is made to the car park site. You could introduce a temporary one-way, light-controlled traffic flow but given the location of the site and the volume of traffic there will still be no way of avoiding severe localised congestion. Instead you could make Paddington Street one-way (West – East since Blandford Street is East -West) for the duration of the works. Since you are not supposed to turn left into the top of the High Street (which is itself causing problems) this might not be a bad idea since it will stop people using Paddington Street as a short cut to avoid the lights at the top of Baker Street."
Baker Street Food Market hosts Foodbank
The Baker Street Quarter monthly Food Market takes place on Wednesday where, for the first time, 55 Baker Street will play host to a food bank with donations being shared between North Paddington Food Bank and West London Day Centre.
Come and enjoy the fabulous, fresh culinary delights of the monthly food market and whilst you're there, donate your dry foods at the Baker Street Quarter Partnership table.
You can actually donate all week, simply take the items to the collection points in the main reception area of 55 Baker Street.
Non-perishable, in-date, food items needed range from cereal, coffee, tinned fruit and jam, to shower gel, soap and toothpaste, and baked beans, rice and pasta.
For further information contact email@example.com 020 3056 5910
Paddington Street
We are making enquiries with the Council after a local business contacted us about this issue;
"I have commented before about the disruption caused on Paddington Street due to 3 massive development projects all taking place at the same time. There is absolutely zero traffic management and it's causing disruption to all the local businesses. We have received no rates relief or any support whatsoever "
More rubbish on Marylebone streets
According to Amanda Feeny, Chair of the Harrowby and District Residents' Association and Marylebone Association Committee Member
"Piles of rubbish are becoming all too common in the streets of Marylebone and I wonder if Westminster Council needs to approach the problem differently.
Westminster has always had a large transient population but there has been a considerable rise in the number of short term lets in and around our area since landlords can make so much more from their properties if they can rent them almost like hotel space. Although technically they need a permit from the Council to do this very few bother to apply. As a result we are living with more rubbish on our streets. Westminster Council has always taken rubbish seriously. If bags are put out at the wrong time, a warden can go through them, find evidence of the source address and issue a warning, which may result in a fine if offending persists. Now, however, the offenders are often long gone, probably even before a warning is issued, so the system has broken down as any deterrent has been lost.
The Council needs to reconsider the whole system, either by extending daily collections to residential areas where the rubbish is accumulating or restoring the deterrent. There seems to be a marked difference between the behaviour of owner occupiers and tenants, with the former adhering to the collection times far more than the latter. Would it be possible to fine landlords if their tenants do not respect the collection times? Landlords would then take much more trouble to tell their tenants to put out rubbish on the appropriate day.
This may not be the right solution but Westminster needs to give further thought to finding one. The problem is worsening and rubbish is very unhygienic as well as unsightly, spoiling the elegant environment of Marylebone."
Amanda Feeny, Chair of the Harrowby and District Residents' Association and Marylebone Association Committee Member
The full version of this article appears on the St Marylebone Association website. Click here to view http://www.marylebone.org/entry/city-management/marylebone-rubbish-on-our-streets-what-can-be-done
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – October 2014
Holcroft Court
We have asked City West Homes and the Council's Noise Team to coordinate their actions in respect of these repeated problems;
"Would you please be able to inform us what you can do with the increasing problems of anti-social behaviour in Holcroft Court, and the fact that City West Homes are not challenging the landlords who are letting flats out to students who appear to be having regular parties in our community and disturbing everyone else at the same time which has become an increasing problem in recent weeks. This issue appears to be over-looked at our own expense and this is not helped by the noise team who do not always communicate their action plans"
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – September 2014
Baker Street/Gloucester Road
We are enquiring about this matter;
"I expect if you are aware of possible plans to return Baker Street and Gloucester Place to 2-way traffic and allow traffic to turn RIGHT from Glentworth Street on to Marylebone Road? The residents around Glentworth Street where I live are fearful that local streets will become much more hazardous because of much increased traffic flow around here. We are already planning to campaign against this if it looks as though it will happen."
Marylebone High Street/Marylebone Road
We have reported this recurring problem to the Council;
"This week I nearly got run over by a car turning left from Marylebone Road into Marylebone High Street. I was using the pedestrian crossing across the High Street and the little green man was showing that it was safe to cross. Later I saw exactly the same thing happen to someone else. Why isn't there a "No left turn" sign at that point on Marylebone Road? Or no pedestrian crossing on Marylebone High Street? As it is, cars turning left at speed (and the traffic on Marylebone Road is fast) have very little time to register that there is a pedestrian crossing immediately in front of them."
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – July 2014
Beaumont Street
We have enquired about this issue;
"The rough sleepers have returned, but rather than the car park in Beaumont Mews, they are sleeping in the doorway of the Library on Beaumont Street and were recently witnesses trying to pick locks to get into underground areas below the library. They seem to be there every night and have grown from 1 person to a group of 5-6. Please let us know whom we should report this to and if you can help."
The Council tells us;
"The six people are economic migrants who are looking for work and are not eligible for benefits at the moment. They are not eligible, nor do they want support into our rough sleeping pathway and therefore we have advised that they should repatriate to their country of origin. If they want to do this, we can support the reconnection, however, at present, they do not. The concern lies around the report of individuals trying to pick locks and gain access to the car park, the community protection officer for that area is working with the police to issue letters to each individual to make sure they are aware that their crimes have been reported and that they are being monitored, again advising a return to their country of origin."
Wythburn Mews
We have asked the Council to ensure that the Mews is swept regularly.
Marylebone Mews
We have asked the Council to investigate this issue;
"We've had no traffic wardens anywhere around here for weeks and weeks. The issue is vans parking across a mews house front door so that you are trapped inside/outside unless you're lucky enough to be able to slip sideways around the bonnet or back. Getting in with shopping/a baby buggy/stick, fat visitor, is totally impossible- as it would be for an ambulance trying to remove/bring someone back. In Marylebone Mews we've had vans free-parking 9 hours a day for 2 months, and I've not seen a traffic warden in any of the surrounding streets: New Cavendish Street, Harley Street, Wimpole Street, Welbeck Street and streets off it. "
We have contacted Parking Services and they say they will be increasing their presence in the Marylebone Mews area. They say the area does present some difficulties due to the lines between public and private areas but they are looking to into it and seeking to address the issues.
Moxon Street Development
A public exhibition of plans for the development of the Moxon Street site will take place at Durrants Hotel, 26-32 George Street, London W1 on the following dates:
•Wednesday 16 July
•Thursday 17 July
•Friday 18 July
•Monday 21 July
•Tuesday 22 July
The Exhibition and Consultation is open from 3pm to 7pm each day.
