Westminster Councillors

The last year has witnessed a great increase in the range and scale of pressures faced by both residents and businesses in Covent Garden and the surrounding area. A reasonably buoyant economy has contributed to the competing pressures produced by tourism, the arts, restaurants and clubs. All these, in any event, can undermine residential amenity and, as the CGCA has continued to publicise, the rights and opportunities for local residents must be of paramount importance to all those with a real interest in the area.

We will use this article to express our very real concern at reports that the manpower of the Covent Garden police team is scheduled for reductions. The police have very real problems to deal with in and around the area and are stretched at present. Add in the fact that all classes of street offence appear to be on the increase at present and it becomes clear that the overall position with regard to law and order for residents and businesses in the area is under threat. This is unacceptable. Alexander will be contacting senior local and Westminster based police chiefs to express local concerns and other groups such as the Covent Garden Piazza Committee have agreed to make similar approaches, too. The growth and application of CCTV is to be welcomed, but not at the expense of people-centred community policing. A reassuring presence and prevention is far better that speeding panda cars hurrying to the scene after a crime has been committed and the villains have left the scene!

The completion of the Royal Opera House development was a significant moment in the life of Covent Garden and the occasion of the opening gala reminded us that despite ups and downs, the area is very much enriched by the presence of the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet and we wish them every success for the future. The new millennium may have promoted hope and much looking forward, but Covent Garden faces many real problems, some of which are very old "friends"! We are committed to working in a realistic and pragmatic manner with all legitimate interests in the area to protect the fabric and character of Covent Garden.

Councillor Alexander Nicoll and Councillor Louise Hyams, St James' Ward

 

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