Bayswater Councillors voice concerns about Notting Hill Carnival 2017
Your Bayswater Councillors have written to Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, expressing our serious concerns over the Notting Hill Carnival 2017.
We've had some success and welcome moves to reduce the number of vehicles on the parade route and the earlier start time for the procession.
However, residents face the continued unsanitary aftermath of the Carnival and this year we are especially concerned that outside groups may seek to take advantage of the local tensions in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy to cause further disturbance during the Carnival.
We will continue to put pressure on the Mayor and others to ensure Bayswater residents are protected from the effects of carnival.
Sprinklers for all high-rise council blocks after Grenfell Fire
We have all been shocked and appalled at the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower.
Westminster’s Conservative Councillors know that many people are concerned about the safety of residents living in high rise blocks. We have been very proactive since the fire and have ensured that Westminster Council has been in regular contact with residents to keep them informed and reassure them that their safety is of utmost importance.
There are just six residential tower blocks, known as the Little Venice Towers, situated on the Harrow Road between Westway and the Grand Union Canal that have cladding with some similarities to Grenfell Tower. A panel has been tested by the Government and, like everywhere else in the country, it did not pass. But it is important to note that this cladding system is very different to Grenfell Tower. For example, the insulation is ‘Rockwool’ which is non-flammable and made of ground stone.
Your Councillors have also been working with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and they have completed their detailed inspections of all six of the tower blocks at Little Venice. They have confirmed that they are satisfied we are putting in place appropriate fire safety measures to mitigate the risks from fire and Westminster Council have written to residents to let them know.
We are confident the council’s buildings across Westminster are safe but Westminster Conservatives want to make them safer. Currently, building regulations are that new build flats over 30 metres should have sprinklers fitted. We announced that sprinklers will be fitted in all existing buildings above 30 metres managed by CityWest Homes across the city, which will typically be blocks of over 12 storeys, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of sprinkler systems in buildings below 12 storeys.
20mph trial launched across Westminster
20mph speed limits are being introduced at up to 40 schools and across 2 residential areas over the next year. This trial is part of our drive to create a safer, healthier and more pleasant environment.
The areas around St Stephen's Gardens, Garway Road Gloucester Terrace and Craven Terrace have been chosen for the trail close to Bayswater (highlighted below).
The aim is to increase walking and cycling, and to make more vulnerable road users like cyclists, older people and school children feel safer.
Local schools, businesses and residents views will be sought before, during and after the 20mph trials. This will help us understand their impact and what the next steps are.
Chepstow Road resurface helps reduce road noise
We're delighted that Chepstow Road has now been resurfaced. We've heard from residents that the buses moving on the uneven surface created intolerable noise, particularly in the summer when windows are open. We've already heard from residents that the noise levels from the traffic has been reduced.
Councillor Richard Holloway inspects the newly laid road
Pavement improvement works on Porchester Square
We’re pleased to see that work is underway on re-laying the damaged footpath on Porchester Square. This is part of the council’s planned maintenance scheme and is improving the eastern end of Porchester Square, facing Gloucester Terrace and close to Ranelagh Bridge. If you think your pavement needs particular work, please let us know and we can push to ensure it’s included in the regular schedule for 2018.
Councillor Richard Holloway on Porchester Square with the new pavement stones
Westminster Conservatives call on developers to build homes for all
Conservative Leader of Westminster City Council, Councillor Nickie Aiken, signalled a change in the Council’s policy on affordable housing at a keynote speech to the London Real Estate Forum, where she called upon developers to ‘build more homes that people from all backgrounds can afford’.
Councillor Aiken spoke about the fundamental change needed to build a Westminster of aspiration for future generations. She indicated that she wants to partner with developers to ensure more affordable and intermediate housing – with a target of 60% intermediate built in future years. In a stark warning to property developers who have previously relied on contributions and viability assessments,
Councillor Aiken said: 'Being friendly to business does not mean engaging in some cosy cabal and we will not allow our residents to be short-changed' adding ‘there’s no time for on-going pleasant and cosy chats, glossy plans or brochures that don’t reflect people’s lives. My view is that too many times we have not always pushed back enough'.
Working with her Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Realm, Councillor Daniel Astaire, Councillor Aiken announced that the City Plan is to be fully redrawn to reflect this new priority and, citing the immediate need for action, revealed that an interim statement on planning policies to support housing delivery will be released shortly.
Ex Labour Councillor joins Westminster Conservatives
A former local Labour councillor has joined the Conservative Party as he believes it better represents residents’ concerns and interests.
Murad Gassanly, Councillor for Churchill Ward in Pimlico, will now sit on the Westminster Conservative benches. His move comes after discussions over recent months with Westminster Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Nickie Aiken and representatives of the Cities of London & Westminster Conservative Association.