Charlotte Place – what you say
"I would like to thank you and you team for supporting me against the recent seating application for Pret A Manger at 1 Charlotte Place. I was very happy to see that they have been altered"
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – June 2014
York Mansions, Chiltern Street
We are investigating these concerns raised by a resident;
"Our Major Works project was supposed to begin in 2011; we are now in 2014. We have only just been sent the Section 20: Estimate of Costs. My bill is for nearly £19,000 and yet we can only see a copy of the estimate at CWH offices between 9.30am-4.30pm. One of us went yesterday to see it and was told it wasn't available! This is typical. I have asked who is paying for all the time wasted over 3 years so far on this project – apparently Westminster Council i.e. you taxpayers. This company is a shambles and should be looked into. I also went through the complaints procedure, contacted our local Councillor and absolutely nothing happens."
Charlotte Place
We have objected to an increase in hours that tables and chairs can be on the pavement after receiving this message;
"Earlier in the year you helped me get the Council to enforce the times on Pret A Manger tables and chairs licence, as they ignored the times and ignored the managing agents of our building, which has their shop on the ground floor and three flats above. The ever-changing staff they employ make a noise as they put out and take in the chairs and tables, this I have continually objected to and you helped me enforce the times on them. They now want to extend these times, which is one of the reasons that this area is getting more and more noisy and we need to stop this, for ourselves and the other residents of our courtyard. We must have some quiet in the evenings and so I think 6pm in the evening is late enough, I hope you will help me object to this increase in times and have some respect for the residents of this area."
Chiltern Street – what you say
"The street works in Chiltern Street have indeed taken a long time. They did seem to have got the alignment wrong outside the Fire Station when they first did it and had to re-do a length of it. Then they got hit by lots of rain, which meant they couldn't work. They have now re-done the pavement on the western side (the eastern side had already been done) and put block paving across both ends – although for some reason the latter do not have a camber to slow traffic, which is rather the point of them. I understand they are now going to re-surface the road to finish off the job. This will have been a very expensive series of works, although since Conde Nast Traveller r designated Chiltern Street 'the coolest street in London' I don't suppose one should complain. However, it might be nice to know the total and what, if any, proportion was paid for by the hotel. It might also be nice to know if the original contract was mis-specified and/or mismanaged and/or not complied with by Murphy's, what if any costs arose and who covered these. In mitigation, over-runs on works at the hotel may have resulted in works being delayed until a time of year that pushed the costs up. In the longer term there is likely to be an issue with rents on the shops being increased to reflect the Street's enhanced value. It would be a shame if yet another street was sacrificed to high-end fashion at the expense of useful local shops."
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – April 2014
Marylebone Road traffic
We have asked the Council to take action with TfL and the police to deal with these problems raised by a local resident;
"Some months ago I wrote to you about two local traffic problems: the quickly changing green crossing lights on Marylebone Road at Devonshire Place; and the forbidden left hand turn from the westbound lane of Marylebone Road into Marylebone High Street, which was being ignored and endangering pedestrians. There was some sort of soothing reply from you, but the problem remains. I am still running madly across Marylebone Road on the green signal (I am about to celebrate my 75th birthday), and cars & lorries are still ignoring the fact that they may not turn left into the High Street from Marylebone Road.
Some weeks ago I was nearly hit by an Addison & Lee car, and was lucky enough to be able to jot down the license plate number. I then made the long walk to Savile Row police station (it's the nearest one to us–thanks a lot for closing the closer one) and reported the driver. The policeman was courteous and took down details, but suggested I get in touch with Addison & Lee itself. I emailed them on my return home, mentioning that I had reported the driver to the police, and since then on my various crossings of the street I have not seen an Addison & Lee car make the forbidden turn. Nor do any taxis–so there, perhaps, you have had some effect."
"But there are other offenders. The other day I screamed at a driver who nearly hit me–and pointed out the green pedestrian light, only for him to claim that he too had a green light (no–it's a green arrow pointing straight ahead). And this morning at 9:40am, a big white lorry labelled NHS nearly ran me over as it made the forbidden turn. May I suggest CCTV cameras there? Within a week, judging by the number of offenders I see, Westminster will have made back the cost of installing it. Something should be done before someone, an innocent pedestrian seeing the green pedestrian light and setting out across the road, gets killed."
Chiltern Street
We have asked the Council if action can be taken to deal with problems connected to the Fire Station Hotel:
"The residents' parking bays are being abused by Limo drivers who park in them in the evening while their clients are in the Hotel. This is not for 5 minutes but for a couple of hours or more. Not only do they park in these spaces depriving residents from using them, they run their engines constantly so that this fills up the street with pollution and noise. On some evenings the parking bays (and the street itself) are congested with paparazzi photographers' vehicles too. In addition to this, clients of the restaurant are themselves parking in the residents' parking bays once the restrictions end at 8:30pm, meaning that it is increasingly difficult for residents to find parking spaces."
The Council has told us;
"Thanks for highlighting this emerging issue. We shall increase visits to the location and set up a meet with the hotel to try to encourage them to proactively support."
Holcroft Court
We are contiunuing to support residents affected by noise and anti-social behaviour from irresponsible residents in the block. We have again written to City West Homes after receiving this message;
"There are still problems with Holcroft in the form of anti-social behaviour etc. Especially in block D and E. There is new housing officer who is very helpful but the problems are still continuing etc. Normally the housing officers last about eight months and they are moved on without an explanation of why this has occurred. There is a lack of continuity by City West Homes which undermines the importance of the role and I'm convinced that Holcroft court is not given the attention it deserves because it is regarded as a sink estate in W1. If this block was on Millbank Estate or in St John's Wood it would be treated differently. What concerns me is the fact that so many of these flats are let out to students or to others who do not give a dawn about what they do at night. It would be appreciated if the issue of Holcroft's anti-social behaviour is addressed before a serious incident occurs."
Charlotte Street
We have asked the Council to investigate this problem;
"My issue is with the residents parking and the restaurant Wahacca in Charlotte Street W1 which places its massive amounts of rubbish bins against our vehicles which have to be park there as we have such a very limited amount of parking here. This rubbish is passed over our vehicles plus the fire risk, this is getting worse as time goes on. The amount of Respark parking here is so bad could we not have shared use with Camden on the opposite side or move our parking to Rathbone Street by the Bank of Cyprus"
A delighted resident has now told us;
"I recently bought to your attention the rubbish bins outside Wahacca in Charlotte Street W1. Well I am pleased to report they are now stacking against there restaurant and not our Respark cars. Thank you"
Development Update
The Portman Estate has bought the former Marylebone Police Station at 1-9 Seymour Street. A mixture of office and residential use is now being considered for the building.
Residential developer Royalton Group has bought 35 Marylebone High Street for £75m from Scottish Widows Investment Partnership. The site has consent for 19 flats and five townhouses.
Chiltern Street – what you say
"The street works in Chiltern Street have indeed taken a long time. They did seem to have got the alignment wrong outside the Fire Station when they first did it and had to re-do a length of it. Then they got hit by lots of rain, which meant they couldn't work. They have now re-done the pavement on the western side (the eastern side had already been done) and put block paving across both ends – although for some reason the latter do not have a camber to slow traffic, which is rather the point of them. I understand they are now going to re-surface the road to finish off the job.
