SEBRA NEWS W2 PROBABLY THE Back by MOST TALKED ABOUT Public Demand!GARDEN PARTY IN WESTMINSTER

JOHN ZAMIT PRESENTS ISSUE No 93 A SEBRA PRODUCTION SUMMER 2018

“ “ ““ CARRYCARRY ONON NHSNHS ‘U’ THANK YOU NHS SEBRA SUMMER GARDEN PARTY 5 JULY 2018 ON THIS DAY 70 YEARS AGO THE NHS WAS BORN INTRODUCTION In this Issue From the

THE GREATEST INTRODUCTION 10 BRIDGE GRAFITTI 40 LITTLE BARBER SHOP FROM THE CHAIRMAN 3 Chairman FROM THE EDITOR 4 Chairman: John Zamit SAFETY VALVE Email: [email protected] DELIVERY SCOOTER WOES 6 Phone: 020 7727 6104 BANK CLOSURE AT SHORT NOTICE 8 Mobile: 074 3825 8201 AN UNWANTED DEVELOPMENT? 9 Address: 2 Claremont Court LABOUR UPS ITS VOTE 11 Queensway, W2 5HX AROUND STATUE SPARKLING AGAIN 12 elcome to the Summer Also, we advised our local Councillors Also as you have may have read in the ON THE BUSES - HOLD ON TIGHT 13 2018 issue of SEBRA of our surprise at the publication of the press and on seen on TV, Business Rates "NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE" 17 NEWS W2. It's another report during a "purdah" period during can be crippling. (These rates are not set LUNCH IN THE SUN AT POMONA'S 21 bumper edition running to the local elections. As a result the report by Westminster Council and nor do they POLICING THE CAPITAL 24 Wover 120 pages. We delayed publishing was pulled by Stuart Love, Westminstrer receive the full amount levied). NEWCOMBE HOUSE BATTLE LINES 29 due to some late stories we wanted to City Council's Chief Executive. Let's hope that the redevelopment of A TOUGH ELECTION 31 include. Hopefully they'll make good On a positive side we are confident that Whiteleys and improvements already ST MARY'S HOSPITAL SPECIAL 44 reading in the summer sun. working with the newly appointed cabinet happening with the shops and tenants MORE SMILES ST STEPHEN'S - NEWS "IT'S ALL UP IN THE AIR" 48 members (Richard Beddoe, Cabinet at the southern end of Queensway will 46 APPEAL BREAKS £2M 56 FROM THE PEWS THE BARD IS BACK! 50 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS Member for Place Shaping and Planning attract more business to the area. This, MO FARAH AT HALLFIELD SCHOOL 58 Congratulations to all the Councillors and Tim Mitchell, Cabinet Member for along with the promised Public Realm elected in Westminster, I am sure they Environment and City Management) who improvements will we hope bring back THE ROYAL PARKS will work hard to serve those in their live locally and know the area, we can kick- shoppers in their droves! HYDE PARK UPDATE 72 Wards. Locally there were no surprises in start the project. On the subject of shopping I cannot KENSINGTON GARDENS UPDATE 74 the Hyde Park & Lancaster Gate Wards finish without a sad farewell to Marks FRIENDS OF HP&KG NEWS 76 but in Bayswater it was a different story. "MARMITE ART" AND MUCH & Spencer who are closing down in SERPENTINE GALLERIES 80 For the first time since 1986 a Labour MORE IN THE ROYAL PARKS Whiteleys on 28 July after trading there candidate, Maggie Carman, was chosen for 30 years. Perhaps an M&S "Simply POLITICAL COMMENTARY by the electorate. A mere 81 votes saw Food" store can be tempted back when Maggie oust Richard Holloway, possibly Queensway is developed. MP 84 due to Richard being Pro-Brexit in a MARK FIELD MP 85 Ward that very much sits in the Remain SEBRA GARDEN PARTY HIGH TIDE OR HIGH NOON? 86 camp. Our commiserations go to Richard. CELEBRATING THE NHS Two new Conservative Councilors were As you'll see from our front cover we are CITY HALL NEWS elected, Emily Payne and Richard Elcho. celebrating 70 years of the NHS at our Both have lived in the area and they THE ASSEMBLY WATCHDOGS 88 Summer Garden Party, which takes place know it very well. We hope all three new #MYWESTMINSTER 92 We've dedicated 12 pages in this issue on 5 July. That's precisely 70 years to the NEW BAYSWATER COUNCILLORS 94 Bayswater Councillors deal well with to the Royal Parks. We are fortunate to local issues. It will be interesting to see day that our health service was born. ONLY ANOTHER FOUR YEARS? 96 have such a gem on our doorsteps and JACK GORDON ON how things unfold over the next four As ever, the event will be taking place MASTABA RISING I urge all members to make the best 82 86 LOCAL ELECTIONS PLANNING, LEGAL & LICENSING years as there's no doubt that Labour will of them all year round. This summer, in Cleveland Square Gardens and I look be pushing to gain control of the Ward as well as new Pavilion we have the forward to seeing as many of you as PROPERTY MARKET UPDATE 102 in 2022 and the Conservatives will be controversial "Mastaba" (above). It's possible, when we shall raise a glass to PLANNING BAYSWATER 104 fighting hard to win Maggie's seat back. made from 7,506 oil drums stacked in celebrate this rather special occasion. POT-POURRI OF LEGAL STORIES 108 It's fair to say that the NHS does have its DEAD END ROAD? the Serpentine. Do take a look, you'll LICENSING BAYSWATER 112 either love it or you'll hate it. critics and requires more funding but it is I am constantly stopped and asked: "what a fantastic national institution and where HIGHWAYS & TRAFFIC is latest on the promised Public Realm SHOPPING SECTION would we be without it? improvements in Queensway?" Well the HIGHWAYS REPORT 114 As you'll see on pages 66 to 70, some Best wishes and happy reading. answer is "Not much". Our last meeting CYCLE HIGHWAYS UPDATE 116 shopping streets in our area are doing with the council took place several months OXFORD STREET SUCCESS 117 well, others are surviving and some are ago and in the following months we have struggling. In particular in Westboune LETTERS & ABOUT SEBRA not heard a word more. Grove we have a high number of vacant The Council did try to sneak through a shops. In the short term we're not sure YOUR LETTERS 118 Cabinet Report on the matter on 20 April what can be done but we trust landlords JOIN SEBRA 120 but when we discovered this we pointed are being realistic, asking for reasonable ABOUT SEBRA 121 out that basic plans showing the full extent rents with incentives to entice new SEBRALAND 122 of the proposed works were wrong. retailers to the street.

2 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 3 SAFETY VALVE SAFETY VALVE

LNER Class A3 Locomoti ve LETTER TO COUNCILLOR RICHARD HOLLOWAY: No. 60103 “Flying Scotsman”. DELIVERY SCOOTERS MAKING OUR LIFE A MISERY Pictured 10 September 2017 aft er Diana Burtt leaving Crowcombe Heathfi eld. Monmouth Road, W2 here has recently been a We can frequently hear their The warden explained that he was told problem with delivery scooters conversati ons the whole length of to treat the scooters as commercial in Kensington Garden Square, Monmouth Road as they chat to each vehicles and therefore they can park which has now moved wholesale other very loudly – possibly because for up to 20 minutes. We would be Tto Monmouth Road, off Westbourne some are wearing helmets and can’t hear interested to know if all of the drivers Grove. We believe the problem in otherwise. have paid commercial vehicle road tax Monmouth Road is much greater in There have been numerous instances of and have insurance for commercial use. extent. On one occasion we counted 18 delivery drivers urinati ng in the street, Because of the proliferati on of these bikes parked on both sides of the road. including through the railings into the scooters, Westbourne Grove is like This new commercial acti vity has grounds of College Park School. the Wild West during peak evening completely changed the character of On one occasion, on returning to the hours, with scooters careering at high speed in all directi ons. Someti mes Monmouth Road, which has been my street early evening, the pavement was even riding across the pavement when home for over 40 years. When I come obstructed by a large group of drivers. entering Monmouth Road. We believe home from work and turn the corner When we pointed out to them they were blocking the pavement we were subjected Westbourne Grove to be a MUCH more into Monmouth Road, I am confronted to a ti rade of aggressive and threatening dangerous place than it was previously. Safety Valve by a group of burly men, all dressed in abuse from a group of at least eight We invite you to visit Monmouth Road/ black, some wearing balaclavas. It is people. One of whom even told us to Westbourne Grove on a Saturday There are always issues in SEBRALAND that concern our members and as you'll see from the fi rst two pages, inti midati ng. ‘walk in the road’ if we didn’t like it. evening to witness the scene. delivery scooters and their riders conti nue to cause problems. The litt er is annoying, the incessant noise a The noise from these bikes’ engines Monmouth Road is a cul de sac, so we do In recent weeks a mobile scooter repair constant source of irritati on, and the verbal abuse is something that nobody should have to tolerate. Elswhere is intolerable. We hear this every few not have the opti on to leave the street at workshop van has been illegally parked in Safety Valve we have an excellent arti cle from SEBRA favourite Bob Rogers about the grafi tti on Bayswater's minutes at peak ti mes. One scooter in its Southern end and therefore we have in the street, for several hours most days. parti cular is very loud, probably illegally to pass the scooter drivers every ti me we We fully expect a catering van to appear Bridges and Nicki Hessengberg writes about more development plans in the "beleaguered neighbourhood". so. We menti oned this to the rider enter or leave the street. next! Monmouth Road has been turned and he responded by riding the bike We have spoken to a Westminster Traffi c into a distributi on depot which does not THE CURSE OF THE MONMOUTH ROAD DELIVERY SCOOTERS repeatedly up and down Monmouth Warden about illegal parking as they have planning consent. Road at full thrott le, making as much park on single and double yellow lines We believe this all consti tutes anti -social Brian Eastman noise as he possibly could. and in the two diplomati c parking bays. behaviour and should be treated as such. Monmouth Road, W2 am writi ng to add my plea for help, RESPONSE FROM alongside my fellow residents in FORMER BAYSWATER COUNCILLOR RICHARD HOLLOWAY Monmouth Road who have already contacted you. Thanks for sending this to me Diana. I’m escalati ng this immediately. I The situati on is absolutely unacceptable and the businesses on Westbourne Grove have a responsibility to ensure scooters For the last few months we have suff ered from an ever increasing number of food delivering on their behalf do not disrupt your peaceful enjoyment of your home. delivery scooters and motorcycles using I will be back in touch as soon as possible. our road as a base, while they wait for instructi ons on their next delivery. From noon to midnight there are REPLY TO FORMER COUNCILLOR RICHARD HOLLOWAY someti mes as many as 20 bikes and FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF MARSHALLS AND CCTV VAN riders congregated in the road. They are Brian Eastman noisy - both vocally and with their bikes; Monmouth Road, W2 they drop litt er; they are abusive to residents who ask them to clear the path; ichard, I just wanted to let you enforcement up to midnight, are all I wonder, now that the electi ons are they block pedestrians and vehicles; they know that the extra measures playing a part in discouraging the delivery over, whether a more long term soluti on have verbally att acked my wife when she you have put in force are drivers from using our road as a base. to what to do with the large quanti ty currently helping the delivery complained to them; they deliberately I imagine that unfortunately this may have of delivery drivers hanging about for Rdriver situati on in Monmouth Road. rev their bikes to scare our dog when we only moved the problem on elsewhere, work, can be found. We are happy to "A poisonous environment". The author is considering leaving Westminster. walk past; dressed in their leathers and The regular daily patrols by the marshals, and we do hope that other Westminster contribute to any discussion, if that is helmets, and in large groups, they create the visits by the CCTV van, and the residents are not now suff ering. useful. Many thanks for your assistance. street, causing further blockages, and so, that we are considering moving a very inti midati ng atmosphere. increasing the hosti le and non-residenti al away from Westminster - to escape the Our part of Monmouth Road is a cul de atmosphere. poisonous environment. sac, so we have no choice but to pass them when we leave our house, either I am sure there must be areas near by On 10 March 2018 I reported the on foot or by car. And now, because they where they could assemble without situati on to the Met Police, but so far know we are complaining about them, disturbing residents, but it needs have only received a reference number in they abuse us each ti me we pass. someone to enforce this. reply CDS-6005-18-000, but no-one has In additi on, they frequently call in a At the moment, they have taken over our contacted me. large transit van, which appears to make neighbourhood and completely changed We would very much appreciate it if you repairs to the bikes, while parked in our the character and atmosphere. So much could help us solve this problem please.

6 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 7 SAFETY VALVE SAFETY VALVE columns supporting the Westway THINGS YOU COULD ONCE DO BUT at the junction of Harrow Road and The sign reads "Welcome to Westminster. Westbourne Bridge, and there TfL This conveys a different message. APPARENTLY CAN’T DO TODAY would presumably deal with the graffiti Bob Rogers at their convenience, which could mean never. This is a sad reflection on Orsett Terrace, W2 services hitherto provided in the war against graffiti, and hopefully it would eventually prove possible to persuade our contractor to carry on the good work they were doing not so long ago. In addition to the graffiti problem on Westbourne Bridge we also have a problem with the gullies, and we hope to see that resolved by 16 June and we look forward to that day.

