Try Something New on Silver Sunday
Silver Sunday on 2nd October is part of a national day for people aged 65 and over. It's a great chance to try something new and have an enjoyable time.
Westminster Older People's Champion Cllr Christabel Flight initiated this event back in 2012. As she explains: "I wanted to celebrate the contribution of older people and also help alleviate loneliness and isolation. We have a fantastic range of events that I hope our residents will enjoy". Christabel is still the driving force behind Silver Sunday, which is now happening across the country and involving countless different groups and organisations like the Rotarians, BUPA and local Councils.
For a full list of the events in Westminster visit westminster.gov.uk/silver-sunday or pick up a copy of Westminster Plus from City Hall, one of our local libraries or the Queen Mother Leisure Centre.
Improvements to Lupus Street
In February, Deputy Cabinet Member for City Management Cllr Jacqui Wilkinson organised an inspection of pavements and roads in Pimlico. As a result of this, works are now being carried out to replace damaged paving on the south side of Lupus Street in front of the shops. In addition, there will be improvements to the pavements on the north side of Lupus Street between Sutherland and Cumberland Streets. The inspection also indicated that the pavement on the north side of Lupus Street in Tachbrook Ward between St George's Square and Denbigh Street needed replacing. This has been added to the 2016/17 maintenance programme.
New Zebra Crossing in Orange Square
You may have noticed that there is a new zebra crossing in Orange Square. Jacqui Wilkinson began lobbying Westminster City Council in 2013 to provide an additional crossing Pimlico Road in Orange Square. The existing zebra crossings will continue to remain.
Jacqui, who is now a councillor for Warwick Ward and Deputy Cabinet Member for Street Management and Customer Services says: "I am pleased to see that, at long last, the residents can cross this part of Pimlico Road in safety. The need for such a crossing came to the fore after a child was knocked over. The pedestrian movements have changed in Pimlico Road as a result of the very successful Farmer's Market and I am pleased that Westminster City Council has been able to respond to this by installing the new crossing."
Newson's Yard
The Churchill Ward Conservatives have joined residents and amenity groups in expressing concerns to Grosvenor Estates about their proposals for redeveloping Newson's historic timber yard and five Victorian galleries on the Pimlico Road.
The yard is currently used by the firm Travis Perkins who have been operating from this 175 year old site. Toby Francis-Bromley, Chairman of the Churchill Ward Conservatives, says: "The plans of Grosvenor Estates would demolish the last surviving timber yard from the 3,000 that existed in London during the 18th and 19th centuries and galleries that add to the unique charm of Pimlico Road."
Beware of Burglary Scam
It has been brought to our attention that there may be an organised burglary team operating in Pimlico. Members of the team survey an area and watch particular dwellings for comings and goings to understand if and when would be a good time to attempt to burgle. They place small stickers on the postbox or entry systems advertising locksmiths to alert their colleagues to the address. These locksmiths are bogus. If you see such a sticker on your property and you, your neighbours or managing agents didn't put it there for bona fide reasons, please take it off and report it to the local police team. We have flagged this problem to the Police and the Council's Community Protection Team.
Becoming a Westminster Recycling Champion
Litter and recycling are important issues for people across Westminster. Conservative Councillors have been active in encouraging residents in making sure these are carried out correctly. In Westminster we’re currently recycling less than 20% of our waste. To improve this and get the recycling message out to residents, Westminster City Council is looking for volunteer Recycling Champions who will help others to waste less and recycle more.
Champions are involved in lots of different activities from chatting to friends and neighbours about recycling, to helping at a local event, displaying posters, reporting problems, or running a swap shop.
Becoming a champion is a great way to meet people and learn more, whilst doing something positive in your area to help the environment. You don’t need any experience and can get involved as much or as little as you like. Westminster City Council provides training and regular newsletters, there will also be champions meetings, socials and visits to recycling facilities.
If you would like to find out more, visit https://www.westminster.gov.uk/volunteer-recycling-champion or e-mail [email protected], tel: 020 7641 6598.