This will have been a very expensive series of works, although since Conde Nast Traveller recently designated Chiltern Street 'the coolest street in London' I don't suppose one should complain. However, it might be nice to know the total and what, if any, proportion was paid for by the hotel. It might also be nice to know if the original contract was mis-specified and / or mis-managed and / or not complied with by Murphy's, what if any costs arose and who covered these. In mitigation, over-runs on works at the hotel may have resulted in works being delayed until a time of year that pushed the costs up.
In the longer term there is likely to be an issue with rents on the shops being increased to reflect the Street's enhanced value. It would be a shame if yet another street was sacrificed to high-end fashion at the expense of useful local shops."
Marylebone High Street Ward Action Report – March 2014
Holcroft Court
Residents are concerned about the increasing number of instances of anti-social behaviour and have written to City West Homes to point out the following management problems;
"I think a system where CWH writes to the lessee (or tenant) after every such complaint should be instigated. We are always being asked to gather evidence about these people and what better evidence than a letter from the Landlord. Action against the lessee or tenant would also be required for the system to work. We have a few bad tenants but we rarely find out if action is being taken against them. We don't need to know what the action is as that is confidential, but the knowledge that action is being taken will be reassuring."
"There is another, not necessarily linked, problem with very short term lets to flats. The people who are letting the flats for a short time have no interest in the building or the residents. Some of the problems that have been reported previously have been as a result of short term lets. I am not sure if the leases allow such short term lets but they are definitely happening. There is one flat which appears to have a different set of people every week or so. If short term lets are not permitted by the terms of the lease, could you also advise the Landlords of this"
Marylebone Boys School
We have asked the Council to update us after receiving the following enquiry;
"The proposed Marylebone Boys' School is due to open in September but WCC has yet to make a commitment to a permanent space. I am writing to you to ask what can be done to get the school through this final hurdle. My understanding is that the temporary space is agreed and the EFA support is in place BUT the financial commitment can't be finalised until WCC take a decision. Plans for the school have gone from strength to strength and the massive effort made to get it off the ground has been more than recognised by the community as witnessed by the significant numbers of applications. Presumably you are all keen to provide our local children with a great choice of secondary school but unless this is resolved very soon, I fear that all momentum on the part of Year 6 parents will be lost. I'm lucky enough to have a son in Year 5 – but if he were in Year 6…. Asking 120 parents to make a decision about sending their child to a school that has no known premises, temporary or permanent, when the offers go out on 3rd March is putting local families in an impossible position."
Chiltern Street
We have asked the Council for a response to this enquiry;
"I live in Chiltern Street opposite the new Fire Station Hotel. Before Christmas we were informed that new pavements were being laid he west side of Chiltern Street and that a new loading bay was being constructed and a change to the location of some of the parking bays in the street. The permission was rushed through and the street marked out with the proposed new works even before the permission was granted by the Council and we were told that it has to be finished before Xmas. The work commenced with 14 workmen on a small area in front of the Hotel. It was finished before Xmas, tarmaced and new road markings were painted. The workers then came back after Xmas and dug up part of the work they had done before Xmas. They then finished laying the new paving stones to the end of Chiltern Street and have worked on this since the New Year. They are now digging up the area designated a loading zone, which was newly tarmaced before Xmas. What a waste of money! Why is this being done? Surely the work could have been done properly once? Why is the council wasting the council tax money on this project?"
Hanson Street
We are assisting residents to find out about the scaffolding that has been erected outside their block.
We are also making enquiries after receiving this message;
"I need some advice on how to handle a rather difficult situation involving ASB and blatant drug dealing in the City West managed block of flats where I live. City West are aware, and are working to resolve the situation. But it is becoming very intense."
Porter Street
We are again making enquiries about this recurring problem;
"I emailed you about 2 years ago with the question " Is Porter Street the dirtiest street in Westminster ?". After your intervention then it was cleaned up but unfortunately over the last 3 or 4 months has returned to most probably regain this infamous title! Any help would be grateful"
Crawford Street/Montague Mansions
We have reported this broken utilities cover to the Council. The cover has been smashed, possibly by a very heavy lorry, and is in a very dangerous condition.
Marylebone Hight Street Ward Action Report – February 2014
Marylebone High Street.
We have asked the Council to investigate this problem;
"There is a short stretch of single yellow line with no kerb markings. Cars and commercial vehicles stop there all day to load/unload or with a driver in perhaps waiting for a pedestrian or who have pulled over for some reason. It is opposite the flower stall and almost opposite Waitrose. My complaint is that at the corner of the street, some 50 feet away is a tiny camera sign. I got a £125 ticket whilst collecting bulky items (2.2 minutes on video) however Westminster kindly cancelled it on presentation of proof. Retailers selling bulky items need deliveries and collections. This needs to either have a warning sign no unloading, or kerb markings or a big camera sign. The present sign is so small and so far away and so high that a driver cannot see it. Also, the revenue income must be enormous as cars/vans are always stopped on this single yellow line with no kerb markings and no notices. "
Marylebone Rd/Marylebone High St crossing
We asked the Council to investigate this problem
"There is a large sign in Marylebone Road warning drivers they may not turn left. It is constantly ignored, especially by taxis, 'white van men', and lorries. These vehicles make very quick turns into Marylebone High St, suggesting that the drivers know they shouldn't be turning, and in some cases they nearly miss any pedestrians who are crossing. May I suggest CCTV cameras recording licence plate numbers?"
The Council told us;
"We are aware of police enforcement at this junction and due to this we recently highlighted the restriction in the Taxi magazine. I will arrange to repeat it."
Weymouth Street
We have asked the Council to investigate this problem;
"Over 20 cars a day travel the wrong way down Weymouth St (one way road). Poor signage (and signs blocked by parked lorries) and a lack of signs painted onto the road surface are the likely the cause. Any help appreciated, as this is so dangerous for drivers & pedestrians."
Wythburn Place
We have again asked the Council to investigate the problems with street sweeping;
"From 3 January the same broken glass, cigarettes etc lay on the street floor for more than a week. The same MacDonald's polystyrene cup, and can of drink, together with cigarette butts, abandoned food packaging and other debris and has been on the floor for a week. I understand that others have complained too. When is Westminster Council going to sort this out?"
Portman Mews
We have reported the following issue to the Council for investigation;
"There are disabled parking spaces in Portman Mews at the junction of Orchard Street adjacent to the Marble Arch M & S. These spaces are very often illegally occupied by private taxis or chauffeur cars who are waiting on shoppers and this abuse is evident every day. I cannot count the number of times I have had to ask chauffeurs to vacate these disabled spaces so my husband can park. Is there anything you can do to stop this abuse?"