Response from Mark Banks sites the local community considers We are currently pursuing a similar Head of Waste & Parks most important but our first priority is approach in with businesses to remove graffiti and fly-posting from paying the council to remove graffiti public land, not private property. from their buildings on the basis that a Thank you for giving me the opportunity clean environment is beneficial to their to comment. I think Mr Rogers' I have asked the Planning Enforcement business. The response to this project comments may be misdirected as team to investigate what measures can be taken to work with Network Rail has been very positive and I would Network Rail and Transport for London and TfL to keep their land consistently hope we achieve a similar result with are responsible for the maintenance clear of graffiti. This will also include an Network Rail and TfL. This approach of Westbourne/Lord Hill's/Ranelagh offer for the council to regularly deploy ensures council taxpayers do not pay Bridges and the Westway respectively. additional graffiti cleaning teams at their for private issues of graffiti and our Lord Hill's Bridge - A proliferation of graffiti. The council will of course deploy its expense if they are unable to provide work can be focused on keeping our graffiti cleaning team to whichever this service themselves. public spaces looking pristine.

ver the years I have many person really felt free to takeover, What is even more disappointing is times reported graffiti to the and today graffiti abounds to an even that I recently discovered our graffiti LABOUR UPS ITS VOTE UP BY 7.6% Environmental Action Line greater extent than before, which is contractor has decided that their job is Murad Quereshi (just to remind everybody disappointing. only to remove graffiti from Westminster Little Venice, W9 O020 7641 2000) and within a few days it City Council locations, but unfortunately You will realise that there is graffiti all irstly congratulations to all those Nevertheless, we tend to continue has been pleasing to see that the graffiti this doesn’t cover Network Rail bridges. over the place in Westminster but as elected as Councillors on 3 May campaigning and fighting on issues has been painted out or cleaned off. Westbourne Bridge is a focus for people across the whole of the City of of concern for our residents and One focus of my attention is Westbourne coming off the motorway, the sign Westminster. communities in Little Venice and across Bridge, closely followed by Lord Hill’s which says “Welcome to Westminster” F the whole of the borough as we represent I trust you will all put the faith that local Bridge and Ranelagh Bridge where rings a little hollow when travelling residents have put into you to serve the many not the few. If these results graffiti proliferates. A few weeks ago over the bridge, given the abundance them in your public duties well over the show anything, it's that the many are not the lights on Westbourne Bridge were and proliferation of graffiti. This was next four years. involved in local elections as much as we out for a month or so and the graffiti mentioned at length in the last issue. would like and desire them to be. Personally after a huge effort covering every blade of grass since the beginning What you won't hear is that the of the year, unfortunately it was not results across the whole of the City of enough in Little Venice to see myself, Westminster were better than the four new seats we have gained in Sue Wolff and Iman Less elected as (2) ; West End (1) and Bayswater (1) councillors. We increased the Labour vote Murad Quereshi. would suggest. from 2014 by around 60 per cent but Westminster Councillor 1998 - 2006. it was not enough as l saw Tory voters As Britain Elects shows clearly the turn up in their Rolls Royces at Lanark Rd Labour vote went up by 7.6 per cent of councillors needs its boundaries and More graffiti. A Network Rail location polling station very early in the morning! and was only a few percentage points or the number of councillors standing in so it doesn't get cleaned. between us and the Tories. We reckon each ward revised urgently. across the whole borough there were This rigged electoral college needs an I found this out simply by pursuing my 21,837 Tory voters while we had 20,803 urgent boundary review and let us hope original complaints which were not being Labour voters. That’s a difference of just that happens well before the next local over a thousand voters! acted upon, and whilst the council has elections in 2022. now undertaken to attempt to contact Also it's worth noting that Knightsbridge Network Rail they don’t appear to have and Belgravia Ward has half the number Murad Qureshi had much success so far. of eligible voters as several Labour Wards @MuradQureshiLDN Another area which forms the subject in the north of the City like Church Westbourne Bridge - In a poor state of repair but made even worse with graffiti. www.muradqureshi.com of my attention is the graffiti on the Street Ward. Clearly the electoral college

10 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 11 AROUND BAYSWATER AROUND BAYSWATER MARKS & SPENCER - WHITELEYS BRANCH TO CLOSE he Whiteleys Queensway Branch of Marks & Spencer Simon Lucas, Head of Region for Central London at Marks has been a familiar site for almost 30 years; having opened in the summer of 1989; modern economic & Spencer, said, “The decision to close M&S Bayswater forces have taken their toll and we'll soon be bidding was a diffi cult one to make. I understand many of our loyal Tfarewell to one of the most familiar names on the High Street. customers will be disappointed, but I am pleased that all our The following is a Press Release from the company: valued colleagues will all be redeployed to nearby stores, including Edgware Road and Notti ng Hill Gate Simply Food, M&S today announces that it is closing its store in both of which off er our popular M&S.com collect in store Bayswater on 28 July 2018. All 61 colleagues who work at the store will be redeployed to nearby stores. The closure service. We’re also looking forward to opening a new Foodhall is part of M&S’s programme to reshape its UK store estate. in this June.” M&S remains committ ed to serving customers in the area Sacha Berendji, Retail, Operati ons and Property Director through a number of other locati ons including Notti ng at Marks & Spencer said, “Closing stores isn’t easy but it is Hill Gate and Edgware Road, which are both less than two miles away. M&S is also opening a new store in Paddington vital for the future of M&S. Where we have closed stores, this June. All of these stores off er Click & Collect for we are seeing an encouraging number of customers moving Around Bayswater customers who purchase online at M&S.com. to nearby stores and enjoying shopping with us in a better There's barely room for an introducti on to Around Bayswater in this editi on as it's packed with news, features and Including Bayswater, M&S has today announced that 14 environment, which is why we’re continuing to transform our stores are proposed for closure or set to close. stories from SEBRALAND. From spring cleaning and electi on results to a special feature on St Mary's hospital there's estate with pace.” a lot to read. Blue Plaques return, this ti me with tales of scienti sts, and the photographs of the work in St Mary's Church really are well worth a look. We begin this secti on with a short report on a famous local statue. ON THE BUSES - HOLD ON TIGHT LITTLE ORPHAN BOY STATUE - SPARKLING ONCE AGAIN Bob Rogers Warren Mandelbaum Orsett Terrace, W2 Lancaster Gate, W2 et us take a look at Route 70 and s with most statues, I would say this is probably the elements inevitably take most convoluted and tortuous their toll and their once Lroute in our locality. splendour is hidden beneath Starti ng off from South Kensington grime,A moss and pollution. Underground Stati on, a period piece if Just in ti me for Summer, Westminster ever there was one, we pass through Kensington and in parti cular Queen’s Council has cleaned the statue of the litt le Gate with its many diplomati c premises orphan boy and it is now sparkling once and access to the Natural History No. 70 bus - All aboard for a "convoluted and tortuous route." again. The statue was built in memory of Museum. We then turn towards Lord Reginald Brabazon, The 12th Earl Kensington Palace and there is a stop By the way, this is a one-way street narrow Chepstow Road, Westbourne Meath, KP, GCVO, GBE, PC (Ire), 1841 specifi cally for this desti nati on, dash so when we come back we go Park Road, Portobello Road to give - 1929, Briti sh politi cian, patriot and away up Kensington Church Street along Inverness Terrace. Passing access to the market and then turn philanthropist (parti cularly to the once and pass through Notti ng Hill Gate, by Whiteleys, soon to close for right into Ladbroke Grove to the existi ng orphanage in Lancaster Gate). many people sti ll visiti ng because of Sainsbury's Superstore. The memorial was designed by Hermon their memories of the fi lm Notti ng Hill. redevelopment, we pass along A long ride now to Hammersmith Recent images, showing the shining statue and a picturesque square. A right turn into Bayswater Road and Westbourne Grove with its shops and Cawthra RA and unveiled in 1934, it is Hospital in Du Cane Road (and by soon we are in Queensway, not to be restaurants getti ng increasingly posh grade II listed. In 1903 Reginald Brabazon Working closely with Westminster ex-Chairman of Friends of Hyde Park, the way the numbers 7 and 70 both confused with Queen’s Gate. as you go west, passing along the very created Empire Day, cleverly designed to Council and thanks to Councillor Robert Jacqueline Hyer, with their resin bases take you to St Charles’s Hospital as coincide with Queen Victoria's birthday, well, so those two buses serve two Davies and unwavering SEBRA Chairman help bring the square to life. hospitals). We mustn’t overlook HM on May 24 and in 1958 it was renamed John Zamit, we are once again proud Not to be overlooked - HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs. Also, the Christ church spire and its Wormwood Scrubs Prison in Du Cane Commonwealth Day. of our picturesque Road, and then out through various square which as you hall replaced by Spire House adds a heightened appeal too. Our square places called Acton, i.e. East, High know, accommodates Street, and Town Stati on, passing the First World hosts the annual Memorial Service along Bollo Lane with its several level War memorial cross every November always well att ended crossings over railway lines (totally removed in 1987 and supported by local schools and unexpected!) and TfL Chiswick Works aft er being damaged represented by our local clergy and on Bollo Lane, and then on to Chiswick Business Park. Words almost fail me in storms and rabbinate with a sponsored tea at The reinstalled in 2002, to describe the changing nature of Royal Lancaster following the service. initi ated by John this route and I would urge anybody Zamit. Residents are eternally grateful to all interested in seeing a slice of London for their eff orts and close att enti on to to take this route. Along the way you The wonderful can visit Gunnersbury Park and there maintaining the beauty of Lancaster cherry trees arranged is a surprising amount of green space by Chair of the Barrie Gate and making the surroundings a An early photograph of the statue at Lancaster Gate. amongst the high rises and the 1930s House RTM and wonderful place to live in. estates. Enjoy the journey.

12 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 13 THE GREATEST LITTLE BARBER SHOP IN BAYSWATER From the Editor

George in 1990 with Uncle Andrea.

George Assi at Costas Barber Shop - In business for 74 years and counting. Proud sponsor of 'm pretty sure that it was during my In fact, there was a revamp in 1990 with Chestertons Polo in the Park first photo trip to the sacred lands a new floor appearing and one or two of Bayswater that John mentioned other changes, including new chairs but writing about his favourite barber the walls remain adorned with the kind Ishop and his favourite barber. It's taken of photographs we see here and some a while but we finally got round to it. interesting memorabiia. (A document Pictured above is that very barber, from 1948 detailing the London County Uncle Costa (left) with colleagues Chris John and Nicolas in 1952. George Assi, and it was my pleasure to Council byelaws for hairdressers is well meet the man for a chat just a few weeks worth looking at whilst waiting for your Most of George's business comes from ago. George owns the business, though short back and sides). it remains named after his Uncle Costa regular customers, with just a modest I asked George how long he'd been who opened a barber shop here in 1944. amount from passers by, and that table cutting hair, expecting to find out he'd and chair outside the shop suggests to When you consider that we fill five or six been doing it all his life, and I wasn't me that many of those regulars stop by pages in our shopping section about the disappointed. He began doing so in 1977 even when they don't need a haircut. comings and goings of businesses, 74 in his native Cyprus, taking the lead from With other work to do I wasn't able years of trading is just remarkable. Indeed, Uncle Costa and he came to London in to spend much time with George, so George proudly tells me that Costas is the 1982 to continue the family trade. I wrapped up our little chat to ask if oldest barber shop in Westminster. he counted anyone famous among his As we talked I got the feeling that Things haven't changed much in those clients. I'd assumed that in a part of years either, but then why would they? George probably didn't take too many London where celebrities come and go You just need the tools of the trade and days off and that turned out to be the there would be a few big names coming a cheerful man like George to listen to case. The love of what he does became forward, but George replied with "Not your stories and chat about the issues even more obvious when he told me "I'll many, nobody famous" and then with a of the day. keep going until I can't cut hair". grin "...unless you count John Zamit".

The traditional barber pole at Costas. George and his nephew Adam Sammy. A very rare sight these days. AROUND BAYSWATER AROUND BAYSWATER

St Mary's Hospital, Paddington first opened to the public in 1851. A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED......

