Labour Party police reorganisation chaos
The Labour Mayor of London wants to merge police forces, Westminster’s will be merged with Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith. The pilot merger in East London has seen 999 response times TRIPLE. All three local boroughs are opposed to the change. Police need to be local. The Labour Mayor has already reduced local policing and threatened Westminster’s specialist gangs unit. “We need to respond powerfully to the Mayor. So, please sign our petition” says St James’s Conservative councillor Louise Hyams.
Air Quality: Westminster leading the fight for a greener, cleaner St James’s
“We know that air quality is the top issue concerning many residents and a recent survey cited Charing Cross as one the worst areas”, says Cllr Tim Mitchell.“We know the science and have worked with King’s College; poor air quality kills. Westminster was the first Council in London with a clean air strategy and we are determined to fight for clean air for our residents.”
Leading the way in London, we have introduced the first pilot surcharge in the UK aimed at older diesels parking in central Westminster. We have launched a major campaign against engine idling, so far 13,500 drivers have been asked to turn off their engines, only a handful have said no and once education fails we were the first Council to issue fines. Locally we have been focusing on coaches and taxi drivers around Victoria station and on working with schools to persuade parents “Don’t be Idle”. You can sign up to the air quality pledge by clicking here.
Other pilots being trialled in our Marylebone Low Emission Neighbourhood focus on pollution cleaning greenery, cutting down and rationalising freight and retrofitting older buildings – vehicles cause over half of pollution but buildings are not far behind. We will roll the best pilots out in other areas. We are always looking for volunteers to join our anti idling days to persuade drivers to turn off their engines – if you would like to help please email us.
Lambeth Bridge update
“500+ local residents have supported our campaign to oppose Transport for London’s changes to Lambeth Bridge which would route traffic into St James’s residential streets, increase air pollution. TfL failed to consult many residents” says Conservative Councillor Cameron Thomson. We are waiting to see if TfL can come up with more balanced ideas to protect cyclists and residents alike.
Green Flag for Victoria Embankment Gardens and top place in London in Bloom
Westminster Council has had its 23 green flags – the top recognition for parks – renewed, including for Victoria Embankment Gardens. Westminster is third nationally in the league of green flags.
Westminster’s Conservative-led Council's love of green spaces and a green environment was also recognised by the top council award in the London in Bloom Awards.