Charlotte Place
We have asked the Council to investigate this problem;
"For the last ten years the shop on the ground floor has been Pret A Manger which used to open at 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, but now staff arrive at 6am and don't leave till 7:30pm at the earliest. When Pret moved in they took down the original proper plaster ceiling and replaced it with plasterboard that is not sealed at any joints or at the edges, or insulated, hence why I get the awful smell and noise from them."
The Council says;
"The team has had some success with other sites operated by this company with similar problems. We shall make some enquiries and update you accordingly."
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET WARD ACTION REPORT – January 2014
Luxborough Tower
We are making enquiries after receiving this message;
"Our heating went off on New Year's Eve and we've just had a letter from Lisson Green Estate office to say the repair work won't commence until Monday 6th Jan. A £1 per day doesn't in any way compensate for the additional cost of heating with electric heaters. I don't know if we continue to pay for the communal heating we are not getting. There is no point in approaching our own Ward Councillors as they show no interest in the problems of Luxborough Tower."
Gloucester Place
We have asked the Council to deal with holes in the road after receiving the following message;
"May I draw your attention to some seriously dangerous holes in the road where pedestrians have to negotiate some extreme traffic. They are on the road section of Gloucester Place and Crawford Street by the bus lane going towards the old – now sold off Marylebone library"
Warning to Pedestrians and Road Users at the top of Marylebone High Street
The Marylebone Society has issued the following alert;
"There is a new ban on Westbound traffic on Marylebone Road turning left into Marylebone High Street. This has been implemented by Transport for London without the advance notice and additional signage they had promised. When the pedestrian crossing lights on the High Street at the Marylebone Road junction are green, many motorists are still turning left from Marylebone Road into the path of pedestrians who have the right of way. The pedestrians are in danger and the motorists may face penalties. The ban on turning left is an experiment which we have supported, as the previous traffic light arrangement was confusing and dangerous. The current situation is equally dangerous and we have called upon TfL to put adequate signage in place as a matter of urgency."
Porter Street
We are supporting residents in Chiltern Street and Portman Mansions who want the removal of the excessive amount of chewing gum on the pavements in Porter Street.
Paddington Street/Chiltern Street building works
A number of residents have raised concerns such as this;
"I would like to complain about the square block covering Paddington street , Baker Street, Dorset street and Chiltern street. There are currently 2 massive building developments (Chiltern street car park, Publicis Baker Street) and one smaller development, with another massive development (66 Chiltern street) planned for next year. The residents and businesses in this area have had to put up with constant noise, dirt, mess, and the loss of parking in Kenrick Place, and pedestrians are made to feel like they can't walk down the streets. Moreover the constant flow of monstrous dump trucks and cement mixers queue up along Paddington street, parked on single yellow lines sometimes 3/4 at a time with their engine running , blocking businesses , creating traffic jams and scaring the elderly and mothers and babies. When I contacted Westminster noise department about the heavy vehicles clogging the area the officer actually defended the builders and said 'what do you want them to do?' I think these developments are so big they should have a designated liaison officer and they should have strict guidelines."
Chiltern Street
Residents in Chiltern Street are concerned about the proposed 'Traffic Management' scheme. They say;
"The matter appears to be a fait accompli for the hotel operator, the Portman Estate and the Council, which does not take proper account of the democratic process. Residents, who do not want this scheme, have been repeatedly ignored at the planning stages. We request that the plan to build out pavements outside the Hotel restaurant and the Bok Bar be abandoned and Chiltern Street remains as it is currently, in the interests of residents' (the majority) peace and quiet."
Manchester Square
We have asked the Council, Police, Public Carriage Office and Taxi Drivers Association to investigate this anti-social behaviour;
"I would be grateful to know who at the Council and Police is pursuing the issue with urinating taxi drivers. The Baker Street Quarter BID is working to assist residents and businesses affected by the same issue in and around Manchester Square. We have had signs erected which have had no impact and the Public Carriage Office is only begrudgingly accepting our reports with photographic evidence and licence/number plates without any commitment to following through."
This is also a problem in Eccleston and St George's Squares and we have asked for a coordinated response from the authorities.
Clipstone Street
The Jet service station and Mace shop at Clipstone Street in Fitzrovia closed after more than 40 years of trading. According to 'Fitzrovia News';
"The service station was used by a lot of taxi drivers. Local people remarked that the staff were very friendly and the late night opening of the shop was handy for charging pre-paid power meters and getting groceries."
The freeholder of the site is Westminster City Council which has granted a 35 year headlease to Soho Data Holdings, who have the option of development. Soho Data Holdings are registered at 91-93 Cleveland Street, immediately adjacent to the service station, a building occupied by several media companies.
Holcroft Court
We continue to press the Council to take action against those residents responsible for late night noise and anti-social behaviour which is making it impossible for some residents to get a decent night's sleep.
Chiltern Street
We have asked the Council and the police to investigate the following problem;
"In one short block (between Dorset Street and Blandford Street) there have been at least 5 vehicle break-ins in the past 3 months. Previously we had hardly heard of any during the 14 years I have lived there. These all occur at night, with the thief targeting new and expensive models of car to steal satnavs, etc. We have drawn this to the attention of the Council, the police, and the Portman Estate. None of them seem able to offer anything. We asked for some CCTV, but were told this is not a sufficiently major street to justify it. Do you have any suggestions on how this could be handled?"
Dorset Street
We have asked the Council to look into the following issue;
"Establishments on Dorset Street are blocking not only the pavement for pedestrians but, in the case of the restaurant, not enabling a parked car to open its doors when parked in the disabled bay:
1. The Barley Mow pub – this evening the drinkers occupied the whole pavement width outside the pub so pedestrians had to step into the road to walk by.
2. Anacapri Restaurant – this establishment has put 2 rows of tables immediately outside that result in pedestrians having to walk between them on that part of Dorset Street. In addition the far row of tables at the edge of the pavement prevents a car door to be opened when parked in the Disabled Parking space adjacent to the restaurant.
In both cases, use of the pavement by the establishments is impeding pedestrian access. It is very hard to believe that these activities are permissible and so result in pedestrians not able to use the pavements!!"
The Council says;
"Both premises were visited and I would like to give you a progress report:-
• Barley Mow, 8 Dorset Street – Staff have been reminded of the importance of managing the outside area and keeping the highway clear at all times so that a wheelchair user or other pedestrian are able to pass by the pub unhindered. Dialogue with the pub is continuing and new procedures will be suggested to prevent a recurrence. The premises has a private forecourt and at the time of my visit, a number of number of barriers and an 'A' board were obstructing the public highway. Whilst this was rectified immediately, staff were reminded that, under no circumstances, must their street furniture encroach onto the public highway.
• Ristorante Anacapri, 10 Dorset Street – I met with the duty manager who has apologised and admitted that, on occasions, his tables and chairs may well have blocked the public footpath. Again, this premises has private forecourt and the duty manager has been informed that enforcement action may be considered if he persistently obstructs the public highway.
