Ovington Square Residents Association

OVINGTON SQUARE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Rubbish problems created for residents because of the cut through
to the Brompton road and all the foreign vehicles that hang around

Ovington Residents have seen quality of life drastically reduced and conditions eroded
to the point of a crisis. The use of the Square as a cut through by the huge surge of
number of Ubers, taxis, delivery and transport vehicles ( and all the rubbish they throw
out the window) speed through the square, the dangerous foreign supercars gun their
way down all through the night ( especially weekends) , all the idling of cars, noise and
nuisance issues have reduced the square to a sad, empty location with only a few homeowners
left living in their homes.
Now crime levels have surged and more dangerous incidents have been occurring.
With schools and churches next door, the residents want major protective measures
taken to rebuild the square and attract families once again.
Ovington Square Residents want to stop their Square used as a shortcut to the Brompton
Road. 98 percent of the vehicles have no need at all to use our square other than
the knowledge they can go through it at high speeds and there is no one to stop them.
2

19 May 2019
Flytipping and wrong rubbish left overnight.
15 May 2019
Non stop traffic and music from 4pm. Impossible to open a window.
3

14 May 2019
Non stop cars and trucks in Square all day. High levels of noise and screeching and
running engines for 3 hours.
Ovington Squares is not meant to be a highway but a quiet residencial square.
Traffic piled up, screeching of breaks and loud noises of cars for hours.
4

Bins put up by residents and emptied by residents - 5 bins put on garden railings due
to excessive rubbish and foodstuffs from drivers dumping takeaways after eating late at
night. Illegal rubbish dumping daily.
Signs are meaningless when nothing is ever enforced. Most illegal garbage dumping
due to AirB&B.
5

Frequent buildup of cars all the way down our street with all the sounds and revving
sounds - all wanting to join Brompton Road.
Example of how much congestion piles up in our area:
6

Examples of trucks that are not allowed in the square but come in and block it:
Examples of rogue builders who remove Road Closed signs and ignore all rules:
7

Examples of residents cars (parked) smashed by trucks coming around square:
Illegal truck blocks square and scratches parked cars. Causes a back stop of thirty cars.
Residents have to help block square and back up all cars until truck backs out. 1 hour
exercise.
8

Illegal dumping of rubbish Ovington Square, location is outside 8 Ovington Square:
Example today of a resident’s bin (1 of 5) and how it is filled over one night. Before all this
rubbish was thrown into garden from people parking late at night and eating takeaway.
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EMAIL CONVERSATIONS
15 May 2019 at 6:44
From: Terry Anne Vietri
To: Cllr.mary.weale
CC: Mike Vietri
Subject: Ovington Square “Rat Run”
Dear Councillor Weale
With reference to the above, we have lived at 1 Ovington Square for a number of years
and have noticed a huge increase in the traffic through the square. We have had to
double glaze our windows due to the noise of the cars and motorbikes rushing through
to get to Brompton Road. I fear for my child crossing the road to use the garden. This
was a peaceful square when we invested here.
There are often street people loitering and they leave their rubbish which we inevitably
have to clean up. The congestion towards Brompton Road is crazy as many chauffeur
drivers use this road to wait for their passengers. They then leave their coffee cups etc
on the pavement. Why are these drivers not fined or told to move for sitting there for
hours at a time?
As a resident its not safe to park ones car outside our flat as it gets damaged by the
lawless drivers speeding through.
12 May 2019 at 10:36
Dear Councillor Weale,
Our family owns the freehold and flats 4, 5 and 6 at 35 ovington square SW3 1LJ. We
come to london frequently and stay at Ovington Square.
We fully agree with everything the various residents have written to you regarding
the ever increasing traffic around Ovington square, and we would like to add that the
pollution and noise from the cars is becoming unbearable. In fact, as we have white
curtains on our windows facing the square, these become filthy from the black carbon
deposits which sit on the curtains coming from the exhausts of cars, mostly when idling,
being blocked by lorries which are stuck in the square due to the very narrow passage
allowed between the parked cars. we have children who are breathing this air and as
you know knightsbridge has very high air pollution from traffic.
We strongly recommend that no cars/trucks are allowed to go through from walton street
to brompton road, apart from cars with residence permits which would, of course be
allowed to park, as they presently do.
10

