Siddons And Stirling Residents' Association

It seems that the last report was written yesterday. The year flew past so fast. We are pleased that finally, after a prolonged consultation and negotiation process, the security gate is in place. This means that all the uninvited, be it people who enjoyed the tranquillity during their lunch break, or the street drinkers' use of our courtyard as a venue for their partying, or vagrants sleeping in the bushes, even a young couple using a thrown out mattress for a night, and uppermost keeping out people using our courtyard to relieve themselves. All that is now history, thank heavens.

Successfully, it took us approximately two years to have nine unsightly air-conditioning units removed which were overlooking the courtyard. The Food and Drink Federation used all tactics to have this matter drawn out. An Appeal to the Planning Inspectorate by them was dismissed.

The report wholeheartedly agreed with the residents and their representatives that the air-conditioning units installed on the first floor were unsightly and recommended to have them fitted inside the building.

It seemed that Café Flo lost interest in having a restaurant at the premises known as 2 Catherine Street, despite securing planning permission and the grant of a licence. We can inform residents and the community that building work is in progress, to open soon a Loch Fyne Fish restaurant.

As in every year, residents worked hard in the garden to maintain its splendid colourful floral display and the standard residents and their visitors have become accustomed to.

The Government (DLTR) invited Councils to bid for funding that was made available to bring the housing stock to a standard of Decent Homes.

Westminster scored two stars out of an available three star rating after an audit and scrutiny by the Housing Inspector and support from residents during the consultation programme, thereby securing a share together with seven other Councils bidding for the funds available. A requirement was that an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) is set up. As from April 2002 the responsibility of managing Westminster's Housing is with an ALMO, namely City West Homes Limited. Every Westminster Council resident will benefit, living in a Decent Home.

Finally, we wish to express our thanks to the CGCA for its support throughout the year and best wishes for the coming year.

Karl Beck

 

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