"Neglected" neighbourhood bids for its own community council - Queen's Park encouraged by Localism Bill

Published: 28 January 2011
by JOSH LOEB

A “NEGLECTED” Westminster neighbourhood could become the first in London to be represented by a “community council” – a type of local government body committed to lobbying City Hall. 

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg and Westminster North Labour MP Karen Buck were among the guests at the Beethoven Community Centre in Third Avenue on Saturday for the launch of the campaign for a community council in Queen’s Park. 

An artwork depicting the redbrick streets of the area and bearing the message “Love Queen’s Park” was unveiled at the event by its creator, street artist Brian Okello, who lives on the Mozart estate. 

Queen’s Park Forum – an elected organisation that currently works to promote the area – has been told by City Hall that it will have its funding cut off in two months.

Its chairwoman Angela Singhate said the neighbourhood ran the risk of losing out in the “postcode lottery”.

She said: “Sometimes I think we are in danger of getting forgotten here at the tip of north Westminster.”

Emma Sweeney, vice-chair, said: “From the beginning it’s been clear that people were unhappy about the forum being taken away and we believe a community council is the best way to carry on the work.”

Residents are being encouraged to set up community councils, also known as parish councils, as part of the Localism Bill being introduced by the government.

Campaigners say they are exploring ways of funding the organisation. Money could come from the Paddington Development Trust, via fundraising from local residents, or even through a 50p council tax levy.