Kilburn Park Road: TfL correspondence

Over the last few months we have reported regularly on our fight to stop Brent Council's silly plans for the top of Kilburn Park Road. As local Councillors, we have been very happy to support the campaign by local residents concerned that the development - which proposes to built 130 flats on the roundabout - will significantly affect their lives for the worse.

A little while ago we asked our local GLA member, Kit Malthouse, to take up the case, particularly with regard to the potential effects on traffic of the removal of the roundabout. Kit kindly agreed to do so and has been holding a number of discussions with Transport for London about the proposal. Kit was happy to express his reservations - and add his concerns to ours - that the removal of the roundabout (and its replacement with a signalled junction) would significant affect the residents living closest by. He also agreed with us that the proposed removal of the roundabout was at odds with Brent's aspiration to massively increase the number of people who live (and use the roads) in the area.

Unfortunately we are sad to report that Transport for London have written back in the last few days indicating that they are not minded to call the development in for an inquiry. Whilst we respect TfL's decision, we disagree with it and still believe that Brent are approaching this development with a complete lack of foresight.

Thanks to Kit for his support. We keep fighting.

Lee

Paddington Day at Westminster Archives

Westminster Archives, one of the Council's hidden gems, will be holding a "Paddington Day" on Saturday 9th October where local residents can come and explore the rich history of our area and the collections they hold.

If you would like to find out more about days gone by in Bayswater, Harrow Road, Paddington, Little Venice, Maida Vale or Queen's Park do come along. There will be two sessions (10 - 2 and 1 - 4) which will include a talk and a film showing.

If you would like to book a place for free e-mail jbottomley@westminster.gov.uk.

Lee

Thames Water: Feedback on Open Day

Another open day was held for the residents of Tollgate Gardens last month and we've just been sent the feedback on what residents told the team who are working on this project.

Around 25 residents took part in the day, early in July, and provided feedback on what - if anything - they would change about the estate if they had the chance.

Here are a few conclusions from the questionnaire:

• Almost all residents that took part thought that their flats were too small;
• Most residents think that the estate needs modernising;
• Many have problems with security on the estate and do not feel safe, and;
• Residents were understandably concerned about potential changes to the estate and the impact it might have, on a temporary basis, to their lives.

As local Councillors, we have pressed the team at CityWest who are running this project to get involved with local residents as much as they can and to seek as much feedback as possible. Open Days like this are a great way to find out more about what local residents are thinking - so thanks to all who attended. As has been promised before - the proposed development of Tollgate will only happen if residents want it to, so it is important to hear first hand what all residents think now.

If you are a resident of Tollgate, do make sure you get involved at the next opportunity to provide your feedback.

Jan

Paddington Rec: Planning Application

The Council's Park Department has been in touch to say that they will be putting in a planning application shortly to add a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in one of the arcs of the running track.

MUGA are becoming increasingly popular in parks around the country - outdoor apparatus that anyone can use to keep fit.

The Parks Department first mooted this idea a little while ago to us as Councillors at our regular quarterly Rec meeting. We asked that, prior to any application going in, the Parks Department undertake a pre-consultation with all residents living nearby. As a result, all residents should have already been sent a letter with further information.

We'll post more details when we have them. In the meantime, if you would like to discuss the matter further, don't hesitate to get in touch: maidavale@maidavaleconservatives.com

Lee