Maida Vale MyWestminster Forum: What would you like to talk about?

The next local forum for Maida Vale will be held on 4 November 2008, bringing together residents, officers and ourselves to chat about the most important issues for our local areas. Council officers have asked for suggestions on what we should talk about.

If you have a burning issue which you would like to put on the agenda, please do get in touch (maidavale@maidavaleconservatives.com).

Alastair

Putting nameplates down for a refresh

It's the little things which often make the difference.

We noticed that the nameplates on Randolph Gardens have bene looking a bit worn of late so, although not urgent, we've asked the Council to have a look into whether they need replacing. An inspection was undertaken a few weeks ago and officers have agreed that they probably need a change at some point. We've agreed to enter them into a programme of works so we know that, in the next cyclical maintenance programme, they'll receive attention.

Jan

Hamilton Court: Planning Application

Last month we reported on a planning application which had been received to build a one-storey shop unit adjacent to Hamilton Court (on the junction between Elgin Avenue and Lanark Road).

We are pleased to report that the application has now been refused by Westminster's Planning Department, following representations by local residents and all three of us. The refusal was made under delegated powers by officers without the need to go to open committee.

Alastair

£100,000: Tell Us Your Views

A few weeks ago we mentioned the £100,000 which residents in every ward in Westminster have been given to spend during this financial year.

As local Councillors, we have always been committed to ensuring that the money is spent in the way that local residents want - it is, after all, your money. As a result, we have been hand-delivering over the past few weeks a consultation letter to every household in Maida Vale asking for your views*.

Please do let us know your thoughts by 31 August. You can e-mail maidavale@westminster.gov.uk. We'll then look at all the responses and work out how best we can spend the £100,000 to support your priorities.

Alastair, Jan and Lee

* The total cost of publicity for Maida Vale ward will be for copying alone and we are hand-delivering to keep the cost down. The Labour Councillors for Queen's Park might like to take note.