The Friends of St Mary's Hospital have been undertaking valuable fund raising since 1906, first as the St Mary's Aid Society, then as the St Mary's Hospital Ladies Association and from 1974 as The Friends of St Mary's Hospital. Indeed we date back to 1851 when St Mary's first opened and associations funded the purchase of curtains for cubicles and electric fans. Steven Atack, Hon. Vice President of the Friends, writes for SEBRA NEWS W2.....

t the heart of the vast Last year the Bazaar, together with a expanse of buildings that Christmas Raffle with cash star prizes make up Paddington's huge provided by property group GMS Estates and world respected St and splendid prizes from dozens of local Steven Atack, Mary'sA Hospital is a tiny and little known hotels, public houses and restaurants Hon. Vice President of the Friends. office staffed by a small devoted team raised over £7,000. "These vital donations are a lifeblood of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother The volunteers are the life-blood of who manage the equally small, though In recent years the Friends have received Collection tins can be found in many our work allowing major projects to be Building, a kiosk in the Western Eye our organisation. They run our monthly highly significant, two hundred member, major sponsorship for significant locations including The Prince Alfred funded at St Mary's. To discuss how your Hospital and a trolley service in the book and cake sales raising over £400 Friends of St Mary's Hospital. A UK projects in the hospital. £15,000 alone in Queensway, Barry Brothers and The Paterson Wing. Our army of volunteers a month. If you might be interested in registered charity which, supported by has been donated by the London business can participate please contact us" Fountains Abbey in Praed Street, DJ is stretched to the full as Dr Rodney offering a couple or more hours a week a dedicated team raise funds for vitally News in Ladbroke Grove, The Mitre in Hilton Hotel at Paddington. Currently, The Friends can be found all over the Rivers, President of the Friends adds: required projects for the treatment of please do get in touch" Craven Terrace, the Victoria in Strathearn the Gresham Collection are funding hospital running a cafe in the main patients. "The shop, café and food outlets are At the centre of every great hospital beats Place on the Hyde Park Estate, Lloyds paediatric transplant unit nurses to run by paid staff and volunteers. outpatients wing, our shop in the the hearts of its doctors, nurses and all Since 1974, the Friends have distributed Pharmacy at St Mary’s, Lauder & Rees attend specialist training courses who give so very much for others. Beating £2.2 million of gifts and grants, over £1 at the Western Eye, Union House at St allowing for an increase of paediatric million since the Millennium. Mary’s, Cafe Qualita in Norfolk Place nurses. In addition to the wonderful next to theirs are the hearts of the Friends Events are held throughout the year and the Gresham Collection's the Cork marquee for the Bazaar Knight Frank of St Mary's, working tirelessly to provide with a traditional emphasis on Christmas & Bottle and the Pride of Paddington offer marketing support. vital support for a hospital stretched to when the Friends hold our Christmas in Spring Street. Together these outlets the very limit for funding. The German YMCA on Craven Terrace, collect many thousands of pounds Bazaar at St Mary's in a splendid Our need for new volunteers is crucial. marquee provided by local estate agents a year. Would you like one for your a long supporter, provide volunteers in The tasks can be undertaken in the Knight Frank Hyde Park. establishment! the café and make generous donations from their Christmas Market, last year company of others or from your own totalling over £4,000. Imperial Medical home or computer. School Music Society sell concert And it's fun! tickets, St Mary’s Church on Paddington Our AGM will be held on Thursday, Green donate from their collections, 28 June at 2.30 pm in the Rothschild Westminster Scouts collect through Lecture Theatre in St Mary's Hospital. their “Bob a Job” Week, the Fitton Trust Tea and sandwiches follow. make an annual donation towards the Christmas Bazaar and Flag Days on Paddington and Stations Find Out More are organised by Father Owen, St James For further details on the Church and Dr Jackie Morris; the Church Friends of St Mary's Hospital also hold a Christmas Carol Concert contact us at Praed Street, organised by the Friends. London W2 1NY, on 020 3312 About the support of local businesses 6586 or email friendsSMH@ and organisations Lady Jane Fellowes, imperial.nhs.uk Patron of the Friends, commented: "The Membership is a minimum of support given by local businesses, large £10.00 per annum or more, by and small, is invaluable to the work of sending your cheque payable Councillor Ian Adams, Mayor of the joins Patron of the the Friends. Over twenty businesses Udo Bauer, of the German YMCA in Lancaster Gate presents a cheque of proceeds to "Friends of St Mary's Friends, Lady Jane Fellowes (in red) and Dr Rodney Rivers F.R.C.S. President of the from their Christmas Market to President of the Friends Dr Rodney Rivers F.R.C.S. kindly donate prizes to our impressive Hospital, W2" Friends (to his right) with the Christmas Bazaar sponsor team from Knight Frank. outside the Friends Shop at St Mary's. Christmas Fair Raffle.

44 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 45 AROUND BAYSWATER AROUND BAYSWATER three years. Alongside government funding, this will enable all departments – including children’s A&E, intensive care and the neonatal unit – to conti nue delivering the care that every child deserves. At St Mary’s, specialist paediatricians respond immediately to life-threatening medical emergencies and deliver outstanding care and support to pati ents and families as soon as they walk through the door. MORE SMILES APPEAL BREAKS THROUGH £2 MILLION TARGET As the birthplace of 11 Royal children, St Mary’s is also famous for its maternity FOR CHILDREN’S INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AT ST MARY’S HOSPITAL care with more than 6,000 babies born at the hospital each year. In additi on, its he children’s intensive care unit world-renowned paediatric intensive at St Mary’s Hospital is poised Imperial Health Charity’s Amerjit Chohan, Consultant Paediatrician Mando Watson, care unit looks aft er the sickest children for a major expansion and Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care Simon Nadel and COSMIC’s Emily Hughes. that other hospitals are simply not refurbishment aft er a landmark Elif’s mother, Gemma, said: “The staff on launched a brand new fund to support equipped to care for. Tcharity fundraising appeal reached its £2 this remarkable unit made our enti re family children’s services at St Mary’s. million target. With our support, the hospital can go feel included in Elif’s care and always took The St Mary’s Children’s Fund aims even further to provide the best possible The success of the More Smiles Appeal the ti me to explain everything. to raise £500,000 a year for the next care for every child. – a joint appeal by two chariti es, Imperial “They made the most horrendous ti me in Health Charity and COSMIC – has paved our lives easier to manage by showing great FURTHER INFORMATION the way for the long-awaited revamp. compassion and care for us all.” Find out more about the St Mary’s Children’s Fund and discover how With almost double the number of beds you can get involved. and more space for staff , the new and HOW CAN I SUPPORT improved unit will be equipped to treat ST MARY’S HOSPITAL? Call: 020 3640 7766 Email: [email protected] an extra 200 children a year and provide Following the success of the More Smiles a more comfortable environment for Appeal, Imperial Health Charity has Visit: www.imperialcharity.org.uk/stmarys families. Initi al constructi on work began at St Mary’s – part of Imperial College Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurses care for some of the sickest children PADDINGTON ABSEIL RAISES OVER £8,500 FOR THE NHS. Healthcare NHS Trust - earlier this year, in the country, treati ng a range of life-threatening infecti ous diseases. ore than 60 thrill-seekers and the refurbishment is due to be took to Paddington Central completed in early 2019. Ian Lush, Chief Executi ve of Imperial Some of the money raised during the for a charity abseil in support The end of the appeal follows a two- Health Charity, said: “When we launched appeal will be spent on a dedicated room of West London hospitals. our appeal in November 2015 we were for parents and a special bereavement M and-a-half year fundraising campaign led Despite the errati c weather, which saw under no illusions about the scale of the by the two chariti es, with support from room to support families who lose a parti cipants braving extreme wind, sun challenge. So it is testament to the hard local businesses, schools, community loved one. and cold spells, the day was a huge work and generosity of everyone who has groups and corporate partners. success, raising over £8,500 for Imperial supported us along the way that we are In additi on to the £2 million raised Health Charity, with plenty more to come! Former pati ents who owe their lives fi nally able to celebrate reaching our goal. through the appeal, Imperial Health A yearly event for the charity, this year to the unit’s pioneering staff have also “The impact that this appeal will have on Charity awarded a grant of £2.8 million was the fi rst that the abseil took place backed the appeal by taking part in hundreds of families cannot be overstated. to contribute a total of £4.8 million – half away from St Mary’s Hospital and in sponsored sporti ng challenges and With a new and improved unit, the the total cost of the project. the busy Paddington Central area, with organising their own fundraising events. incredible team of dedicated staff on the several local businesses taking part. Dr Simon Nadel, children’s intensive children’s intensive care unit can go on doing what they do best – saving lives.” care consultant and clinical lead, said: “Reaching the £2 million mark means we HOW WILL THIS can start preparing for life in an expanded HELP PATIENTS? and refurbished unit, enabling us to provide Safely on the ground. Fusnara Begum and Sinead Buckley from Paddington Central. Around 400 children – many with life- even bett er care to more criti cally ill threatening infecti ous diseases - are children and their families.” Microsoft , Difrent and Paddington admitt ed to the children’s intensive care The expanded unit will enable the team Central were among those with teams FURTHER INFORMATION unit at St Mary’s every year. However, out in force to support the charity, with to care for children like Elif Celik, who hundreds more are turned away due to every parti cipant raising money for a To fi nd out more about the the lack of space. was rushed to St Mary’s in November ward or hospital of their choice. Imperial Health Charity, 2014 aft er contracti ng bronchioliti s. The expansion will almost double Every penny donated to the charity including how you can get the bed capacity – from eight to 15 - Doctors feared she wouldn’t survive, but goes back to improving pati ent care at involved visit our website: Dr Simon Nadel, PICU Consultant Spiderman, AKA Ben Swinbourne allowing the unit to care for an extra 200 two weeks later she was well enough to Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Clinical Lead. from Paddington Central. www.imperialcharity.org.uk children a year. return to her local hospital in Basildon. and its fi ve West London hospitals.

46 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 47 AROUND BAYSWATER AROUND BAYSWATER coffee hour but also for such groups as ST STEPHEN'S CHURCH – LIFE GOES ON ballet, cello, pre-school crafts and music, IN THE MIDST OF RECONSTRUCTION senior citizens exercise and Alcoholics’ Anonymous etc which meet there throughout the week. Meanwhile, the church offices have been redecorated and adapted to the use of the Paint Pots Montessori Nursery which now has its own special entrance to the north of the church even as the reconstruction workmen have their own entrance to its south, and the church office, which has moved into the upstairs area, can be reached by a separate entrance to the east. “In spite of the challenges involved we only lost one group – and now it has come back,” said the vicar Jeremy Allcock, St Stephen's Church, Westbourne Park, on a beautiful afternoon in May. who has run show-and-tell tours of the construction work for several visiting Then St. Stephen's will hold an open house featuring a special display about FIND OUT MORE ABOUT community organisations. the heritage of its 162-year-old, Grade ST STEPHEN'S Largely financed by the Heritage Lottery II listed building. It is also producing a Visit: www.ststephens.london Fund but also by the church members 24-or-more page magazine about the Call: 0207 221 9329 Email: [email protected] themselves and some other members of heritage of both the church and the (please put "Church Restructing" in the community, the work is expected to neighbourhood which will be distributed Scaffolding from floor to ceiling in the sanctuary of St Stephen's Church. the subject line). end in late August or early September. to some 4,000 homes in the local area.

ou might well wonder how a reinforced and the arches of the apse Holy Communion proceeds as before ST STEPHEN'S POPULAR VICAR TO MOVE BACK TO BIRMINGHAM lively neighbourhood church, around a make-shift communion table filled in for increased structural support. he Rev Jeremy Allcock, the which is both a spiritual home and a recent baptism took place using The church has moved its Sunday and popular vicar of St Stephen's to its own members and a hub other services into a side aisle, protected a mobile font as the stone font in the Westbourne Park for the forY numerous community groups, can sanctuary is also swathed in protective from construction work by plastic past 13 years, is leaving continue to operate when its entire covering. sheeting with seating facing a north wall TLondon in early September to become sanctuary is a construction site. The rather than the west-facing, main altar the Rector of Birmingham's St. answer in the case of St Stephen's Martin’s-in-the-Bullring. Westbourne Park is with creativity and which is under protective covering. “Leaving St. Stephen’s, leaving confidence. “Now that we are facing this side of the Westbourne Park and leaving London is As scaffolding reaches to the very top church we realise just how beautiful are our going to be very difficult and sad“, Jeremy of the sanctuary, excavation takes place stained-glass windows,” said one long- has told his parishioners. “However, it is under the floor boards, metal rods are term parishioner. “It's actually rather cosy both exciting and an honour to be offered inserted into the ceiling, the pillars are worshipping this way,” said another. this new position, and I am looking forward to going back to the city of my birth. I strongly believe this is a role I am being called to by the Lord.” From the viewpoint of St Stephen's the vicar's departure is well-timed to coincide with the completion of the massive internal structural repairs and improvements which have required over On the move to Birmingham - The Rev Jeremy Alcock. seven years of meticulous planning and preparation. the church and in the surrounding area recent challenging times when the Said a member of the Parish Church as well as in providing a warm welcome church has been undergoing major Council (PCC) who was on the committee to the community groups which regularly that selected Jeremy 13 years ago: “We interior reconstruction. We also have use the church for their activities. have been so blessed over these years enjoyed having his very special wife and Jeremy also has made a major creative to have Jeremy as our vicar. Under his children as part of our church family contribution to such events as the leadership St Stephen's has experienced and wish him well in his new role in a great period of spiritual growth and nativity plays, the Easter celebrations Birmingham. Now we must dedicate Boarded off from the main worship area outreach into the community. He has and the outdoor summer fêtes, and the church hall and its adjacent kitchen been particularly successful in the his chairmanship of the PCC has been ourselves, with God's help, to finding the remain in use not only for the Sunday guidance of our youth work both within outstanding, particularly during the ideal person to be our new vicar.”

