Improving the environment in Little Venice
As previously reported, the first roads with 20mph speed limits have commenced in the area. These are pilot schemes in roads around schools and if successful could lead to additional roads being added to the scheme.
Trees in Little Venice are something that make the area more attractive and also help to reduce air pollution. We have been looking for some time for a better way of filling in the tree pits, the areas at the bases of trees. We are looking to introduce this treatment to areas within the ward and would be interested in the views of residents about the idea. An area along Edgware Road (see picture below right) was recently treated in this way and we believe it has significantly improved the appearance of the road.
After meeting with local residents, we have been taking up the request to plant more trees opposite Hall and Braithwaite Houses. This is required to reduce the noise pollution from the busy City Of Westminster College opposite. Having discussed this with specialist officers, they have agreed that new trees will be installed during the coming planting season over the autumn/early winter.
We are currently submitting our ideas of roads and pavements that are in need of repair or replacement. We have been successful in getting many of our local roads and footways replaced in recent years, so our list is getting smaller. If you think there is a road or part of road in need of attention in Little Venice, please let us know and we can add to the list of nominations for 2018/19.
Councillor Melvyn Caplan commented: “We know how important it is to keep Little Venice, clean, green and tidy, and we always welcome ideas from local residents about how we can continue to protect our local environment and make it better for everyone living in our ward.”
Tackling anti-social behaviour
Anti-social behaviour is caused by a few irresponsible individuals but can cause misery for many people. Your Little Venice Conservative councillors treat the issue very seriously and work with the responsible agencies - in particular the police - to find ways of stopping these problems. We have been working with City West Homes and the police to agree several measures to combat some of the worst behaviour caused by a few individuals. Agreement has been reached to install a camera on Campbell House to overlook Cuthbert House. We are also looking at several other possible locations on the Hall Park Estate. CCTV is not always the answer to these issues, but in this case, it is believed that it will act as a deterrent to some instances of anti-social behaviour that have been taking place. We are also pushing the police to provide more resources in the area.
As previously advised, we have agreed with City of Westminster College to put up notices outside Fleming Court to stop people gathering whilst sitting on the wall opposite the children’s nursery. We are now looking at including some greening of the area around the wall, to make it a less easy place to gather.
If there is criminal activity taking place, the police always advise that you should dial 999. If it is a non-urgent matter, then dial 101.
Councillor Melvyn Caplan stated: “We take reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and will continue to work with the police and other authorities to stamp this out from the local area.”
Encouraging business in the Little Venice area
We are pleased to encourage new businesses in the area and we are fortunate that Little Venice is an attractive place which sees very few empty retail units.
Last month we welcomed the Real Ale Bar into Formosa Street and we look forward to the Re-opening of the Truscott Arms in Shirland Road. We have also seen Kuku Café/Restaurant open in Clifton Road and Formosa Flowers in Formosa Street. We will always seek to preserve a good balance of retail and cafés and restaurants in the area. We have in the past opposed the empty retail unit in Clifton Road becoming an estate agent and will continue to do so whenever the planning laws allow this. We don’t want empty shops, but equally we want a good mix of shops and cafes in the area. We are clear that we don’t need any more estate agents!
Councillor Barbara Arzymanow said: “Keeping the right balance of local businesses is a key concern of your local ward councillors as we wish to preserve the special character of Little Venice.”