Strong policing, cameras and heavy fines for the drivers who do not abide by this should
be implemented as soon as possible.
12 May 2019 at 09:59
From: Mike Vietri
To: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
Cc: Terry Anne Vietri
Subject: Fwd: Ovington Square Petition to Close “Rat Run”
Andrea
Thank you for the time and effort you are putting in to make Ovington Square a better
place for all its residents
I confirm that Terry Anne and I still stay at 1 Ovington Square.
The traffic through the square has increased immeasurably and the “rat run” that Ovington
has become has forced us to install additional glazing inside our windows to reduce the
traffic noise, especially at night where sleeping became almost impossible
Once again thank you for your efforts.
They are greatly appreciated.
11 May 2019 at 15:53
From: Andrea Hamilton
To: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
Subject: Ovington Square Petition to Close “Rat Run”
Dear Neighbours,
I am checking who is still living in Ovington Square and if you would like to receive
information from the Ovington Square Residents Association.
We are working hard to improve conditions in the square. Our first objective is to close
down the thorough street from Walton Street to the Brompton Road which is bringing
the square lots of noise and nuisance especially nights and weekends. Our objective
to build a strong and safe neighbourhood community. We are in the petition stage and
will be moving forward to a full public consultation after we go through some roundtable
discussions with the transport and police departments.
Can you kindly let me know if you are still living in the square. In the meanwhile, I
have attached a full history of events occurring as well as a list of proposed options
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to improve traffic in the square. If you would like to write in to the council about your
own experiences, please do so and copy me in so we can add your information to our
documentation. Attached is a document with complaint letters I am putting together.
If you happen to have ever written to the council in the past complaining about the speed
of cars, dangers etc. coming down the street please do send to me if you would like it
included.
If not and you would like to document your thoughts, please can you write to (and send
me a copy)
Cllr.mary.weale@rbkc.gov.uk
Cllr.walaa.idris@rbkc.gov.uk
Cllr.Will.Pascall@rbkc.gov.uk
Ian.davies@rbkc.gov.uk
I have attached a few ideas being discussed informally and would appreciate any
thoughts you might have on these as well.
If you know any other people living in our square, please do send me their details or
forward this and I will gladly inform them about it all.
10 May 2019 at 14:30
From: Diana Sieff
To: “cllr.Mary.Weale@rbkc.gov.uk”
Subject: Ovington Square
Dear Mary
I am sadly unable to attend the meeting on Saturday.
I feel very strongly, as many other residents feel the square is being destroyed by the
endless ‘rat run’ situation and the over sized cars/lorries and vans that squeeze along
the east side of the square often causing a lot of damage.
The very obvious solution would be to stop the rat run by restricting the the exiting onto
the Brompton Road effectually making it into a cul de sac except for emergency vehicles.
It really is an unacceptable situation which could be easily resolved.
I understand there is a meeting tomorrow which I sadly cannot attend.
Thank you so much for listening to my concerns
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10 May 2019 at 10:26
From: Victoria Baring
To: “’ajarvishamilton@aol.com’”
Subject: Ovington Square, SW3
Dear Andrea
In anticipation of the meeting proposed for 11am tomorrow in Ovington Square regarding
the traffic flow situation, please find below my letter in support of the resident proposals.
Please feel free to forward to relevant persons.
For the attention of RBKC
I am writing in support of proposals by the residents of Ovington Square, SW3 to tackle
the traffic issues encountered daily in the square. I am a resident of Ovington Square
and have lived at number 28 for over 4 years.
For some time now, the traffic situation has become a great cause for concern. The
opposite side of the square to me is a rat run all day long for traffic cutting through from
Pont Street and going out onto Brompton Road. Whilst this does not affect my property
directly it does affect my life on the square. Almost every day as a pedestrian I struggle
with cars coming far too fast which are a danger to both me and my two young children.
To cross the top of the square at Walton Place as a pedestrian is incredibly dangerous.
My children, attending the Knightsbridge School, are at risk every day trying to cross
with cars coming to the junction very fast and swinging into the square on the wrong side
of the road. This is also a problem when I am in a car myself or on my scooter. I have
been hit twice waiting at the junction by cars swinging in recklessly from Walton Street. I
think you only have to look at the devastation caused a couple of weeks ago by a driver
who not only smashed into the railings of the house on the corner of that junction (as
well as the house itself causing a lot of damage) but who also managed to shear the
Royal Mail post box clean away (made of iron on a cement base!) Had one of us or our
children been at that crossing at the time (which we frequently are) the resulting tragedy
is unthinkable.
If this kind of damage and accident caused by the constant traffic flow was a one off,
then it would be acceptable but this sort of incident is happening on a regular basis. I
noted a Porsche Boxter parked on the uneven numbered side of the square (opposite
to me) a few months back which had been hit so hard, the car had been pulled out into
the road and the entire back axel had been wiped out. A few weeks later, I noted a car,
parked a little further down the square towards the Brompton Road, with a huge gash in
the side of it. I have also been a victim to this sort of reckless driving.
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Only 4 weeks ago a vehicle drove not only into my parked car but 3 others. The damage
to my car is so bad, it will likely be declared a write off – the sort of damage that only
someone driving at excess speeds and with a total lack of care could have caused (see
attached photo). To make matters worse, these drivers causing the damage are not
only reckless but are not even taking responsibility by leaving their details. So I have
no compensation for the complete destruction of my car (and nor do the other resident
car owners) and as a single mother, now without a car and without the compensation
to replace my car, I am in a very poor position. Usually my side of the square is quiet,
because it is not a cut through but at the time of this incident, Beauchamp Place was
closed for works and my side of the square was transformed for a couple of weeks into
the same sort of rat run as the other side of the square experiences on a daily basis.
That aside, my car and scooter have still sustained damage on a consistent basis since
I have lived on the square (scrapes and scratches from passing vehicles) so I can only
imagine how difficult it is for the residents on the opposite side of the square to endure
their daily situation.
As I hope I have made clear, the residents of the square are having to put up with danger
as well as damage to their property as a direct result of the traffic flow and on a daily
basis. In addition, I would like to raise the issue of pollution as a result of queuing traffic
in the square, particularly at weekends. Whilst the square is a cut through and therefore
subject to fast, reckless driving on most days, conversely it becomes a terrible bottleneck
at the weekends due to it being a cut through with a single yellow line section. Because
there is only a single yellow line along Ovington Gardens (the access from the square
out onto the Brompton Road), this road becomes single lane over the weekends with
cars parked all the way along the single yellow line. This means that traffic turning into
Ovington Gardens (another very dangerous pedestrian crossing point) is meeting the
huge flow of traffic cutting through the square head on and this causes traffic to queue
right back up to Walton Street on a regular basis throughout the weekends as well as a
dangerous black spot on the red route on the turning into the square from the Brompton
Road. As we know, cars idling/queuing contribute hugely to local pollution levels and so
I can only imagine what these levels are at these times.
Finally, and as I am sure you are aware, Ovington Square is in an area prone to antisocial
driving behaviour, particularly by drivers of noisy high performance cars and particularly
in the evenings and late at night. We seem to have a “high performance grand prix event”
several times a week which is completely unacceptable but, as of course I realise, almost
impossible to directly enforce against. Hopefully, however, this behaviour is preventable
by taking some serious steps to manage the traffic flow through the square.
I would like to support any scheme proposed by the residents which will reduce the very
real current risk to myself and my children as well as to my property and peace of mind
and I would like the council to look very seriously at tackling the issues that I have raised.
14