56 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 57 THE ROYAL PARKS THE ROYAL PARKS

"LAY AND PLAY" TURF REINSTATEMENT WORKS Following on from the update provided in the Spring 2018 editi on ofSEBRA NEWS W2, readers may be interested to view the aerial image taken of the Parade Ground in Hyde Park upon completi on of spring renovati on works. The Royal Parks are using the same successful contractor to reinstate the Old Football Pitches in Hyde Park post their use by the Foreign and Commonwealth Offi ce for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeti ng (CHOGM) held in April. More new designs. This is how the kiosk at Speakers' Corner will look. Reinstatement is progressing well with ‘lay and play’ turf being used. This CITY NATURE CHALLENGE It was also a great opportunity for the essenti ally means that the Old Football London was one of 70 citi es worldwide TRP team to make new contacts at Pitches will come back into public use competi ng in a ‘citi zen science’ style the Natural History Museum through much quicker than if standard turf had The Royal Parks event to see which city could fi nd and their signifi cant involvement, all of been used. record the most species, and engage whom were very interested in further We aim to have the Old Football Pitches Our bumper secti on on The Royal Parks features twelve pages of news and photographs, including the most people in a event that took collaborati ve working. in play from mid-June. images of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's "Mastaba" as it grows from the Serpenti ne Lake. It's certainly place on 27 - 30 April. The focus was a going to be a major tourist att racti on this summer. We also have news of this year's Serpenti ne Pavilion, 24 hour ‘bio-blitz’ and additi onally we designed by Mexican architect Frida Escobedo and a four page report from "The Friends". To begin with hosted a range of acti viti es across the enti re weekend with educati onal walks we have our regular arti cles from the managers of the two parks, Andy Williams and Theresa Short. on bats, trees, birds, lichens and beetles all proving very popular. HYDE PARK UPDATE We had 140 visitors and at the ti me Andy Williams of writi ng London recorded 2,092 Parks Manager at Hyde Park observati ons, covering 591 species, collected by 96 people (fi nal numbers GREEN FLAG AND GREEN will be out later in May). A team of HERITAGE AWARDS dedicated scienti sts, naturalists and n 3 May we hosted two volunteers were on site at the Look judges representi ng the Out in Hyde Park to assist in the Green Flag and Green identi fi cati on of the bugs, plants, birds Heritage Awards scheme. and other species found. O All informati on recorded has been These awards seek to recognise and reward well managed parks and as Park entered at Greenspace Informati on for Manager the feedback received helps Greater London: www.gigl.org.uk A remarkable 73 diff erent species of focus on conti nual improvement. Judges The Parade Ground in Hyde Park - Spring renovati on complete. undertake a two-stage assessment lichen were recorded in Hyde Park! process, fi rstly reviewing the parks management and operati onal plans and secondly a fi eld assessment where judges assess evidence of good practi ce. As well as involving staff from the park management team, the judges meet with staff from arboriculture, ecology and educati on as well and the Chair of Coming soon, the new catering kiosk at the Boathouse. the Friends, MPS offi cers, partners and St James’s Park, Green Park and Victoria all equipment can be run simultaneously contractors. We are very hopeful for Tower Gardens. The new contract on peak demand days. Finally, a new constructi ve feedback later this year. commences on 1 October 2018 and Catering Hub providing extensive food specifi cally in Hyde Park investment will preparati on and storage faciliti es will be NEW CATERING KIOSK see replacements to the four mobile built on the site of the fully refurbished CONTRACT units plus refurbishments to the fi xed We have recently awarded a new, kiosks at the Boathouse and Speakers Hyde Park nursery and this will greatly ten-year contract to Colicci covering Corner. In additi on, increased power improve back of house and logisti cs for catering kiosk provision in Hyde Park, will be supplied to each site such that the concession.

72 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 73 THE ROYAL PARKS THE ROYAL PARKS KENSINGTON GARDENS UPDATE Theresa Short The Albert Memorial enjoying a splash of colour. Parks Manager at Kensington Gardens orticultural improvements have continued at the South Flower Walk. Following consultation the area close to Hthe Albert Memorial has undergone a transformation to redress the balance between overbearing dark shrubbery and flowering plants. We worked with our Landscape Architects to design a scheme that includes more choice trees and shrubs as well as flowering plant material. The plants were sourced through our nursery contractor Meredith’s and planted by our Landscape Management contractor OCS.

LANCASTER GATE WALK New trees have been planted along the length of Lancaster Walk. To meet our Tree strategy action plan for winter 17/18 infill Avenue trees were volunteer program means this will be HABITAT MANAGEMENT The Royal Parks were also used to help bred and we’ll be growing some lovely to purchase ambulances. Unfortunately planted on Lancaster Walk. This is a the third summer that the wild flower BRAMBLE AND SCRUB MANAGEMENT solve food scarcity during the First tomatoes, courgettes and squashes. The these structures had become the prominent north south avenue of London meadow will be cut using a horse-drawn Bramble and scrub management has World War. seedlings are currently in our glasshouse, target of vandals and the seating was Plane. A number of positive comments mower. One of the advantages of using and were be planted out in the garden also been carried out. The funding To help novice gardeners make a removed around 2010. The structures were received from visitors observing Shire Horses is that the meadow grass in the last week of May, when all risk of has come from the People’s Postcode success of their adventures in food received Grade 2 listing in 2014 so the the work who felt the replanting of some is cut more roughly taking on a more frost had passed. Do come and check Lottery funded Mission Invertebrate growing, a ‘model allotment’ was set up time was fitting to carry out the recent 60 large specimen trees reinvigorated authentic appearance. This traditional our wonderful WWI vegetables and get whose whole mission is to raise in The Regent’s Park in 1917. Here, an conservation repairs of the roof as well this historic avenue. It will be imperative method also helps wild flower seeds ideas and inspiration on how to grow awareness of the importance of experienced horticulturist was on hand as heritage redecorating. I am pleased to to keep watering and maintaining these germinate and the lighter tread of the food in the city. invertebrates. This type of habitat to demonstrate how a small area could report that funds have now been secured trees over the summer months to ensure horse’s hooves is easier on the soil. provides early sources of nectar. produce a succession of fresh vegetables through TRP's fund raising arm to put they establish well. REPAIRS/REFURBISHMENTS PLANTERS IN THE ITALIAN GARDENS throughout the year. back the important seating element Projects like this certainly help us attain SILVER THIMBLE SHELTERS summer 2018, built to the original design Other ecological improvements have GARDENS AND LANDSCAPES The focus was on growing bulky crops and retain our Green Flag and Green but more robust. seen new planters built in the Italian To commemorate the 100 years since with high nutritional and calorific Silver Thimble Shelters; these are two Heritage award. painted wooden structures located Gardens fountain basins. These provide the end of the First World War, the Royal content which were easy to grow. All BUCKHILL SHELTER the emerging water plants protection Parks are showcasing some of things that gardeners were asked to grow more on the Broadwalk North and South of ECOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS Buckhill Shelter roof has also been from being eaten by ducks and geese. were done in the Parks to support the potatoes and less flowers. In many the Round Pond. They were funded BUCKHILL MEADOW through The Silver Thimble Fund as refurbished over the winter as it’s These plants not only help counteract war efforts. You might not know it but ways, the 1917 model allotment was Memorials at the end of the Great located near to the Longwater an Since last summer three ecological algal growth but also have an important the Royal Parks played a very important the precursor of today’s allotments in War, the North shelter commemorates inspection of the roof was carried out surveys have taken place on Buckhill, role in the lifecycle of both dragon and part during the First World War, from a Kensington Gardens and The Regent’s the navy the south the army. A group prior to any work to ensure that it was one of our important meadows where damselflies as well as providing nectar postal office for all letters from the then Park. tinyurl.com/y969twlp and some of prominent women, with Queen not being used by bats as a winter we are striving to improve biodiversity. for bees when in flower during the colonies in Regent’s Park to a camouflage great photos here: tinyurl.com/ydffmpre roost site. No activity was found but it's Our Bloomberg sponsored corporate summer months. school in Kensington Gardens. Alexandra as their patron, launched an To commemorate the role of the Royal appeal in 1915 to collect damaged or important that as custodians we take Parks in the war effort, we are growing unwanted thimbles that were either sold every precaution to protect the wildlife Planters built in the Italian Gardens Fountain basins. cultivars that were grown during WWI. or melted down and the money used that use our parks. Our Ne Plus Ultra peas are very good climbers and have started taking over Silver thimble shelters have been refurbished. their frames. The Hollow Crown parsnip was a real hit with volunteers and passers-by, so much so that a recipe was shared by a keen cook after he used Kensington’s Parsnips in his soup. You can see the recipe on the Royal Parks website. The Arran Victory potatoes are growing well and we are expecting a gorgeous harvest. We are also planning on growing some Canadian Wonder dwarf beans, and James Scarlet carrots. Surprisingly, tomatoes weren’t really promoted at the time, as they need quite a lot of heat to fully develop. Since then more cold tolerant varieties have been

74 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 75 THE ROYAL PARKS THE ROYAL PARKS

Sue Price crossing West Carriage Drive from will be taking place here for most of the guards), more rubbish and filth left Chairman, Friends of Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens Mount Walk in Kensington Gardens summer term. behind than most people could imagine, are that very few are then using Congratulations though go to the team public toilets messed up and whole Parks, the Lord Mayor of Westminster, continues to present CONGRATULATIONS AND CYCLING... CS3 (the Cycle Superhighway along from the Royal Parks who managed an areas of the surrounding Park used as an the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea many problems, complaints and some OUTRAGE... are the usual responses South Carriage Drive). About 80% are upside to the gloom. The good news is open- air lavatory. Of course this event and their Consorts. dangerous incidents. continuing along Rotten Row which is from our members to the speakers at our that as part of the agreement, following is publicised through social media with a narrow path and always busy with annual general meeting and this year was Loyd Grossman (Chairman of the Royal The Police manage with limited the damage a top notch “lay and play” nobody taking responsibility. It has no pedestrians. TfL have insisted that this no exception. Parks) gave a presentation and summed resources and suffer an awful lot of new turf surface is being laid and work permission of any kind from the Royal path should be marked as a “Quiet A good crowd once again in mid up the challenges. answering back and insults on a regular towards a much needed irrigation system Parks. Way” for cyclists. Who’s to say what April at Queen Alexandra’s House to SEBRA members, as close neighbours of basis. is under way. This best quality turf means the difference is between a “quiet” and Many, many congratulations and thanks listen to speakers, to admire visual It is true that the signage is still not that, hopefully, sports will recommence these two Parks, will probably be aware a “commuting/speeding” cyclist. And go to all the members of staff who were presentations, to join in a lively Q&A uniformly clear between the two Parks in mid June on a surface which will be of these already, and certainly Friends of who’s to police it? We need to do more on duty late into the evening and from session, to circulate with a glass of good and further work will have to be done, much improved. HP&KG members will have been kept up work on protecting Rotten Row which is dawn the following day, and to the wine and, as a bonus, to join a guided although great efforts have been made to date via our newsletter, website and essentially a footpath. teams of litter-pickers from Kensington tour. This was led by the Chairman of to make this much clearer in Kensington CANNABIS DAY... is the day when, catch-ups at our many events. Gardens, Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Queen Alexandra’s House to see the Gardens. However, there can be no every year, on the 20th April crowds CHOGM... caused such outrage when Westminster City Council. The area was magnificent Doulton-tiled panels and I am always pleased to be invited to the excuses for the very clear no-cycling all the Hyde Park sports facilities area gather in Hyde Park on the Parade other parts of this fascinating listed various residents’ groups both to the pristine by 10 am the following morning signs fixed to various entrances being (The Old Football pitches) were taken Ground area to smoke cannabis and use building beside the Albert Hall. north and south of the Parks, to have in time for the police security sweep torn down and either trashed, thrown over by the organisation behind the other substances. Starting over ten years a chance to talk and listen to all those ahead of the 41 gun salute at midday to Our thanks for this opportunity go into bushes or stolen within days of them Commonwealth Heads of Government ago with about fifty people, this year was passionate views so strongly held. mark the Queen’s birthday. to the Chairman, Adrian Harvey, and being fixed up. These have now been meeting. Despite much lobbying, huge bigger than ever. In fact it was a “perfect Principal, Anet Brown, for their generous As Loyd told our members, we all feel a replaced and attached by very strong objections and strong negotiations, storm”, a sunny and really hot Friday with Do a rain dance next year because hospitality. We are always pleased to sense of ownership towards “our” Parks bolts. the area was used for car parking and the numbers estimated to be between the day falls on a Saturday and only welcome many members of staff from and with this feeling comes the outrage My own observations recently of the ancillary services and the resulting 18,000 and 20,000. There were a few miserably cold, wet weather could help both Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens over what we see is misuse of our lovely hundreds of commuting cyclists in the damage to the ground has meant that arrests, thefts from the Serpentine Bar reduce the numbers and ensuing damage as well as senior staff from the Royal spaces. morning travelling west to east and the surface was destroyed and no sports and Kitchen (despite employing security caused every year by this event.

76 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 77 THE ROYAL PARKS THE ROYAL PARKS In addition you do not have to go outside in the rain to use the loos – hurray! Do visit it during its proposed three year existence. Plans are underway for an early morning Friends visit, for a private curator-led view of the Palace exhibitions, a breakfast and a presentation in the new pavilion. We look forward to it. Also in Kensington Gardens we welcome Chucs, a new restaurant to take the space in the Zaha Hadid pavilion next to the Serpentine Sackler Gallery. They are offering members a discount and we will review the restaurant in our next Newsletter.

