Covent Garden London
The heart of London's West End
Siddons & Stirling Residents' Association
Good Neighbours is a phrase associated with great comfort to residents who live in this village-like community within the Covent Garden area. In particular the residents of Siddons and Stirling Courts, they are there for each other and are showing community spirit. For instance, the vigilant, impulsive action of Terry in the early hours of the morning resulted in a car belonging to his neighbour being recovered soon after it had been stolen and the thief being arrested by Police. Our strength lies in the caring and proud people living in Covent Garden, the Associations, the Church of Scotland, our Community Police and the various other organisations.
One recent battle was to object to the planning application by developers on behalf of Café Flo for a Change of Use of the property on the corner of Catherine Street and Tavistock Street (currently occupied by the Institute of Strategic Studies) to a restaurant on the basement and ground floor levels and to residential accommodation on the upper floors. Following a refusal of the application by Westminster, the applicant filed an Appeal. A Public Inquiry was held by an Inspector, culminating in planning permission being granted with the comment that this restaurant - yet another - would "add vitality to the area" and that residential amenity would be very slightly, if at all, adversely affected. The impact on residents seems almost to be irrelevant.
To John Bos a special warm thanks for his guidance and advice on planning and licensing issues. It is a pleasure to be associated with the CGCA which is performing an invaluable task in preserving Covent Garden.
At the Annual General Meeting we had the pleasure of welcoming the Community Police as a guest speaker on the topics of Neighbourhood Watch and general policing matters, and 'to keep in check' the Summer Party that followed the official business.
As every year, residents worked tirelessly in adding new window boxes and hanging baskets with flowers and in keeping the garden perfect for recreation and to the delight of residents.
Christmas was celebrated by the residents in the courtyard with seasonal food, hot mince pies and mulled wine. A resident brought some books, which were distributed to others.
Finally, we would like to express our deep sorrow at the deaths of Sally Duane and Emma Collins who were residents of Covent Garden for decades and friends to all in Siddons and Stirling Courts, both will be missed by all in the blocks.
Karl Beck, Chairman
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