Marylebone High Street Tesco
We have asked the Council to investigate the following problem;
"I would just like to draw your attention to Tesco at the bottom of Marylebone High Street. Almost always there is a large delivery van parking for ages outside. This means that traffic coming down New Cavendish Street becomes gridlocked with the traffic coming down Marylebone High Street with everyone waiting to get past. In theory drivers can also turn right but not with a huge van in the way. The traffic turning left from Blandford Street has to wait ages until someone lets them through. The road is narrow and surely Tesco could receive deliveries at times less disruptive to other road users. Other shops manage not to be a nuisance to everyone else why are they allowed to be an exception?"
Marylebone High Street Tesco – what you say
"I can only endorse the complaint about Tesco deliveries on Marylebone High Street. It's not just the interruption to traffic that is the problem (no-one should drive round here) but the danger to pedestrians. This is a bad junction at the best of times but with traffic backed up it is extremely dangerous. One person has already been killed and it is only a matter of time before this recurs. There is only one real solution (that adopted in most European city centres) which is to limit delivery times (07.30 – 10.30) and the size of delivery trucks (1.5 Tons). This would mean that Tesco couldn't deliver goods in cages or combine deliveries with those to other shops"
"Completely agree with the TESCO lorries causing huge traffic jams (one recent one took several minutes to un-jam)."
Weymouth Street – what you say
"The problem I mentioned with cars driving the wrong way down Weymouth Street continues to be a problem. So much so that I count around 10 – 15 cars a day (including taxi's!) driving the wrong way – and I am only observing the road for 20minutes or so in total each day! The problem also happens on surrounding one-way streets leading onto Weymouth Street."
3% swing to Labour in Marylebone High Street Ward
Nik Slingsby achieved a 3% swing to Labour at yesterday's Marylebone High Street ward by-election.
The full result was
Conservative – 921
Labour – 203
Marylebone Residents – 184
Lib Dem – 104
Ukip – 96
Green – 50
Nik said;
"I would like to congratulate Iain Bott on his victory and to thank all my supporters and campaign team for a magnificent effort. The swing to Labour, together with the big vote for the Marylebone Residents candidate, shows the extent to which the Council's plans for Moxon Street and Luxborough Street have divided the community. There is still time for the Council to pull back from its current plans and to listen to the community."
Vote Labour today to give Marylebone residents a strong independent voice at City Hall
Nik Slingsby has urged Marylebone High Street ward residents to vote Labour today to give the community a strong independent voice at City Hall
Voting for Nik Slingsby is the only way to protest at the Council's failure to listen to the local community on the future of the Moxon Street site and to save the popular Farmers' Market.
Labour's online petition is attracted over 50 new signatures yesterday as the campaign gathers momentum. You can sign here
Nik Slingsby says;
"It has been a privilege to meet so many local residents over the past few weeks. Many of you have told me that you are fed up with the arrogant, out of touch and financially incompetent local Conservatives who treat the ward as their own 'rotten borough'. If you vote for me today I promise to work hard on your behalf every single day and to put your interests as my top priority. With two Conservatives already representing the area it is time for a atrong independent alternative voice for local residents"
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 on behalf of Nik Slingsby of 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
The Marylebone by-election is about trust, says Nik Slingsby
Nik Slingsby's eve-of-poll message to Marylebone High Street ward residents
"This by-election is about trust. Can residents trust the Conservatives any longer when they have ignored residents' views, neglected basic services and frittered away public money?
• The Council asked residents if they wanted a new library on the car park site in Moxon Street or on the playground in Luxborough Street. 70% of residents said Moxon Street, but the Conservatives ignored residents and are planning to spend £12 million of your money building an underground library with no natural light in Luxborough Street, a side street.
• The state of the roads and pavements in the area is a disgrace. Pavements are uneven and badly repaired in many streets and there are dangerous potholes on almost every road, causing problems for cars and cyclists. Neglecting these basic services is the result of years of Conservative cost-cutting and penny-pinching.
• Yet, when Conservative Councillors get their hands on your money, through the £46,000 a year Ward Budget, they fritter it away by spending £35,000 on hanging baskets instead of fixing the broken pavements and pot-holed roads!
The Conservatives have lost the trust of Marylebone residents through their arrogance, neglect and financial incompetence.
It is time for a change. Vote Labour on Thursday 2nd May.
I will stand up for residents every time and on every local issue."
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 on behalf of Nik Slingsby of 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
Nik Slingsby is campaigning on the issues that matter to Marylebone residents
Nik has been working closely with Labour Councillors to take up residents' concerns right across Marylebone High Street ward. He has;
• Reported an ugly and neglected area of the pavement outside Holcroft Court in Great Titchfield Street which needs urgent attention.
• Called on the Council to repair a number of large potholes in Dorset Street between Baker Street and Gloucester Place
• Asked the Council to investigate a suspected unauthorised holiday letting in a block of flats in Bentinck Street
• Contacted the Council after a resident told us that disabled driver parking spaces in Granville Place are often occupied by chauffeurs who are waiting, while people are shopping nearby.
• Asked the Council to re-inspect air conditioning equipment in a property in Marylebone Mews which is causing a nuisance to the residents upstairs
• Continued efforts to get City West Homes to take action against those residents responsible for anti-social behaviour in Holcroft Court
• Called on Westminster Council and Thames Water to fix the drains at the corner of Portland Place and New Cavendish Street
• Joined with residents in Luxborough Street who are angry that they will lose the children's play area, when the Council builds more luxury homes and an underground library.
• Called on all medical establishments in the Harley Street and Wimpole Street area to be extra careful to ensure that all medical waste is disposed in the proper manner.
• Reported potholes in the road at the corner of Bolsover Street and Carburton Street and at the corner of Devonshire Street and Great Portland Street
Nik says
"Residents want their Councillors to deal with practical, everyday issues, like fixing potholes and broken pavements. My by-election campaign is all about getting things done for local residents. I am starting as I mean to carry on. Walking round the ward, I can see for my own eyes how the current Conservative Councillors have neglected the basics and taken residents for granted. On Thursday residents can vote for a new start with a Labour Councillor pledged to represent local residents"
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 on behalf of Nik Slingsby of 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
Regular advice session promise from Nik Slingsby
Nik Slingsby, Labour's candidate in Thursday's Marylebone High Streert by election, has promised to hold a regular monthly advice session for residents if elected to the Council.
Nik says;
"One of the most common remarks from residents has been 'we don't know who our Conservative Councillors are and we never see them'. It is vital that Councillors are accessible to their constituents and are available regularly for advice. As far as I am aware, I am the only candidate promising to hold a regular advice session for Marylebone High Street ward residents. A vote for me on Thursday will give residents a strong local voice on the City Council."
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 on behalf of Nik Slingsby, 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
Marylebone residents support Labour
Labour Councillors are working hard for residents in Marylebone and right across Westminster. This is what you have told us;
"Thank you again and again for all your efforts – I cannot begin to imagine what we would do without your sane voice in these insane and terrible times"
"What you are doing is so helpful that I wish it would be better supported at the polls!"