THE GRASS UNDER YOUR FEET... was pretty luscious during the Spring despite the vicissitudes of Winter Wonderland. Christo and Jeanne-Claude's Mastaba takes shape - This photo was taken on 1 June. At the toughest time of the year the re-instatement starts the minute Winter CHRISTO’s Sculpture... Mastaba EATING & DRINKING... leads to Wonderland packs up around January continues to grow and, by the middle of many more congratulations than outrage 2nd. The company which undertakes June the 7,500 oil drums should be in here as we will all enjoy improved this work has won an award for the place and the whole pontoon supporting catering facilities in both Parks. And quality of its work here in Hyde Park. them will be towed into the middle of the Friends in particular like wielding The area is usually back in use at least the Serpentine and anchored in position their membership cards to use the partially by March and this year, despite by some massive weights. hefty discounts. New kiosks with better heavy snow and long cold periods, entirely by early April. The top quality At that stage the works area on the electrical and plumbing supplies are thick green sward improves year on north bank of the Serpentine should be to be installed in Hyde Park over the HELLOS & GOODBYES... continue ENJOY... Hyde Park although it is still, It’s wonderful to be able to end on year, and if you cast your mind back completely removed restoring the clear winter. Their designs are attractive and as staff members and numbers change. in our view “Hammered”. It manages the Congratulations, having, I hope, worked natural materials used make them look further than ten years you will recall run along the busy Serpentine Road. Andy Williams, who took over the three major fund-raising events smoothly through the Outrage! like sculptures in their own right. They that the Parade ground used to be a The viewing areas there and from management of Hyde Park temporarily and efficiently, and the other regular will stay open for longer hours too which very thin, uneven and sparsely planted the Bridge will be monitored and the is moving to Brompton Cemetery to events take place in a well organised ONE MORE THING... is excellent news for all of us who are in very muddy area suffering, as it still Serpentine Gallery staff have promised oversee that project through its final way, for example the big Serpentine Please don’t forget to help us by the Park before 10am and are longing to does, from poor drainage. This is thanks to move very quickly to provide stages. We look forward to meeting Swim and the Half Marathon. supporting the three bandstand pick up a Cappuccino to carry along. to Underground car park marshalls for the pinch points if the Jason Taylor, the new Hyde Park concerts which the Friends are which is, in places, only about 18 inches However the feeling of being under the helping to promote in August on the crowds build up. Some diving work in the In Kensington Gardens the Historic manager. Jason comes from Maidstone below the Parade Ground surface. This cosh arises from all the extras which beautifully restored Bandstand in area thanks to funding from the Christo Royal Palace’s Orangery is now closed Parks. area, thanks to the regular treatment the Parks are leant on to agree to, and Hyde Park. There will be deck chairs team has already located a submerged for an extensive three years restoration and turfing is becoming easier to restore Rob Dowling, who left Hyde Park to worse still are the totally unlicensed, and ice creams. car from the 1950s. Funding has also programme. The Pavilion has risen go to Al Bidda Park in Doha, Qatar, unauthorised events which spring up been provided to tidy up the overgrown and has just opened to provide an every year. is making great progress there in a through social media. Our thanks go to • Sunday 5 August island and there is a commitment in alternative spot for catering and events. We look forward to seeing a smartly 3pm – 5pm challenging environment. If you are able the huge efforts made by all the staff to place to repair the Phoslock treatment at It is impressive, very spacious and vastly re-instated lawn in front of the The South London to stop over or even visit for a short keep clean, repair, re-instate, re-plant, the bottom of the Serpentine which will improved kitchens will provide food to a Serpentine Gallery this Autumn after Jazz Orchestra break it’s an extremely interesting, very have been damaged by the weights. much higher standard. the removal of the Summer Pavilion. re-build and plan, plan, plan to ensure large new Park which is proving to be Hyde remains at the top of the top class • Sunday 12 August 3pm – 5pm very popular with the entire population World Parks for us all to enjoy. there. The Snowdown Colliery And please take time to: Welfare Band Theresa Short ably manages Kensington • Sunday 19 August Gardens as a temporary appointment. ENJOY... everything in Kensington 3pm – 5pm Her magnificent new planting along Gardens. It has so much to offer, from The South London the South Flower Walk at the Albert its little allotment with the happy bunch Symphonic Wind Band Memorial is looking sensational. of rescue chickens plus their friend The Friends are immensely grateful for Bertie Rooster the Cockerel, to its Sue Price all the support the staff from both Parks Shire horses which visit from time to Chairman, Friends of Hyde Park and indeed from HQ in the Old Police time to mow, its glorious flower walks & Kensington Gardens House give to us. We would only be and fountains, its avenues of trees and www.friendshpkg.org.uk able to do half of what we do without above all its peaceful freedom from [email protected] this help. hosting major events.

78 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 79 POLITICAL COMMENTARY POLITICAL COMMENTARY

Social Affairs ...it would seem that the Jack Gordon electorate... Jack is Chair of the Westbourne Neighbourhood Forum, Chair answered: of the Westbourne Ward Safer Neighbourhood Police Panel ‘Steady as she and a SEBRA committ ee member. His arti cles are both thought- goes’ without provoking and witt y, and we're sure readers will smile at his any appetite for likening of government cuts and austerity to a giant lasagne. real change..., THE LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS; HIGH TIDE FOR LABOUR OR

HIGH NOON FOR THE TORIES? Electi ons, of course, are a way of asking the electorate what their views are, n my column for the last issue of and it would seem that the electorate, SEBRA NEWS W2 I wrote a piece Jamaican immigrants arriving at Tilbury Docks aboard the Empire Windrush in with the foreboding headline: ‘Now despite the deep anxiety of the Tories 1948. Victi ms of harassment "despicably shoddy treatment". Is the Winter of Our Community’s and the great expectati ons of Labour, short of manpower aft er the war, many Whilst Jeremy Corbyn, according to IDiscontent’ in which I listed Reasons not answered: ‘Steady as she goes’ without to be Cheerful. any appeti te for real change, despite of whom I remember sett ling around John Curti ce, Professor of Politi cs at Notti ng Hill in the 50’s. Strathclyde University, has come away I cited the deep unhappiness of Notti ng Labour having its best result in London virtually empty handed and the Tories Hill residents towards the governing since 1971. Also, the conti nuing and divisive spectre of Brexit was stalking the polls with the virtually unscathed, things might be authoriti es, especially the police, Yet, there are examples of voti ng that Remain-supporti ng Liberal Democrats, diff erent in 2022. Boundary changes; concerning the management of the colour the electi on results in more Notti ng Hill Carnival. An unhappiness who were the only party to achieve a a greater populati on shift ; votes of primary hues and send out a stark that boiled over into rage at a meeti ng net gain in councils, taking Richmond- Europeans disappearing; and a more message to a parti cular party. Step that looked back at the event’s handling. upon-Thames, Kingston-upon-Thames elderly Corbyn exiti ng the politi cal forward Barnet, where Labour fell I also listed the heart-rending tragedy and South Cambridgeshire from the scene could all possibly aff ect future lamentably short. The consti tuency of Grenfell where the inquiry has just Tories. demographics and voti ng behaviour. has a 15 per cent residency of Jewish commenced with the most shocking Much closer to home, the result in voters who seemed to punish Labour for facts emerging surrounding the tower the Bayswater Ward, where Maggie the Party’s failure to properly address block’s faulty constructi on. Also on the Jeremy Corbyn - His party is blighted by anti -semiti sm and was Carman, the Labour party candidate, allegati ons of anti -Semiti sm within the inventory of woes was the rupture in left empty-handed at the local electi ons. gained a high-profi le seat by ousti ng Party, parti cularly on the far-left , a blight relati ons between City West Homes Richard Holloway the Conservati ve The whole construct of cuts and an where the Labour leader was supposed that has dogged Corbyn’s tenure since and, in parti cular, the residents of the Cabinet Member for Children, Families unrelenti ng austerity ideology conti nues to visit to celebrate an historic victory; his accession to the leadership in 2015. estate where I live, Brunel; and if my and Young People, Bayswater being the to rip at the fabric of our social services one that would have been the fi rst ti me soundings of resentment are anything This debate has been further most pro-Remain Ward in Westminster. adding to our community’s massive to go by, far beyond. since its creati on in 1964, the year, in confused by the confl ati on of genuine discontent. It is like some fact, when I joined the Labour Party, and appropriate criti cism of Israeli giant lasagne with each myself. government policy, and anti -Jewish secti on providing adequate senti ment, especially, a politi cal anti - reasons for another layer of ...The whole construct of disgruntlement. Semiti sm that has infected one of the country’s two major parti es. cuts and an unrelenting So were these electi ons Hanging baskets, a symbol of David Hirsh, a sociologist at the austerity ideology to be a high ti de for the orderliness trumping discontent? continues to rip at the Labour party or high noon Well the Labour University of London, and author of the fabric of our social for the Conservati ve party? leadership talked book Contemporary Left anti -Semiti sm As for now, well, it seems that in the end, sees similariti es between Labour’s anti - perhaps, the council electi ons that are services... Well, the Labour leadership up the prospects talked up the prospects of semiti sm shame and the one damning said to focus on bin collecti ons did just Labour wins to unrealisti c of Labour wins the Conservati ves over harassment that and, perhaps, just perhaps, people levels with both Corbyn to unrealistic and despicably shoddy treatment of were indeed swayed, in their politi cal Knife crime and the shocking deaths and Sadiq Khan raising levels ... the Caribbean immigrants, part of the calculati ons, by the symbolism of the amongst the capital’s young people hadn’t the prospect that the Party could win Windrush generati on, who were invited hanging basket, in all its prim orderliness, Newly elected. Maggie Carmean won boiled over and hit the headlines then but the Tory totems of Westminster and to come here to help run the NHS and which trumped seething discontent at a "high profi le" seat for Labour. the problem was sti ll simmering. Wandsworth to say nothing of Barnet, the transport system when Britain was the ballot box!

86 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 87 CITY HALL NEWS CITY HALL NEWS • The Mayor has granted £7 million to combat youth violence across London and £250,000 to community groups and grass roots initi ati ves • The Mayor is also working to bring in more Safer Schools Offi cers to help to drive down knife crime in schools. To tackle organised gang violence the Mayor is investi ng £2m in ‘Gang Exit Services to support young people at risk of or engaged in serious violence and help them into employment, educati on or training • The Mayor has published a new ‘Knife Crime Strategy’ - a package of tough measures to tackle knife crime, taking in views from bereaved families and victi ms; this is the fi rst such new strategy by a London mayor. • Every London borough now has its own knife crime acti on plan to tackle City Hall News violence locally. London's populati on is expected to reach over 10m by 2041. The Mayor's "London Plan" needs to manage this growth. CAN THE MAYOR’S NEW PLAN MAYOR SADIQ AND THE ASSEMBLY WATCHDOGS DELIVER GOOD GROWTH FOR STATEMENT FROM THE we recommended that the Mayor LONDON? BUDGET AND PERFORMANCE should consider increasing his share of David Brewin London’s populati on is projected to COMMITTEE ON FUNDING council tax by the expected maximum increase by 70,000 every year, reaching FOR THE MET 1.99 per cent. He has now proposed David's regular arti cle on what the Mayor and 10.5 million in 2041. This growth will increasing council tax to the new In response to the Mayor’s members (AM’s) are up to. David has been a SEBRA Committ ee generate the need for 66,000 new government limits and splitti ng this announcements on police funding, member for around 30 years and is a former editor of this magazine. homes every year. It will also create between the MET and the London 49,000 jobs annually. The Mayor needs AM, Chairman of Fire Commissioner (LFC). If the Mayor to ensure his new London Plan can the London Assembly Budget and had increased the non-police precept The Mayor has been frequently in touch OUR ‘INTERNATIONAL’ MAYOR manage this growth for the benefi t of all Performance Committ ee said: “When by the maximum allowed last year he with European leaders, helping to help Londoners. ate last year Mayor Sadiq Khan you add together the drip feed of would have had £4.5 million more save London’s fi nancial centre and has was touring India and Pakistan. By announcements from the Mayor over available for this year’s budget. This praised the dynamic French President March this year he was in America. THE NEW DRAFT PLAN the past few weeks – you get a total Emmanuel Macron for his spirit of year’s increase will generate £47 In Austi n Texas he att racted for his FOR LONDON of £110 million of investment. The opti mism and hope. “And he’s not too tall million for the MET in 2018-19, and Lspeech a queue that stretched around All the Assembly members have Budget & Performance Committ ee as well, which is good” the Mayor added.” will help to alleviate some of the Met’s the block. responded to the Mayor’s consultati on suggested that he use the fl exibility of funding pressures. on his new Draft London Plan. It has He later got a standing ovati on HIS LIFE AND WORK • Boosti ng police power. A new ‘Violent business rates and council tax income Due to fi nancial constraints, the Mayor Crime Taskforce’ of 120 police offi cers cross-party support. apparently because he was seen as to fund the MET and it’s good to see has abandoned his strategic target to In a revealing interview in the Standard has been created using additi onal The response includes the following someone who had been facing up to the him doing what the London Assembly have 32,000 police offi cers; his budget in March, Mayor Sadiq revealed a lot of funding from City Hall announced by elements: asked over four months ago. The Met is based on 30,000. Maintaining this formidable President Trump. new material about his life and work. He the Mayor in February. The taskforce • It welcomes the Mayor’s decision to can’t just be funded by Government. number in future years may mean more was described as talking at 400 miles an will focus solely on violent crime, conti nue to accommodate London’s The Mayor needs to play his role in council tax increases if the MET is unable hour so that 80% sounds like 8%. weapon-enabled crime and serious growth within its boundaries, without keeping Londoners safe. Irrespecti ve of to fi nd further savings, or if police pay is He admits to being a workaholic which criminality. The Met have introduced encroaching on the Green Belt or by government funding, the Mayor does increased or the police grant falls. Despite explains how he can involve himself so targeted patrols with extra stop building on London’s open spaces. It have fi nancial choices he can make and the fi nancial pressure the MET is under, deeply in a whole range of other acti viti es and search powers for areas worst- recognises that, to do this, the density we urge the Mayor to ensure the MET’s relevant to his role as London’s Mayor. aff ected by knife crime. The Mayor of development must be higher than we are pleased to see him making the preventi on and early interventi on work is He is married with two children. Back in is protecti ng the number of frontline in the past – but only if it is to the choice to keep Londoners safe.” protected. this country he says that he spends an police offi cers on London’s streets by highest quality of design, with adequate inordinate amount of ti me responding to investi ng £110m in the Met Police. supporti ng infrastructure, and with the RESPONSES TO THE MAYOR’S The Mayor has also raised council tax requests for “selfi es”. He is very fond of Police made more than 900 arrests support of local communiti es DRAFT BUDGET 2018-19 to help fund the LFC, eliminati ng the his dog Luna and diligent in dog training, during ‘Operati on Winter Nights’ in • It raises concerns that to achieve the The most signifi cant development in savings needed in 2020-21 and 2021-22. park walking and poo picking up. November and December, taking more Mayor’s objecti ves of Good Growth, the Mayor’s budget for 2018-19 was We note, however, that there has been a than 350 weapons off London’s streets more work needs to be done on his decision to increase his share of patt ern of underspends in recent years. VIOLENT CRIME IN LONDON • In February the Mayor created a delivering new homes – they must be council tax by an average of 5.1 per We are parti cularly concerned about the His greatest immediate problem has £45m ‘Young Londoners Fund’ to help the right size and type for the capital’s cent, from £280.02 to £294.22 for a high level of vacancies within the Brigade. been the recent massive increases in steer young people away from violent housing need Band D property. We are encouraged by indicati ons that violent crime and the Mayor has been crime. The ‘ ‘London Needs You Alive • The plan will require a wide range The Assembly’s Budget and the Government is minded to reimburse acti ve, with the London Assembly and Campaign’ has brought together role of skills – including planning, urban Performance Committ ee members said the MET for the additi onal costs arising others in planning for and implementi ng models and youth infl uencers to send design, architecture, engineering and that, under the present circumstances, from the 2017 terror att acks and the Mayor Sadiq. acti ons designed to deal with this new a positi ve message to young people conservati on experts. 91 per cent of they would support a strengthening Grenfell Tower fi re. - that they shouldn’t put their lives at A self-confessed "workaholic". emergency. Among the measures being London Boroughs say they don’t have of London’s police and fi re services. taken are the following: risk by carrying a knife. enough people with these skills “In our December Pre-Budget Report, Conti nues overleaf...

