Land of Lions opens with a royal seal of approval
London Zoo is one of the country's most popular visitor attractions not only for tourists but also residents of the UK. It welcomes some 1.26 million visitors a year and sits in the most easterly part of this ward in the heart of Regent’s Park. To compete it must evolve and provide more environmentally friendly enclosures.
Your Councillors have supported ZSL, who manage the Zoo in a number of planning applications. The most recent saw the creation of a new lion’s area. Called ‘Land of Lions’ it provides new facilities for the breeding of a group of endangered Asiatic lions and literally transports visitors from the heart of London to India’s vibrant Sasan Gir. This new enclosure was formally opened by HM The Queen accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in the spring.
Tackling dumping
Fly-tipping and the dumping of bulky items are anti social and unacceptable. Within Regent’s Park ward there is not a prevalence of such activity but when it does take place it is an eye-sore.
Recently a sofa was left on Maida Vale Road and a mattress on Grove End Road, both of which were cleared within 24 hours following action by your local Councillors.
Although we are unlikely to eradicate this practice entirely we would ask residents to report any dumping by calling the Westminster environmental action line 020 7641 2000 or emailing https://westminster-forms.cloudoko.com/Form/Index/3b3a9b26-5c16-4acb-a9…; Alternatively you can contact us.
St Johns Wood Post Office under threat
A number of residents have raised concerns over the threatened closure of our Post Office on Circus Road which your Regent’s Park Ward Councillors also share. This Post Office is one of a large number across the country earmarked to be franchised off to private companies. As yet no decision has been made on its proposed new location. Your local Councillors understand this decision is being made by the Royal Mail based on economic factors and we are doing all we can to lobby and keep this important and valuable local facility here in St John’s Wood.
Youth Offending in Westminster falls to record low
The numbers of young people offending and re-offending in Westminster are at their lowest ever levels, thanks to an effective joint working strategy implemented by Conservative run Westminster Council.
Spearheaded by the Youth Offending Team, the strategy better integrates the work of various units including the Integrated Gangs Unit, the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), schools the police and participation in projects like the Custody Pilot with Ealing Council, which is designed to keep young people out of cells.
Westminster Council works hard to keep your streets safe for residents including preventing youth offending. Our Youth Offending Team work with young people who have broken the law to prevent them from reoffending, encouraging them to choose a different path in life and staying out of prison. The team also work with those at risk of committing crime to prevent first time entrants to the youth justice system. Due to the excellent work of the Youth Offending Team in recent years, the numbers of young people offending and re-offending in Westminster are at their lowest ever levels. Young offenders are offered mentors and supported into employment, education and training.
Commenting on the success, Westminster’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Danny Chalkley said “It’s tragic when our youngest residents find themselves on the wrong side of the law. We actively seek to lay out a better future rather than leaving young people with problems to a life of crime, deprivation and underachievement. I’m delighted that due to the hard work of the Youth Offending Team, far fewer young people are committing crime.”
Annual Tea Dance returns
Westminster Council’s annual Tea Dance hosted by Older People’s Champion, Cllr Christabel Flight, takes place on Sunday 6th November at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, for residents aged 65 or over. Last year actress Joanna Lumley joined guests dancing, jiving, eating and talking.
Cllr Christabel Flight said: "The Tea Dance is a chance for older people to get out of the house and enjoy a glamorous afternoon of dancing and companionship. It’s a great way for people to get together with friends, make new ones and have a fun afternoon. Loneliness can have a devastating effect on people’s lives as well as their physical and mental wellbeing, and we hope that the Tea Dance goes a little way in helping to alleviate it, even if just for an afternoon.”
Applications are now open, so please apply for tickets or if you have an older relative who might be interested let them know about it.
Residents can apply online, or write to Tea Dance, 18th floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP, or call the Council’s general enquiries number on 020 7641 6000 and ask the switchboard to enter you into the Tea Dance ticket prize draw.
If you would like more information please email [email protected]
