Westminster Councillors

It is hard to believe that it is exactly three years ago since I had the privilege of being elected to Westminster City Council to represent St. James's ward - which includes most of Covent Garden - together with the sitting councillor, Alexander Nicoll.

During this busy time, I have got to know Jo Weir, John Bos and other members of the CGCA committee. And both Alexander and I are grateful to them for bringing to our attention the problems which residents of Covent Garden face.

A recent joint success was persuading Westminster City Council's Licensing Committee to turn down Tesco's application to remain open all night. This would have, undoubtedly, meant sleepless nights for local residents. Tesco's did give notice to the magistrates' court that they were going to appeal against this decision but we have just heard that, for the time being at least, they have withdrawn their appeal.

We all want Covent Garden to remain a colourful and vibrant area of London but, unfortunately, over the last few years, it does seem that its popularity with visitors has been at the expense of residents. Commercial success has brought with it much unpleasant anti-social behaviour, described so eloquently and vividly by Jo Weir whenever she has the opportunity to do so.

We are very aware of the problems which residents' face, such as the constant battle against noise from late-night street activity and revellers vomiting and urinating on the street and in your doorway. We are demanding that council officers work with the police, who we acknowledge are too few in numbers, to seek solutions to these problems urgently. This summer will see the introduction of 'pissoirs' to the streets of Covent Garden, together with a bye-law that will make it a punishable offence to urinate in public.

The Leader of Westminster Council has recently launched a consultation document entitled, Civic Renewal, which outlines the Council's forward-looking programme to meet the challenges of running the city. We look forward to the CGCA's comments, knowing that their 30 years of experience in Covent Garden will ensure a valuable contribution.

Cllr Louise Hyams, St James's ward

Covent Garden Community Association Annual Report 2000-2001

 

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