88 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 89 CITY HALL NEWS CITY HALL NEWS like Manchester and Birmingham. The improved rail, tube and bus services, approach, following wide-spread Prince AM, Chairman of the London move to focus on a single site, and an unprecedented focus on walking public consultation and building Assembly Transport Committee, dispose of other buildings, will also and cycling, and a commitment to on the forthcoming introduction of said: "As a Committee we have been save on rent, freeing up more money to make the entire transport system zero- the Ultra Low Emission Zone. This crying out for some real detail in the support front line policing. emission by 2050. includes creating zero emission areas Mayor’s Transport Strategy and sadly, The current threat from international Last June, The Mayor published a draft of in town centres from 2020 and in there’s nothing new in today’s revised terrorism remains at severe. The increase this strategy for statutory consultation, central London from 2025, larger zero document. The target for 80 per in terrorist activity has been described by and more than 6,500 responses were emission zones in inner London by cent of journeys to be undertaken by police and security experts as a shift not received from members of the public and 2040 and London-wide by 2050. TfL walking, cycling or public transport a spike and the horrific events that took key stakeholders from across the UK. will lead by example, with the aim that by 2041 is all well and good – but all taxis and PHVs will be zero emission place in London and Manchester last Across the next two decades, the we called for the overall target to be capable by 2033 and buses will be zero year, remind us that attacks can happen Transport Strategy will include: broken down by mode". at any time and without warning. emission by 2037. • Major transport schemes including • The Mayor has added a reference in • Improving accessibility across London The Commissioner of the MET, Cressida the Elizabeth line, Northern Line the new version to the anticipated to enable all Londoners, including Dick, said: “Last year’s attacks were extension, Crossrail 2, Bakerloo mode share breakdown in 2041, but disabled and older people, to travel absolutely appalling. As we continue line extension and the Rotherhithe this is far too vague. According to the spontaneously and independently. The to try to do everything we can to and Canary Wharf crossing. These Mayor’s projections, the mode share Mayor and TfL will work hard to halve Transport for London - "Experiencing financial difficulties". prevent such events we must take every major transport schemes, delivered of walking and cycling will increase by the additional journey time required opportunity to develop our services in through partnerships and close somewhere between 11% and 48%. a cost effective manner. The new hub by those using step-free network only, We urge the Government to apply a a cap on how much the GLA will lend working between TfL, boroughs, and This isn’t a meaningful target. will allow us to continue to improve our so that journey times on the step- consistent approach and agree to meet it. We are not convinced by assurances landowners across London, will help • The Mayor received approximately abilities to confront the significant and free network become comparable to the additional costs incurred by the fire that the LLDC’s financial issues do not create hundreds of thousands of new 6,500 responses to the consultation ever changing terrorist threat as well those on the wider transport network. service. jobs and homes across London and the on his draft strategy. Looking at have an impact on the rest of the GLA This work will see more Tube and rail as to deal even more effectively with South East and support the principles this latest draft, it is difficult to find We are seeing more indications that Group. Any further cost increases to stations made fully accessible, while organised crime, cyber crime and other of ‘Good Growth’. any substantive changes. We’re left Transport for London is experiencing the LLDC’s capital programme will now improvements to the DLR and London serious crimes". wondering why the Mayor consulted in financial difficulties, and that this will fall solely on the GLA; this is money • Billions to be invested in delivering a Trams, both of which are already 100 ‘Healthy Streets Approach’ across all the first place. begin to have an impact on services. In that the Mayor could allocate to other THE NEW STRATEGY FOR priorities. We welcome the appointment London boroughs. This investment particular, fares revenue is lower than LONDON TRANSPORT expected, and we are not convinced of a Chief Restructuring Officer at the will help remove the need to travel that TfL fully understands why LLDC and look forward to seeing a plan The Mayor’s new Transport Strategy for by car, and make walking, cycling passenger numbers are falling. We are to get the Olympic Stadium onto a more the next 25 years has been published. It and taking public transport safer and also not convinced that this is a “blip”, sustainable footing.” is intended to ensure affordable public easier, helping to promote healthier transport for all, support London’s and are concerned that technological active lifestyles. This includes major economic growth, and create a fairer, and social changes might require a NEW COUNTER-TERRORISM transformation schemes at Oxford greener and healthier city Street and Old Street in Central structural downward shift in TfL’s fares HUB FOR LONDON London, hundreds of walking and forecasts, with knock-on effects for It includes the following: The Mayor and the MET announced on cycling schemes across inner and outer services and investment. • Continued record investment in 26 March a £412m investment to create London to help more journeys become improving transport capacity, with new Under the present circumstances, a new Counter-Terrorism and Organised active, efficient and sustainable. we support the Mayor’s decision to rail lines, more frequent tube services, Crime Hub in the Empress State Building • Forging ahead with Crossrail 2, which increase his share of council tax by thousands of clean buses and more in Hammersmith and Fulham, and a is vital to the success of the wider UK 5.1 per cent. The fall in fares revenue, accessible transport over the next two significant upgrade project to make the economy. Once delivered the new and the end of government revenue decades. It will act as the backbone building and associated sites fully secure rail line would relieve pressure on the funding, have led to TfL cutting its of transport planning across London, and fit for purpose. transport network across the south Local Implementation Plan funding helping to deliver Mayor Sadiq’s The new Transport Strategy will see record-breaking investment in the tube network. For the first time, it will bring together of England, enabling 270,000 more to boroughs and suspending its ambition for 80 per cent of trips in the MET’s counter-terrorism command people to travel into and across central per cent fully accessible, will make it programme of proactive renewals on London to be made on foot, by cycle London’s Transport Commissioner, Mike and specialist crime and operations or using public transport by 2041.‎ It London every morning at peak time, easier for people with a disability to the road network. These could hinder Brown, said: “Transport is vital to the under one roof, in line with other cities includes record investment in new and and will drive the development of turn-up-and-go. When Sadiq became the Mayor’s objective of getting more success of a city. The capital’s population 200,000 homes and 200,000 new jobs Mayor, fewer than 25 per cent of Tube people walking, cycling and using public is expected to rise to 10.8m people by across the south east. stations were step free - the interim transport. 2041 – creating six million additional • Record breaking investment across target is to ensure 40 per cent of the journeys every day. This bold strategy In terms of London’s housing crisis, it is the entire Tube network to run more network is accessible by 2022. sets out how London can prosper as clear that the Mayor does not have the trains more often and carry far more it grows over the next two decades, funding required to build the affordable passengers. This investment will see LONDON TRANSPORT supported by huge improvements to housing London needs. In this context, it the completion of new signalling – SCRUTINISING THE the transport system and the Mayor’s is vital that the GLA makes use of all the and more frequent services on the MAYOR’S PLAN vision for active, affordable, efficient and government funding that is available, Metropolitan, District, Circle and There are three overall themes to the sustainable transport.” such as the Housing Infrastructure Fund Hammersmith & City lines. The Mayor’s new Draft Transport Strategy: (HIF). Funding secured through the HIF modernisation of the Piccadilly, The key targets of the strategy are: needs to be spent by March 2021, so Central, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City NEW DEPUTY MAJOR FOR the GLA will need to mobilise quickly to lines will also begin by the mid-2020s • To reduce overall traffic in London by TRANSPORT 10-15 per cent by 2041. ensure this happens and is not liable for and see new trains and more frequent On 8 May it was announced that Labour any unused money. services delivered to increase capacity • To increase the mode share of MP for Lewisham East Heidi Alexander The financial problems of the London and improve reliability. sustainable transport (walking, cycling was resigning from Parliament to take up Legacy Development Corporation • Dramatically improving air quality and public transport) from 64 per cent the post of Deputy Mayor for Transport (LLDC) continue to cause concern. The across London and making London to 80 per cent by 2041. under Mayor Sadiq, a post previously Mayor has recognised that the LLDC’s The Empress State Building - Home to the new Counter-Terrorism Hub. a zero-emission city. This will • Responding to an updated version of held by Val Cowcross. This will mean that borrowing is not sustainable and has set be delivered through a phased the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, Keith there will be a by-election.

90 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 91 CITY HALL NEWS CITY HALL NEWS NEWS FROM YOUR BAYSWATER WARD CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLORS NEWS FROM YOUR BAYSWATER WARD LABOUR COUNCILLOR