"Thank you so much for the invaluable work you are doing on behalf of residents, many, many of whom feel that Westminster City Council, like the present Government, has completely and wilfully lost touch with the reasonable needs of ordinary people, whilst continuing to extract Council Tax, rents, etc., from them. I fear that we are returning to a Victorian England, where the poor were regarded as being so through their own fault, deserving nothing but the appalling conditions in which so many of them were forced to live."
"Well done for taking so much trouble. You certainly earn your bread! It's about time the Cons and Libs took as much trouble."
"I wouldn't say I necessarily agree with you, but it's good to see opposition being opposition and informing locals about their concerns"
"You have been doing wonders for everyone. Many thanks. It is all very impressive and must take up a huge amount of time. Many thanks for all that hard work looking into so many problems and taking them up"
"As ever, my wife and I are most grateful to you for these extremely informative emails. It is good to see the Opposition working hard to represent constituents' views and hold the Council to account and we applaud you in your efforts."
Vote for Labour's Nik Slingsby on 2nd May and ensure that YOUR voice is heard at City Hall
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby of 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
Marylebone High Street by-election – "In this election it is a clear choice between Labour and the Conservatives"
The latest (fifth?) Conservative election leaflet has at last said something useful!
"In this election it is a clear choice between Labour and the Conservatives"
The only way to send a strong message to the increasingly out-of-touch and arrogant Conservatives is to vote for Labour's Nik Slingsby.
Nik Slingsby says;
"Many former local Conservative voters are defecting to UKIP.
The only way to beat the Conservatives is for all progressive anti-Conservative residents to support Labour.
Voting for the Greens, Lib Dems or the the independent candidates simply lets the Conservatives in again.
Use your vote wisely and vote Labour on 2nd May.
I will not let you down"
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 on behalf of Nik Slingsby, 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
Library legacy a gloomy canyon!
A letter from this week's 'West End Extra'
"WESTMINSTER Council is grabbing headlines about the brave new Marylebone library it plans to build on Luxborough Street.
Rarely mentioned, however, is that the library will be largely buried underground so that luxury flats can be built above.
The proposed building will create a gloomy canyon in one of Marylebone's narrowest streets.
And what of the play space on which the city council intends to build the flats, the space where young people can kick a ball in safety because it is on the street and highly visible?
Council has ignored an 800-strong petition from residents urging that the play space be saved.
It proposes to squeeze a play area into a back corner of Luxborough Tower's car park. Behind the canyon a lurking pocket.
Marylebone residents have a chance to express their dismay with the council's hasty and ill-judged decisions at the by-election due on May 2.
Marylebone resident
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 on behalf of Nik Slingsby of 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
Nik Slingsby's latest Marylebone High Street ward by-election newsletter
Nik Slingsby and his campaign team will be delivering his latest by-election newsletter to Marylebone High Street Ward residents this weekend.
"It has been a pleasure to meet so many residents during this by-election campaign – in your home, on the street, at the Farmers' Market. Now it is time to make up your mind!"
"Please use your vote to elect a serious voice of opposition to the continual downsizing of our libraries and open spaces, the closure of police and fire stations and the reduction of local community services such as Taxicard."
"This by-election is an opportunity to make clear that residents' concerns should take centre stage and not be ignored – like on the future of the Moxon Street site. You come first, not big business interests. This is a rare opportunity to use your vote to send a firm message to City Hall that ignoring the views of Marylebone residents is not acceptable."
You can read Nik's latest newsletter here Marylebone By election leaflet2
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby of 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
Nik Slingsby answers the Marylebone Association's 5 Key By Election Questions
What is your main priority for the Marylebone High Street Ward and why?
This by-election is an opportunity to make clear that residents' concerns should take centre stage and not be ignored. Once in a generation decisions on the future of the farmers' market, library and playground are going to be made. Residents should come first, not property deals. This is a rare opportunity to use your vote to send a firm message to City Hall that this is your home and ignoring the views of Marylebone residents is not acceptable.
How would you like to see Moxon Street developed?
Some of the Moxon Street land should be used for a permanent home for the Farmers' Market and provide a new public square, along with housing and a new library to replace the one the Council is closing on Marylebone Road. 90% of residents favour this community-oriented approach. We have sufficient luxury apartments in Marylebone, we only have one Farmers' Market. We should create something that improves both residents' lives and the need for more homes at affordable prices as well.
How do you intend to represent constituency's opinions on important local matter when they conflict with a party line?
I grew up here, this is my home and that supersedes any political affiliation. I will represent Marylebone High Street residents at all times and will speak out strongly to defend their interests no matter what. I believe that a Councillor's first and last responsibility is to represent his constituents and not bend to the party whips.
Do you believe that having low council tax is harming important local services, if so which?
Yes. The dreadful state of some of the roads and pavements shows that it is false economy to skimp on basic street maintenance. You get what you pay for and walking round the ward the extent of the neglect is clear. Residents want to empower their Councillors to deal with practical, everyday issues, like fixing potholes and broken pavements and unfortunately these things cost money.
If elected Councillor what do you hope to achieve before facing re-election next year?
My by-election campaign is all about getting things done for local residents. I am starting as I mean to carry on. Walking round the ward, I can see for my own eyes how the current Conservative Councillors have neglected the basics and taken residents for granted. I want to see a real improvement in the state of our roads and pavements and preserve playgrounds and libraries for future generations.
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby of 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
Nik Slingsby welcomes the appointment of the new Head at St Marylebone School for Girls
Nik Slingsby has welcomed the appointment of Kathryn Pugh as the new Headteacher of St Marylebone School for Girls to succeed Elizabeth Phillips when she retires at the end of 2013.
A Cambridge graduate with a first class honours degree in English, Miss Pugh has been at St. Marylebone School since 2005, first as an English teacher and learning co-ordinator and since 2008 as an Assistant Headteacher. Prior to joining the School she had experience in the world of business and in the developing world, as well as in teaching.
Nik Slingsby said;
"Elizabeth Phillips has transformed St Marylebone School in to one of the best schools in London and she will be a very hard act to follow. Kathryn Pugh's appointment is a well-deserved promotion for an exceptional teacher and we wish her and the School every success."
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby of 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
Nik Slingsby finds more evidence of environmental neglect in Marylebone
Nik Slingsby's has identified another environmental issue that needs to be fixed, as part of his by election campaign to improve the Marylebone High Street ward environment. A tree should have been planted at the corner of Devonshire Street and Upper Wimpole Street to replace the one that was removed.
Nik says;
"This is another environmental problem that should have been sorted out long ago. Sadly, despite having elected three Conservative Councillors for decades this sort of neglect is only too evident as I walk around Marylebone High Street ward. Councillors should be reporting problems like this on a regular basis so that they are dealt with quickly. Residents deserve to have their local environment maintained to a high standard and this will be a priority for me if you vote for me on 2nd May"
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Devonshire Street pavements need fixing says Nik Slingsby
Nik Slingsby's by election campaign to improve the Marylebone High Street ward environment has identified more ugly and neglected areas of the pavement along Devonshire Street which needs urgent attention.
