October 2007

Following an exciting Party Conference in Blackpool with some very positive Conservative policy announcements, it is back to the Council and helping residents.

Devonshire Pub

At short notice the pub called a meeting with some local residents, as there had continued to be concerns about street drinking, late and noisy dispersal and general lack of consideration about resident’s feelings. There is always a balance to be struck when a pub is surrounded by residential houses, and we need to find a way of resolving these issues. Please let me know of any concerns as environmental health need to keep a record.

Emission Related Congestion Charge

I spoke at the Council meeting on 10th October on the proposal to take away the residents discount for the Congestion charge and also remove the alternative fuel advantage that some cars have been benefiting from. I think it is appalling to encourage people to change their cars to say a Lexus or Prius on the understanding that they will be exempt from the Congestion Charge and then to find that this is no longer the case.

Women's Pioneer

Unfortunately I have had another resident who lives in Women's Pioneer accommodation contact me, as again she does not feel that she has been properly listened to by this organisation. Housing is one of the most difficult issues in Kensington & Chelsea, and we do not have enough properties to offer. We need to make sure that every ward has its share of housing that is available through Registered Social Landlords.

Planning

As many of you are aware there continues to be ongoing discussions about all the various sites along the Warwick Road from "Tesco - to Charles House" it is hoped that the Council can encourage all the developers to work together on a scheme that will accommodate their wishes for a profitable development and residents and your local councillors wishes for provision for community uses, open space, health and sporting facilities and education.

Policing in Abingdon Ward

Our Sector Inspector is Don Casey
Phone: 07920 233803
E-mail: Don.Casey@met.police.uk

And we now have our full complement of 9 PCSOs. Please contact them if you have any issues you wish to raise. As they are on the street every day, making our lives safer please contact them, or if you have any residents events you would like to invite them to - that is a really good idea.

The main problems are damage and thefts from motor vehicles, and there are also a few street robberies and commercial burglaries. With the poor weather in the summer there were less residential burglaries - keep those doors and windows locked!

Commonwealth Institute

Although this is not in Abingdon Ward it is such a major part of the High Street, I thought you would be interested to know that the site has been acquired by Sir Stuart Lipton - Chelsfield. Their aim as far as we understand is to try and find a use for the "pavilion" ie the exhibition centre, and then convert the remainder into expensive residential flats overlooking the park. They are still consulting locally and also looking for someone who would be interested in buying the pavilion.

Contact me

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