1997 was another predictably busy year for all living and working in the Covent Garden area. The towering cranes near Russell Street highlighted the continuing impact of the Royal Opera House development on the community. Carolyn Keen and I have worked with the Community Liaison Group to ensure that the ROH takes full account of the views of all its neighbours, particularly local residents. Westminster Council has increased legal pressures on illegal and unhygienic street vendors and, working with the police, has reduced the number of hot-dog stalls. However, the challenge in 1998 for all agencies is to ensure that any new powers are backed up by adequate enforcement to ensure that success in some areas is not undermined by the increased presence of unwanted activity elsewhere. In May 1998 Carolyn will be standing down after eight years of service on the Council. Her sensible and constructive approach to the complicated problems faced by the community in Covent Garden and in St James's generally has been noticeable and has won her many friends locally. People of Carolyn's calibre are few in local government (or beyond!) and I will miss working with her as a ward colleague. Needless to say, our efforts in 1997 across a broad range of issues were boosted by the advice given by the CGCA and, together, we have scored some successes. I look forward to working with all at the CGCA in the future and am glad to have been able to secure some funding support for the CGCA from Westminster Council for the current year.

 

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