Nik says;
"Walking around the area and meeting residents I have been regularly spotting problems that need fixing. The Council needs to be inspecting our pavements on a regular basis so that problem areas like this are attended to quickly. Residents deserve to have their local environment maintained to a high standard and this will be a priority for me if you vote for me on 2nd May"
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Join Nik Slingsby and sign the petition to save the Marylebone Farmers' Market
Nik Slingsby has urged residents to sign the petition to Westminster Council to save the Marylebone Farmers' Market.
The petition reads;
"We the undersigned petition Westminster City Council to ensure that the redeveloped Moxon Street site includes sufficient space for the popular Farmers' Market to continue."
Nik says;
"Some of the Moxon Street land should be used for a permanent home for the Farmers' Market and provide a new public square, along with housing and a new library to replace the one the Council is closing on Marylebone Road. 90% of residents favour this community-oriented approach"
You can sign the petition at http://petitions.westminster.gov.uk/moxonstreet/
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Legionnaire's bug at Marylebone apartments stops showers for six months
Nik Slingsby has expressed his concern and called for Council action at the news in the 'Evening Standard' that;
"Dozens of residents in a Fitzrovia apartment block have been left unable to take a shower for more than six months after its hot water system was contaminated by the deadly Legionnaire's disease bug.
People living in the 79 flats at 105 Hallam Street, where two-bed properties can cost more than £400,000, were first told of the threat on September 21. A letter from the block's managing agent, Rendall & Rittner, advised people to "stop using showers and bathe as an alternative" as "inhaling tiny droplets of water contaminated with legionella can cause Legionnaires' disease".
Half a year on the warning remains in place and efforts to eradicate the bug have so far failed. A letter from the managing agent said: "We sympathise with the inconvenience and continue to invite anyone with concerns to contact us."
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Basket case: Cleaner, greener move or just frivolity as councillors spend £35k on flowers?
The 'West End Extra' reports;
"Marylebone councillors have been criticised for spending 75 per cent of their annual ward budget on 281 hanging baskets.
The decision to spend £35,000 of the neighbourhood's £46,000 fund on flowers was submitted to the council earlier this week by Councillor Ian Rowley and Councillor Edward Baxter.
Nik Slingsby, the Labour candidate for the upcoming by election in Marylebone High Street, said the money should have been spent on road improvements and was a sign of "frivolity".
But the councillors say in their proposals, that the hanging baskets are part of Westminster Council's plan to "make our neighbourhoods cleaner, greener, quieter, well-maintained, and attractive".
A by-election is set to take place on May 2, after the former Lord Mayor of Westminster Councillor Harvey Marshall resigned last month.
After the hanging baskets are installed the ward will be left with £36,000 to spend because £25,000 of last year's fund was not spent.
Mr Slingsby said: "It's saddening that public money is being spent in this way and it serves to highlight the Conservatives' frivolity at a time of austerity.
"I would find better ways of spending this money, for example, on road and pavement repairs and books that would educate our children for the future as opposed to flowers that will only blossom briefly."
Cities of London and Westminster Conservative Association were unable to provide a comment from councillors Rowley and Baxter who, they said, were busy canvassing in Marylebone High Street.
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Nik Slingsby's letter to postal voters
Nik Slingsby has issued a letter to postal voters in Marylebone High Street ward on 2nd May.
Nik says;
"Are you tired of being fed 'political spin' about Westminster being the best Council in the country? Then please use your vote to elect a serious voice of opposition to the continual downsizing of our libraries and open spaces, the closure of police and fire stations and the reduction of local community services such as Taxicard."
"This by-election is an opportunity to make clear that resident concerns should take centre stage and not be ignored – like on the future of the Moxon Street site. You come first, not big business interests. This is a rare opportunity to use your vote to send a firm message to City Hall that ignoring the views of Marylebone residents is not acceptable."
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Nik Slingsby calls for action on Great Titchfield Street pavements
Nik Slingsby's by election campaign to improve the Marylebone High Street ward environment has reported an ugly and neglected area of the pavement outside Holcroft Court in Great Titchfield Street which needs urgent attention.
Nik says;
"The Council needs to be inspecting our pavements on a regular basis so that problem areas like this are fixed quickly. Residents deserve to have their local environment maintained to a high standard and this will be a priority for me if you vote for me on 2nd May"
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Nik Slingsby takes action on Dorset Street potholes
A number of large potholes in Dorset Street between Baker Street and Gloucester Place have been reported to the Council, as Nik Slingsby's campaign to improve the Marylebone High Street ward environment gains further momentum.
Nik has already reported the poor condition of the roads at the junction of Great Portland Street and Devonshire Street and at the junction of Carburton Street and Bolsover Street.
Nik says;
"Residents want their Councillors to deal with practical, everyday issues, like fixing potholes and broken pavements. My by-election campaign is all about getting things done for local residents. I am starting as I mean to carry on. Walking round the ward, I can see for my own eyes how the current Conservative Councillors have neglected the basics and taken residents for granted. On 2nd May residents can vote for a new start with a Labour candidate pledged to represent local residents"
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Marylebone Conservatives spend £35,000 on hanging baskets while roads and pavements are in poor condition and children need books
Marylebone High Street Ward's two Conservative Councillors have decided to spend £35,000 of their annual £46,000 Neighbourhood Budget on 281 Hanging Baskets.
Labour's Nik Slingsby has attacked this decision as 'frivolous' at a time when roads and pavements in many parts of the area are in a poor state of repair and when the money could have been better spent on books for local school children.
Nik Slingsby said;
"It's saddening that public money is being spent in this way and it serves to highlight the Conservatives' frivolity and financial incompetence at a time of austerity. I would find better ways of spending this money, for example, on road and pavement repairs and books that would educate our children for the future as opposed to flowers that will only blossom briefly. "
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Nik Slingsby discovers new Portland Place 'lake' and takes action to put things right
Nik Slingsby, Labour's Candidate in the Marylebone High Street by election on 2nd May, has called on Westminster Council and Thames Water to fix the drains at the corner of Portland Place and New Cavendish Street. Nik discovered the new Portland Place 'lake' on his travels around the ward on Saturday, meeting local residents and identifying problems that need to be fixed.
