Managing the impact on the night tube on the West End
Recent weeks have seen the launch of the first night tubes in London, on the Victoria and Central lines.
In the run up to the launch Cllr Jonathan Glanz has raised concerns over potential adverse impact of the night tube on residents across the West End, and was pleased to hear that there were only four reported incidents on the opening weekend of the service. However it is early days and we must remain alert to any further problems as usage increases in the run up to Christmas.
On October 7 the Jubilee line will become the third part of the Night Tube service.
The Night Tube is a great addition to London's international appeal, and to its economy, but as a councillor my first concern has to be for the area and residents that I represent on Westminster City Council.
If you have any concerns or issues with the Night Tube, such as disturbance from noise, please contact the Customer Service Centre on 0343 222 1234. Alternatively you could visit www.tfl.gov.uk/contact or write to: TfL Customer Services, 4th Floor, 14 Pier Walk, London, SE10 0ES.
Berwick Street Christmas Lights switch on with Stephen Fry
By popular demand the second Berwick street Christmas lights ceremony will kick off on December 6 opened by Stephen Fry.
Despite there being many lovely Christmas lights nearby, Soho never had a lighting up ceremony of its own till last year when Cllr Roberts invited old friend Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame to flip the switch.
The evening was such a success that we are expecting a bigger and better event this year - one participant says that this time you will be able to see the lights from Mars. The choir of Soho Pariah School will be on hand to give us some carols and there will be refreshments, entertainment and dancing to be announced.
The lights give a big boost to Berwick Street market one of the last traditional markets in the West End which we all love and where Sohos 2000 residents still shop for groceries and household necessities. At this time when its future is at stake due to encroaching developement on all sides it is doubly important to support it.
Traders and residents can look forward to a fabulous knees up on the night sponsored by many local landlords and tradesmen.
Cllr Roberts says "a ceremony like this has been long overdue in Soho which prides itself on its creative connections and traditional history. I'll be there to give a rousing welcome to Stephen Fry and all the visitors who love Soho as much as I do. Everyone is welcome to join us for a 6.30pm start ."
Saving the Yard
Your West End Ward Councillors represented Soho LGBT venue, The Yard, at both Planning Committee and the Planning Inspectorate, which resulted in the Inspector dismissing an appeal by developers to bulldoze the open courtyard in favour of new flats.
All three local councillors spoke in support of The Yard to protect the venue from, what would ultimately result in it losing its unique nature and part of Soho's history as the last surviving stable yard.
After meeting with owner, Andy Jones, local Councillor, Paul Church, also worked with him to ensure that The Yard and other bars on the surrounding streets modified their collection and delivery times to ensure that local residents were not disturbed by night time collections and drop-offs.
Councillor Paul Church, who lives locally, said:
“I was really delighted to support The Yard and ensure that it is now as much part of Soho’s future as its past. I very much see my role as protecting our wonderful West End and ensuring we respect its history as much as its future. Development should not come the cost of local assets which our communities use and love and I will always fight to protect the unique nature of our West End”.