and the fact that there are too many ello, Bayswater. I am delighted nominated to the board of City West empty shops on Westbourne Grove. to introduce myself as the Homes and intend to do all in my power We are keen to hear your views as to new Labour Councillor for to serve the interests of residents. what you think are the most pressing Hyour ward. Many leaseholders have raised concerns local issues, and what can be done to I’ve lived in North Westminster for over about the cost of major works. Part solve them. 40 years and remember the disastrous of Gloucester Terrace is due for an Shirley Porter years, 1986 – 1991, which extensive programme of external and CASEWORK saw the homes for votes scandal along internal repairs and redecoration and with the sale of three cemeteries for 5p. 75 leaseholders will be liable for bills We have taken over the casework of There has been nothing on that scale running into tens of thousands of our predecessors. We are trying to help since but I am ever conscious of the pounds. Swanley’s in Westbourne Park residents of Hereford Road in relation need for principled, conscientious and Road recently had major works carried to alarm boxes. We have been speaking caring Councillors. out and their Residents Association is to residents of CityWest Homes in the currently challenging some of the costs. Richard Elcho Emily Payne ward in order to try and help them to A VITAL ROLE TO BE PLAYED This Residents’ Association is lucky that Maggie Carman resolve some of their issues. We are One of the first events I attended as a their members include an architect, a THANK YOU! We are here to facilitate the keen to support Bayswater’s heritage candidate for Bayswater was the SEBRA project manager and a lawyer among TACKLING FOOD their members who have spent countless e are delighted to representation of your views to the in the form of the Porchester Turkish AGM. It was a great evening and I won DELIVERY DIFFICULTIES Council, and to advocate on your behalf. a £100 hair and beauty voucher from hours on this. have been elected as Baths. Technology brings advantages The rise of food delivery apps such as We provide a bridge between the George’s of Queensway. Residents’ Conservative Councillors and disadvantages, and this is certainly Deliveroo has caused misery to residents community and the Council. Please send Associations like SEBRA have a vital role PORCHESTER BATHS for Bayswater Ward. the case with Deliveroo and its drivers. around Westbourne Grove, particularly us a letter or email if you have a problem to play in championing residents’ interests DISCOUNT - A FIRST SUCCESS W The solutions are not always simple, but Garway Road and Monmouth Road. It is an honour to have been given the with which we might be able to help. and preserving and improving their local I was pleased to chalk up my first success opportunity to serve the residents of this is one of those issues with which Residents have described some drivers communities. I was also pleased to join as a councillor by ensuring that over 60’s such a special, exciting and beautiful the Council ought to be able to help. as “noisy and anarchic” and an “invasion” BAYSWATER CONSERVATIVE the Notting Hill East Neighbourhood get a concessionary rate at Porchester place. We would like to thank everybody and one local business owner wrote, COUNCILLORS The Notting Hill Carnival is a wonderful Forum walkabout recently where Suzanne Turkish Baths. Before Everyone Active who voted for us. We are looking “the anti-social behaviour of Deliveroo institution, but we are keen to minimise Forte outlined their draft Neighbourhood (EA) won the contract to run the Baths, forward to doing our best to help any Richard Elcho was born in Westminster drivers is becoming intolerable and disruption to local residents, whilst Plan. I’m also involved with the Hereford OAP’s living outside the borough could resident, no matter how they voted, Hospital and he moved into Bayswater damaging to my business.” After the supporting the biggest street festival in Road Residents’ Association battle with receive a reduced rate to enter the in any way in which our new positions in the late 1980s, and has lived in Labour team made representations to Europe. the Council's planning department over Turkish Baths. However, once EA took enable us to help. Bayswater (Bayswater Ward and Westminster Council, a meeting was their order to either remove or reposition over, this discount was removed and Lancaster Gate Ward) for most of his life. arranged between Council officials and COMMUNITY their burglar alarms. A crazy decision, applied solely to Westminster residents. THE ELECTION He works as a lawyer in the Employment representatives of Deliveroo. especially as there have been three Subsequently I was told of customers Tribunal where he helps workers to We both feel strongly about a range of We knew that it was going to be a burglaries in Hereford Road recently. The who lived outside of Westminster and The extra measures, including daily enforce their rights. issues in the community including: crime, close race in Bayswater, and so it department admits that they have no had been using the baths for over 30 patrols, a CCTV van and enforcement up Emily is the third generation of her family housing and the environment. We care turned out to be. Brian Connell had intention to single out any other streets years who couldn’t afford the full price to midnight seem to be having an effect, to have lived in Bayswater. She is a local been a Councillor in Bayswater for 16 deeply about Bayswater and are engaged in Westminster. I’ve made my views clear so would have to stop going. but I’m aware there’s a risk the problem school governor and she works as a years, and Suhail Rahuja had been a with planning issues in Bayswater, and that this is unfair and the Council’s action After lobbying EA and WCC this decision is simply being moved to another area. project manager. Councillor in Bayswater for 12 years. along the boundaries of the Ward, totally disproportionate. was finally reversed and a notice was I want to keep hearing from residents They both decided to stand down before including the planned development of about this and will push for more action THE VIEWS OF RESIDENTS placed at reception stating the revised the election on 3 May 2018. Richard Whiteleys and Queensway. HOUSING PROBLEMS concessions. This notice wasn’t up for from the Council if the measures taken Holloway had served the residents of We have spent hundreds of hours so far aren’t enough. Bayswater is a great place to live in many TO BE ADDRESSED very long but a regular user managed Bayswater for four years, as well as being canvassing over the last six months, ways due to its sense of community. This In the run up to the election I met many to take a picture of it before it was and we have spoken to many REGULAR SURGERIES RETURN the Westminster City Council Cabinet unhappy Housing Association and City taken down. The same user told a long- Bayswater residents. You have spoken is fostered by: its residents, businesses, TO BAYSWATER Member for Children, Families and West Homes tenants. Many had been standing employee at Whiteleys she the Council, the churches, the police, Young People. Unfortunately, he was to us about many issues, but one waiting months for essential repairs to was entitled to the recently reinstated Even though my fellow candidates, pubs, cafés, restaurants, parks, unsuccessful in his bid for re-election. local problem, which seems to be of be carried out. I was appalled at the reduced rate only to find out later that Max Sullivan and Dafydd Elis were not libraries, schools, summer parties, local All three Councillors will be greatly particular concern, is crime. Crime is state of some of these properties; one she had been told she had to be over 65 elected this time round we will continue missed. We are looking forward to on the increase in London in general. Neighbourhood Forums and its active tenant had been trying for months to get to be entitled to it. Now Westminster to work closely together for Bayswater working with the new Bayswater Ward Reported crime is also on the increase and interesting residents’ associations. a malfunctioning fire door in her block Council has confirmed that over 60’s residents. I’ll be holding regular surgeries in Bayswater. We are determined to do Councillor Maggie Carman of the Labour We will be holding a surgery repaired, another showed me how she will get the concessionary rate and at Paddington Library, Porchester Road Party. what we can to help the residents of every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, at Porchester Small Hall from had water running down her walls every asked that a sign be placed back on the Bayswater in relation to crime and anti- reception desk to avoid any confusion. starting in July at 2pm – 3.30pm. I also 6.30pm-7.30pm on Monday 16 July time it rained. Most of the requests THE ROLE OF A COUNCILLOR social behaviour. look forward to working with the two 2018. Please come along if there are for help that we received were about Porchester Turkish Baths are the last The job of an elected politician is to work Some other local issues that were housing problems. It is fair to say though surviving example of this type in London newly elected Conservative Councillors any local issues that you would like to on behalf of the residents and the ward, mentioned are these: housing, waste that most individual housing officers are and I am committed to working with the for the Bayswater Ward Richard Elcho discuss. and to make sure that the Council, in this management, parking, 20 mile per hour genuinely committed to their tenants users’ group to ensure that the planned and Emily Payne. case Westminster City Council, is doing zones, bus routes, electric car charging Please feel free to contact us: and it is organisational and institutional refurbishments are sympathetic to I'll see you at the SEBRA Summer Party what it ought to be doing, and not doing stations, lighting, responsible dog [email protected] problems that need to be addressed. the culture and heritage of this unique and please do fee free to contact me: what it ought not to be doing. ownership, air quality, Deliveroo drivers [email protected] I am pleased to say that I have been Bayswater attraction. [email protected]

94 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 95 PLANNING, LEGAL & LICENSING PLANNING, LEGAL & LICENSING UPDATE - REDAN PUB, WHITELEYS, QUEENSWAY PARADE Nick Dines Belgrave Communications THE REDAN PUBLIC HOUSE WHITELEYS Ahead of the start on site, a minor temporary change of ollowing comments made amendment application has been use application has been by stakeholders during the submitted to Westminster, relating to submitted to the Council application process the decision how some historic parts of the building for the Redan Public House has been made to withdraw the are treated during the demolition and onA the corner of Queensway and Fmost recent planning application. construction phase. Following detailed Westbourne Grove, relating to the This will allow the design team to fully investigation it is recommended that Whiteleys development. address all of the issues raised. It is further heritage items are dismantled, Following completion of the works the the intention to submit an application refurbished off site and reinstated Redan is expected to return to its public seeking further revisions to the 2016 at a later date, to avoid damage to Planning Bayswater house use. consented planning permission in due these items during the demolition course, following a period of public and construction process. Report from John Walton and John Zamit stakeholder engagement as has been the process undertaken on the project thus far. QUEENSWAY PARADE THE ‘CUBE’ - NOW TO BE KNOWN AS ‘PADDINGTON SQUARE’ This application is likely to include a review ver recent months we have held a public exhibition, had AVE (Save Britain’s Heritage) well done, at night. The footway beneath of the residential and non-residential continued engagement with have appealed against refusal has remained open, keeping access to provision with the intention continuing to be to deliver the best possible scheme for SEBRA and been in constant of leave for a Judicial Review of the major bus stop there. Odialogue with the City Council and the Whiteleys that regenerates this landmark Minister Savid Javid’s failure to Demolition of the 31 London Street listed building, delivering significant GLA. Sgive reasons, for his decision not to ‘call building is expected to start towards benefits for Queensway and Bayswater We are now assessing our next steps and in’ the original application for the ‘Cube’, the end of the year, once Crossrail more generally. look forward to showing community how see page 98 of our Autumn 2017 issue. have vacated it. An application to Development is due to start on site in early the proposals are progressing. The scheme includes demolition of put an illuminated advertisement of 2019, and the project team is currently the old Royal Mail Sorting Office at 31 the hoarding around that site has For more information on the two undertaking the preparatory work, London Street, a building which has been approved. The whole process of planning applications please contact including working up the formal processes demolishing both buildings will last Nick Dines on: 0203 870 1435 or architectural merit. Their appeal will be for keeping residents updated and engaged some 42 weeks. [email protected] heard in July this year. But meanwhile with the construction process. the developers, the Sellar Group, have Lorries for the demolition and later announced plans for demolition of the construction will mostly arrive from existing buildings, starting with that the A40 (Westway) and leave by way of facing Praed Street, which, they say, will Praed Street, see page 8. On average start shortly. Demolition of this building there will be 10-15 lorries a day, up to will last 20 weeks. 20 a day occasionally. We believe that the incoming lorries should be routed by way of Eastbourne Terrace as soon as it The former Post Office on Praed has been reopened fully, so as to avoid Street is also being demolished. the residential Westbourne Terrace and the congested section of Craven Road Even more seriously, the diversion will that leads on to Praed Street. add a lot to the already heavy congestion Imperial College Healthcare Trust, in Praed Street, to the point, we fear, which owns and manages St. Mary’s that on occasion ambulances will not be Hospital, also appealed for Judicial able to get through. Review of the new arrangements for Recently the first meeting was held ambulances to reach the Hospital, due to the ‘Cube’ development, also of a ‘Steering Group’, comprising see our Autumn issue, but did not get all stakeholders, set up to consider leave to proceed. The route from Praed the traffic aspects of the ‘Cube’ Street to South Wharf Road now used development. At this meeting PRACT by most ambulances will be blocked, (Paddington Residents’ Active Concern The former Royal Mail Sorting Office at some point in the construction on Transport), supported by SEBRA, on London Street is being demolished. process, in order to create a ‘piazza’ at said that in their opinion a full review is the entrance to Paddington Station. In needed at an early stage of the long- It will be pulled down from behind, consequence, not only ambulances but term implications, which will also include in Winsland Mews where scaffolding all traffic heading for the western end a considerable increase of footfall on covered by a hoarding is already up, as is of South Wharf Road will be diverted the pavements. A second meeting is to a structure to protect the pavement of to a circuitous route around the back be held shortly, plus a separate meeting the Praed Street side. This work by the of the new building, including three with residents and local businesses on contractor, Erith, appears to have been sharp turns. the long-term aspects.

104 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 105 HIGHWAYS & TRAFFIC HIGHWAYS & TRAFFIC THE FUTURE OF OXFORD STREET Michael Bolt Marylebone Association

y the beginning of 2018 be expected to organise without involve pedestrianisation and would Mayor Sadiq Khan appeared mishap the most complex road closure need to be developed to the satisfaction to have everything in place for programme ever proposed for Central of the residents. his scheme to pedestrianise London? With a West End economy This, rather like having to design a BOxford Street. where billions of pounds are at stake, scheme for fox-hunting which would be It was widely believed that the recently this was worrying. This was not the sort acceptable to the fox, appeared to be an closed 2nd consultation was little more of thing to get wrong. impossible requirement - Westminster than a necessary formality needed Additionally, the consultation had posed Council and everyone else went into the prior to full implementation of the a number of other awkward questions: May elections on the understanding that “transformation of Oxford Street” i.e. TrafficBayswater Where, exactly, was all the Oxford Street the scheme was indeed sunk. pedestrianisation by December 2018. traffic to go? The TfL traffic modelling Everyone, that is, save the Mayor who However the first sign that things were UPDATES ON THE CYCLE SUPERHIGHWAY AND THE CYCLE QUIETWAY showed that it would largely disappear, appeared blissfully unaware of the not quite going to plan was probably with everything running virtually the unfolding debacle and had said nothing Latest from John Walton the unexpected extension of the same as before the road was closed. to indicate otherwise. Meanwhile original projected six week consultation But how would that be possible? And we have asked for a redesign of the via Gloucester Terrace towards the A40 the Deputy Mayor for Transport CYCLE SUPERHIGHWAY by two weeks to accommodate the did not their modelling show the same junctions along Bayswater Road so as (Westway). We therefore directly share ploughed bravely on, attending various here is not much to add right unprecedented level of responses. The on Bayswater Road before the cycle to increase their capacity and reduce conferences still preaching the gospel now to the succession of reports an interest in reducing such diversion pedestrianisation time frame was already the confusion of drivers in Westbourne lanes went in? But is not that area now in last year’s issues and in the through the area of the HPEA, further very tight and this was not helpful. of transformation (i.e.pedestrianisation), Street about which lane to get into. plagued by queues and rat running? This Spring issue of this year. upstream. seemingly in denial of any change of The latter would be in follow-up to the It then became apparent from the was not a comforting precedent and T The junction between Westbourne plan, never mind its total disappearance. The so-called Superhighway remains responses received that this would be gave little reassurance as to the accuracy site meeting, of 9 February last, with A few weeks later she also stood down, underused in our area, which suggests Nigel Hardy of Transport for London, Terrace and Craven Road gets clogged no walk in the park: “It was clear that the of TfL traffic modelling. strongly that the delays it causes to when the queue of vehicles going south overwhelming majority of Westminster’s in order to “spend more time with my Tony Devenish AM (Member for our Further, major access issues emerged. buses and other vehicular traffic have gets too long, being held at the new residents and businesses were opposed to husband and family”. area on the Greater London Assembly), How would everyone get to and through gone too far. Because of the narrowing Westminster City Councillors and others traffic lights before the junction with the concept” (Cllr Astaire, former Cabinet The Mayor clearly needed to be Oxford Street without any buses? How of Bayswater Road in the critical section (see the report on page 112 of our Sussex Gardens. We have asked for a Member Planning and Public Realm). reminded that something had changed would the less athletic even manage or between Victoria Gate and Westbourne Spring 2018 issue). yellow box at the Craven Road junction. Headline figures showing a majority of and he finally was when the Council want to get up and down such a long Street, there are long queues in both The extra direction signs which have There was one there before. those in favour could only be gleaned confirmed that they “had taken length of pedestrianised road? directions and in West Carriage Drive, been put up in Westbourne Street, at from pulling in national responses, mainly pedestrianisation off the books for good” Hyde Park. We call this feature the long last, have led to some improvement. CYCLE ‘QUIETWAY’ FROM populated by pedestrianisation pressure To these questions, and many more, no whilst expressing a desire to continue ‘choke’. Certain snagging work, such as putting BAYSWATER ROAD TO groups from all over England, Wales and satisfactory answers were forthcoming. to work with the Mayor. This appeared Just after this issue goes to press, SEBRA down anti-skid surfaces, continues. EDGWARE ROAD Scotland. Scratch the surface and it was Then Westminster Council announced to come like a bolt from the blue to will meet again with our neighbours, the The amount of traffic in Westbourne clear that the local figures told a very it had been the Mayors/TfL’s scheme he western section of this Sadiq Khan who had obviously been too Hyde Park Estate Association (HPEA), to Crescent is still much more than it was different story. ‘Quietway’, going as far as all along, there was no joint plan, they preoccupied with other matters to have discuss next steps. We are thinking, first, before - see the report in our last issue. Westbourne Terrace, is virtually Things got a great deal worse when produced “Eight Pledges” designed followed the unfolding events over the of local action to protect the residential This is plainly due to drivers diverting via complete. a number of serious errors were to make the scheme acceptable but previous six months. roads that are now affected by higher local roads in order to avoid the ‘choke’ T discovered with the consultation itself, which, if honoured, would seem to make traffic, as drivers divert to avoid the in Bayswater Road when on their way to However, the proposed kerb build-outs It cannot be said that the scuppering including the use of an incorrect email proposals to close the road impossible. in Craven Road, at its junction with of his flagship project through the very ‘choke’ in Bayswater Road; and secondly, destinations further West, or when going address on the consultation response Devonshire Terrace, have still not been Following this the Westminster Council strong democratic mandate displayed form. Emails sent to this address had Cabinet member in charge of the project in the recent election and consultations done. They will make the pedestrian not even been counted and could not and previous advocate of the scheme was received with good grace. The crossing there easier to use. be recovered. TfL had therefore lost an stood down, for unrelated reasons. Some signing and snagging remains to be unknown quantity of responses and Mayor’s response was that this was a done and, in places, anti-skid surfacing of were unable to recover them. The impending local election put “betrayal” and he would not be “walking everything up a gear, dramatically away” from Oxford Street - and indeed the road surfaces has still to laid. The consultation was reopened for a he would not now have to do so, as he The final design of the eastern section three week period to try and retrieve confirming the unpopularity of the will still be able to take a bus. along Sussex Gardens and of the link the situation, in truth, a pointless task. whole scheme and introducing further with Edgware Road by way of Norfolk Relatively few knew it had been opened evidence to show that, not only did the Whether the Mayor, after a period of Crescent and Burwood Place, has again and fewer still were able to proposals have little support throughout reflection, decides to read some of now been approved by Transport for recall the email address they had used the West End, but that they were the many consultation responses and London. When complete, there will for their response. A decision on the unwanted by the large majority of both acquaint himself with the vast number be some loss of residents’ parking implementation of pedestrianisation that residents and businesses. of reasoned objections to this ill-advised spaces on the southern arm of Sussex should have been made before the local Finally, enough was enough, scheme, remains to be seen. Hopefully Gardens at its approach to the junction elections now had to be delayed until Westminster Council announced that this will be the case and he can then with Westbourne Street, in order to after them. not only was there no joint plan, there proceed with Westminster Council and provide space for the cycleway and The fact that TfL were not even able was, in fact, no plan. It was announced others to jointly develop new proposals in consequence there will be some to properly manage the consultation that all work on the scheme had been that will improve Oxford Street without reduction in the width of the westbound stopped and that any future scheme, if compromising access and damaging the Underused - The Cyle Superhighway and a choke point on Baswater Road. started to raise questions: if they carriageway for vehicles at that point. couldn’t run this, how would they there was ever to be one, need not surrounding areas.

