Dealing with drugs
A resident of Cleveland Square reported evidence of drug related activity in one of the basements.
We have worked with the police to put focused patrols in the area and to warn those acting suspiciously.
If you spot anything suspicious do get in touch with us or call the local neighbourhood police team. (For non-urgent information call 101 but when urgent or a crime is being committed call 999.) The more information the council and police have about problems in the area the more resources can be targeted to tackle them.
Bringing sports to the community
Working with Westminster's Sports Unit, The London Sports Trust and Open Age we arranged a sports afternoon on Hallfield Estate’s green space. Children could try out different sports and there was advice for all on healthy living.
Westminster is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of all our residents by bringing opportunities for activity to the whole community and not just for those who come to our sports centres. We are looking for further opportunities for activity sessions in the area. If you are interested in taking part let us know.
Takeaway blight tackled
Residents of Kensington Gardens Square complained to us about the nuisance of delivery scooters waiting to pick up orders from Nando's on Westbourne Terrace. We worked with residents and persuaded the council to take enforcement action against the restaurant as the volume of take away orders picked up by scooter meant that it was in breach of its restaurant planning permission. Both residents and the Council worked hard to ensure that we had a robust case. This included instructing a top planning QC to ensure that the action was watertight.
Nando's have abided by the planning enforcement and residents report a significant drop in the number of delivery scooters in the area.
Porchester Terrace parking
Residents have been in touch about drivers using Porchester Terrace as a car park while they rest between jobs and the litter they leave.
We have asked our Parking Marshals to focus on the area and take action if drivers are parking in residents’ bays or are seen dropping litter.
Queensway noise nuisance
Residents have been in touch about the problem of cars and vans parking and leaving their engines running in the early morning on Queensway.
As it is quiet at that time of the morning the noise of engines running and doors slamming is a nuisance to residents living on the street.
We are putting in place some intensive monitoring of the area and advising drivers to keep noise to a minimum. Our Parking Marshals are also letting them know that keeping their engines running unnecessary is against the law and is creating air pollution as well as a noise nuisance.
Always here to help
Your Lancaster Gate Councillors team want to hear from the local people we represent.
We are contactable via email, or phone and hold regular surgery sessions, usually on the last Saturday of the month (except bank holiday weekends) from 10am to 11am in the Residents’ Hall in Pickering House on the Hallfield Estate.
Conservatives propose innovative voluntary Council Tax contribution to build a fairer Westminster
Conservative Councillors have put forward plans for a voluntary council tax contribution from residents living in the most expensive properties in Westminster.
Leader of the Council Nickie Aiken said: “Our voluntary contribution aims to protect Westminster’s front-line services and maintain our low council tax levels for those on the lowest incomes. We believe in low tax, but that those that can afford to give more should be able to do so.”
Westminster will pioneer this scheme, encouraging those at the top to give more to support the wider community. Whilst similar schemes have previously been launched with businesses, Westminster City Council is leading the way by introducing this voluntary Council tax contribution for residents.
From April next year, these plans for a ‘Westminster community contribution’ could see an additional £2.75 million raised through Council Tax, which would make up a significant proportion of the £49 million that the City currently raises each year.
Money raised from the voluntary contribution will be used to protect front-line services, especially youth provision and work to support young people across the city.