Nik Slingsby said;
"This is just one of the problems that I found on my way round the ward. As your local Councillor I would keep my eyes open for problems that need to be fixed. Looking after Marylebone residents and the local environment would be my top priority"
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Nik Slingsby – Working for residents' interests in Marylebone
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Leader of Westminster Labour Group, has urged residents to vote for Nik Slingsby at the Marylebone High Street Ward by election on 2nd May;
"Nik Slingsby would be a great addition to the Labour Team on Westminster City Council. He is intelligent, hard-working and totally committed to representing local residents"
Over the past few years, Labour Councillors have acted on hundreds of issues raised with them by local residents in and around the Marylebone High Street Ward:
• Urging the Council and police to take action to stop the problems caused by anti-social behaviour at Holcroft Court
• Raising concerns about late night noise from bars and clubs in Chiltern Street and
Blandford Street area
• Persuading the Council and the Polish Ambassador to take action to better control
the queues outside the Polish Consulate in New Cavendish Street
• Urging the Council and TfL to consider installing a new pedestrian crossing at the
junction of Devonshire Street and Portland Place
• Persuading the Council to deal with rubbish problems at the corner of Dorset Street and Manchester Street
• Pressing for the Council to investigate early morning deliveries at the corner of New
Cavendish Street and Hallam Street
• Protesting about the removal of residents' parking bays at Montagu Mansions
• Complaining to the Council about the bottle collections from outside bars and restaurants in Blandford Street and Chiltern Street in the early hours of the morning.
• Pressing for on-street electric car charging points in the Marylebone area
• Urging CityWest Homes to act on residents' complaints about the door entry system and heating problems at Luxborough Tower
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Nik Slingsby, Labour's Candidate in the Marylebone High Street Ward by election on 2nd May, agrees with residents who have protested at the Mayor's decision to close and sell off Marylebone police station in Seymour Street and those at Harrow Road and St John's Wood, despite overwhelming community representations.
"From the views submitted by the Council to the Mayor's consultation, it would appear that the focus of their interest is in protecting the West End and more southerly parts of Westminster to the detriment of wards such as Marylebone.
"I object to these closures and would want to work closely with Safer Neighbourhood Police to ensure our area is not forgotten in the scramble by the Mayor to save £20 million from the police budget."
Promted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby of 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
Nik Slingsby will be delivering his election message to residents in the Marylebone High Street ward this weekend.
Labour's Nik Slingsby is a local candidate who is campaigning on local issues.
"Westminster Conservatives have been in power for too long and they regularly dismiss residents' concerns. This by-election is your opportunity to say that residents' concerns should be heard and not ignored. You, the residents come first, not big business."
Nik is the only candidate who can beat the Conservatives and you can read his election message here
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Nik Slingsby joins residents to protest at axing of Luxborough Street play area
The sign says 'Residents Only' but the padlocked gates say all you need to know about Westminster Conservatives' lack of concern for the local community.
Nik Slingsby, Labour's candidate in the Marylebone High Street ward by-election, has joined with residents in Luxborough Street who are angry that they will lose the children's play area, when the Council builds more luxury homes and an underground library.
This is what residents have told us;
"The proposed scheme removes at least one third of our estate and 6 large mature trees. The play area is relegated to a site which the police are unable to supervise and will be a focus of antisocial activity."
"Marylebone is very dense, and there are already enough on-going developments and building sites. It is becoming a very young area, full of kids, and they will need places where to play!"
"I would like to add my concern to that of other residents on the proposed development of the play area in Luxborough Street, what with the redevelopment of the Chilton Street car park the proposed development of 66 Chiltern Street into residential apartments. We need more open spaces not less"
The forthcoming Marylebone High Street Ward by-election on Thursday 2nd May is your opportunity to vote for Nik Slingsby and to register your opposition to Conservative plans to build luxury homes and an underground library on the Luxborough Street play area.
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby of 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
The Future of Moxon Street – It's time the community came first, says Nik Slingsby
Nik Slingsby, Labour's candidate at the Marylebone High Street Ward by-election on 2nd May, says;
"The Council is planning to sell the Moxon Street car park to the highest bidder for re-development. We believe some of the land should be used for a permanent home for the Farmers' Market and provide a new public square, along with housing and a new library to replace the one the Council is closing on Marylebone Road. 90% of residents favour this community-oriented approach but the Council will not listen. All the Council wants is the maximum price to bail out its financial mismanagement, depriving us of our last chance to have a truly beneficial development on this important site.
Your current Tory Councillors have gone along with this, selling out the local community so as not to rock the boat at City Hall. Labour is wholly opposed to this and backs the community proposals. It's time the community came first."
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg of 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby of 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1
Nik Slingsby calls for tough action against Harley Street medical waste dumpers
Following an 'Evening Standard' article on "medical waste including syringes, blood-filled tubes and pig snouts being dumped on the pavement by Harley Street firms', Nik Slingsby has called on Westminster Council to take tough action against any further similar incidents.
Nik has also called on all medical establishments in the Harley Street and Wimpole Street area to be extra careful to ensure that all medical waste is disposed in the proper manner. He said;
"Harley Street and Wimpole Street are both busy streets with thousands of people walking up and down every day. Many people live and work in the area and it is vital that all medical waste is disposed of properly and not dumped in the street where it is a real danger to the public. We support action by the Council to take a tough line against any medical firms that dump waste on the pavement."
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Nik Slingsby takes action to get Marylebone roads repaired
Nik Slingsby, Labour's candidate at the Marylebone High Street by-election on 2nd May has started his campaign to get things done for local residents by reporting to the Council two areas of local roadway that are in very poor condition
– At the corner of Bolsover Street and Carburton Street
– At the corner of Devonshire Street and Great Portland Street
Nik says;
"These roads are in a poor state and need urgent repairs before pedestrians trip up, cyclists have an accident or cars are damaged. We need a Councillor who will get things done and I am determined to use this campaign to get action for local residents."
If you want Nik to take up any local issues contact Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg at firstname.lastname@example.com
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA
Nik Slingsby is Labour's Candidate at the Marylebone High Street by-election on 2nd May
Nik Slingsby is a local candidate who is campaigning on local issues. The Westminster Conservatives have been in power for too long and they regularly dismiss residents' concerns. He says;
"I feel very much a part of this community as I grew up and went to school in Marylebone. I learnt to read by borrowing the Roald Dahl books from the library on Marylebone Road and then used to study for my A levels on its old wooden desks.
I went on to do a degree in Mandarin Chinese at the University of London. I then worked in Beijing for a number of years before returning to the place I feel most at home, London.
I work as a lawyer and live on Harrowby Street. I am the Chair of the Westminster South Constituency Labour Party and its West End Branch.
I'm saddened and concerned to see the continual downsizing of our libraries, the closure of fire stations and the reduction of services in our community. That's why I want to take up these issues and represent residents in the Marylebone High Street Ward."
Nik Slingsby is campaigning on local issues – the future of the Moxon Street site, the loss of the Luxborough Street play area, getting the closed Paddington Street toilets back open, tackling anti-social behaviour in Holcroft Court and much more.
This by-election is your opportunity to say that residents' concerns should be heard and not ignored. You, the residents come first, not big business. Nik believes this firmly and is the only candidate who can beat the Conservatives.
If you have a question for Nik or would like him to take up a local issue then please let us know
Promoted by Paul Dimoldenberg at 44 Manor House, Marylebone Road, NW1 5NP on behalf of Nik Slingsby 1 Harrowby Court, Harrowby Street, W1H 5FA