116 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 117 LETTERS & ABOUT SEBRA LETTERS & ABOUT SEBRA

A "THANK YOU" TO WESTBOURNE TERRACE o you have any insight or if RICHARD HOLLOWAY CONGESTION - NO SURPRISE? there is anything that can be done at 36 Craven Road. On behalf of all of us in Hereford I remember the long campaign SEBRA There is a shop which has been Mansions, Hereford Road and on a very waged against the extended Congesti on Dboarded up for now 2 years. personal basis, I'd like to say thank you Charge Zone. for all that you have done to serve your I remember a previous editi on of consti tuents in our ward. SEBRA NEWS W2 with a front page photo of a carless Gloucester Terrace and the heading “Congesti on Zone - a soluti on without a problem?”. I remember SEBRA’s rejoicing when the Congesti on Zone extension was abolished by Boris. On the front page of the last issue I see The boarding up is unsightly enough the heading “Serious congesti on on especially given the listed building status. Westbourne Terrace”. I know the pavement immediately outside Should anyone be surprised? the shop is owned by the shop and it is not public pavement, however in additi on Robert Ashdown to the ugly boarding it is now constantly Sussex Gardens, W2 covered in palett es and cages from Nisa Richard Holloway, former Local (who I think owns the shop). Your Letters THANKS TO OUR POSTIES! Bayswater Ward Councillor. • Can they actually board the shop the A big "thank you" to ALL the postmen way they have done it - i.e.. with the We welcome your lett ers on any subject that you feel might be of interest to the readers of You have given a huge amount of and postwomen who struggled through ugly white board instead of leaving the SEBRA NEWS W2. personal ti me, so many evenings, and the snow when we suff ered heavy falls original shop front and obscure the given residents the ti me, considerati on back in the winter. windows? Send your contributi ons to: [email protected] or by post to John Zamit, Chairman (address and acti ve representati on for which we Our Posti e, Dom Lacey in Gloucester • Can they put all their palett es and on page 2). Please note that contributi ons may be subject to minor editorial changes. Please are most grateful. Terrace, delivered every day and was not cages without the council considering include your full contact details. We wish you every success in all you do even parti cularly late on most days. So them a hazard / unsightly? The writer of the "Star Lett er" in each editi on will be presented with six bott les of wine. in the future. well done to the Royal Mail. Thank you very much for your help. Bob Annibale Jillian Dart Resident Hereford Road, W2 Gloucester Terrace, W2 Craven Road, W2 CYCLE LANES BENEFIT PEDESTRIANS TOO thought I would write to highlight Hyde Park without feeling I need to how much I feel the Lancaster somehow risk my life racing against Gate stati on surroundings have traffi c to cross the streets. been improved by the cycling lanes These new lanes have helped give Ifi nished last year, even though I am the area a much more residenti al feel myself not a cyclist. and I hope that the planned scheme I have resided for many years on to also add a 'quietway' on Sussex Westbourne Crescent, and fi nally Gardens can go ahead and further fi nd that walking around the Royal help the security of pedestrians in the Lancaster Hotel and Sussex Gardens neighbourhood. can be a welcoming experience. It is now possible for a (relati vely!) elderly Sophia Campbell woman such as myself to access Westbourne Crescent, W2 Join SEBRA

EBRA welcomes new members, making our voices heard when planning A membership applicati on form can whether local residents, those applicati ons have fl own in the face of be found overleaf and once completed working in the area, businesses common sense, but equally we’ve strongly please send it to SEBRA Chairman John or other organisati ons with a supported developments that benefi t the Zamit. Sconnecti on to Bayswater. area and improve the public realm. Members will receive our magazine We're conti nually working towards the If you’d like to be involved with SEBRA NEWS W2 three ti mes each year. improvement of life in our unique part SEBRA please take out a membership. We also host a very popular summer of London and we enjoy considerable Subscripti ons rates are very low and you’ll garden party and an AGM each autumn. infl uence with Westminster City Council, be helping us conti nue a job that we If our readers have any questi ons about Transport for London (TfL) and Crossrail. genuinely feel has brought great benefi ts membership or any other aspects of the "A welcoming experience" provided by cycle lanes. For more than 45 years we’ve helped to those who live in, work in, or visit work that SEBRA undertakes then please to preserve the essence of Bayswater, Bayswater. email us: [email protected]

118 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 119 LETTERS & ABOUT SEBRA LETTERS & ABOUT SEBRA

THE BEGGARS ARE BACK ST MARY'S POOL PETITION three years ago, and the whole idea originated from a project under the ecently the Romanian beggars am sure you have already been auspices of the Bishopsgate Insti tute have returned in force to informed about it but there is a Queensway. It doesn’t seem peti ti on going the rounds against the called Sounds from the Park, being to matt er how oft en we report closure of the swimming pool in an oral history of Speakers’ Corner Rthem to the police, they re-materialise complemented by the collecti ng ISt. Mary’s Hospital. within 24 hours. together of a great many photographs This is and has been a valuable asset Is there any legal way of stopping these of speakers and other acti viti es at to the community, being open to the people? It’s not as if they are genuine Speakers’ Corner over half a century or public and schools. I was referred to it homeless; they are professional beggars more. and they work the street as a gang, as part of my rehabilitati on and used it spacing themselves out every 100m or extensively. Is there anything we can do It was a real challenge to assemble so. They turn up every year, the same to keep it open? so many people who were willing to talk freely about their experiences at people with the same cries sitti ng in Clinton Greyn Speakers’ Corner and it is sad to think the same places. As this is in the ‘public Garway Road, W2 About SEBRA realm’ surely Westminster Council can do that this matt er appears to have been something about this nuisance? lost track of in some way. The last ti me outh East Bayswater Residents’ Associati on (SEBRA) We are a founding member of PRACT (Paddington Residents’ Editor's Note: is recognised by Westminster City Council as an offi cial Readers can view and sign the I talked to the former manager of Hyde Acti ve Concern on Transport), which is comprised of: peti ti on by visiti ng: chn.ge/2DufBAq Park he told me that the boards were ameniti es associati on and enjoys great infl uence in the SEBRA, Bayswater Residents’ Associati on, Hyde Park Estate borough of Westminster. being made in Italy (out of sight, out of S Associati on and the Paddington Waterways and Maida Vale mind?) SEBRA is consulted by WCC on local planning applicati ons as Society. LOST CAUSES AT SPEAKERS' well as traffi c and licensing. Our fi elds of interest encompass: Even more recently I wrote to the new SEBRA NEWS W2 is the offi cial magazine of the South East CORNER, HYDE PARK Protecti ng the environment, traffi c and transport, cycling, refuse incumbent at Hyde Park but aft er a Bayswater Residents’ Associati on and is published three ti mes matter which has dragged and recycling, planning and licensing, crime preventi on and month I have yet to receive any reply on for a long time is the community aff airs. per annum: Spring, Summer and Autumn. or acknowledgement, so again I do placing of history panels or We host a large garden party every summer which provides a The magazine represents a compilati on of opinions from across ponder if it has now joined the list of information panels about wonderful opportunity for us to engage with our members. the local community and is published and distributed to all its lost causes so oft en represented at Speakers’A Corner at Marble Arch, members, across Westminster City Council and further afi eld. It’s also a great way for members to meet each other and to Beggars have returned to Queensway. Speakers’ Corner. Hyde Park. interact with our MPs, Westminster City Councillors and offi cers. We conti nue to invite local residents, businesses, and Simon Whitt le This intenti on stemmed from a Bob Rogers SEBRA holds a well-att ended AGM every Autumn, which as well the broader community to become SEBRA members and Queensway, W2 temporary display of such panels about Orsett Terrace, W2 as dealing with offi cial business, is a very sociable occasion. contribute to SEBRA NEWS W2.

APPLICATION TO JOIN SEBRA - SOUTH EAST BAYSWATER RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Membership is open to individuals, households and organisati ons, residents' associati ons and businesses. Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS. Please delete as applicable. I / We / My organisation would like to apply for Standard / Concession / Residents' Association / Business Your name: Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms / Other ______Spouse/Partner: Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms / Other ______Or name of organisation / business: ______Address: ______NEXT EDITION: The Autumn 2018 editi on ofSEBRA NEWS W2 is due to be published on Friday 9 November 2018. Post Code: ______Telephone: ______Mobile: ______The LAST date for contributi ons is Friday 10 October 2018. E-mail: ______(From time to time SEBRA sends information to members by e-mail). DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this publicati on are those of the writer and are not necessarily those of SEBRA, its Offi cers, its Committ ee Members. (Editorial control is the responsibility of SEBRA Chairman John Zamit). Data protection: Please tick here [ ] if you AGREE to SEBRA recording your details electronically. (No information you give us will be shared with any other organisation). COPYRIGHT: All content Copyright © 2018 - The South East Bayswater Residents’ Associati on.

Signature ______Date ______/_____/______

Annual Subscripti on. Please ti ck: Standard £10 [ ] Concession £5 [ ] Residents’ Associati on or Business £25 [ ] GENERAL INFORMATION: ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP: Additional Donation £ ______(Donations are gratefully received). Contact: John Zamit, Chairman Concessions: £5.00 Standard: £10.00 Phone: 020 7727 6104 I /We enclose a cheque/cash for £ ______Please make cheques payable to ‘SEBRA’ and return this form to: Business: £25.00 Mobile: 074 3825 8201 Residents' Associations: £25.00 John Zamit, Chairman, SEBRA, 2 Claremont Court, Queensway, London W2 5HX Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Telephone: 020 7727 6104 Mobile: 074 3825 8201 E-mail: [email protected] Address: 2 Claremont Court, DONATIONS ALWAYS WELCOME Payment can also be made by Bank Transfer or PayPal. Please email [email protected] for details. Queensway, London An applicati on form to join SEBRA Further information can be found at: www.sebra.org.uk/join-sebra W2 5HX can be found on the opposite page.

120 www.sebra.org.uk SEBRA NEWS W2 - SUMMER 2018 121 LETTERS & ABOUT SEBRA SEBRALAND W2

CITY HALL: 020 7641 6000 Website: www.westminster.gov.uk CITY INSPECTORS: 020 7641 2000 Visit: www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it

LOCAL TELEPHONE CONTACTS

Police - Emergency 999 Environment and Noise 020 7641 2000 Police - Non Emergency 101 Graffi ti and Flyposti ng 020 7641 2000 Police - Royal Parks 101 Highways and Lighti ng 020 7641 2000 Briti sh Transport Police 0800 405 040 Paddington Library 020 7641 1300 TfL - Congesti on Charge 0845 900 1234 Parking Hotline 020 7823 4567 TfL - Highway Problems 0343 222 1234 Karen Buck MP 020 8968 7999 Crossrail Helpdesk 0345 602 3813 Mark Field MP 020 7219 8155

122 www.sebra.org.uk