10 May 2019 at 10:19
From: David Jarvis
To: cllr.mary.weale@rbkc.gov.uk, cllr.walaa.idris@rbkc.gov.uk, ian.davies@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Ovington Gardens and Square
Dear Counsellor Weale,
I am writing to you to support the complaints which I believe you have been receiving
about the motor traffic in Ovington Gardens and Square.
I have been living in the Gardens for about ten years and during this period the residential
area has been become a noisy motorway with an ever increasing flow of faster and
faster moving traffic not respecting our laws. It has become extremely dangerous and
the area is deteriorating.
I believe that the ever increasing traffic has to some extent due to the importance of
Beauchamp Place as a major thoroughfare and the rapid growth of immigrant populations
around the area driving fast cars at ridiculous speeds creating extremely dangerous
situations for pedestrians, particularly our children.
We have to find solutions which could include stopping the use of the square as a
thoroughfare (urgently), highlighted signing of speed and sound restrictions, improved
policing, etc. The current situation is untenable and we would appreciate your help.
03 May 2019 at 17:41
From: "Davies, Ian: TTS-TransHighways: RBKC"
Cc: "Cllr, Pascall, Will: RBKC" , "Cllr, Idris, Walaa: RBKC"
, "Cllr, McVeigh, Sof: RBKC" , "Cllr, Weale, Mary: RBKC"
Subject: OVINGTON SQUARE - OVINGTON GARDENS
Dear All,
I’m very sorry to hear of the issues in Ovington Square – Ovington Gardens. I am
currently talking to officers across Council Departments and your Ward Councillors to
see what we can do to help. I will be in touch again in a couple of weeks once we have
a way forward.
15

01 May 2019 at 18:38
From: Ektor Grammatopoulos ektor.grammatopoulos@icloud.com
To: Condacci Ioana ioana.condacci@aoginvest.com
Cc: “Cllr, Weale, Mary: RBKC” cllr.Mary.Weale@rbkc.gov.uk, ANDREA HAMILTON
ajarvishamilton@aol.com, Daniel Reis daniel.reis@petroleumequity.com
Subject: Re: Ovington Square
Dear Mary,
Adding on the notes below I can tell you with 100% confidence that Ovington Mews
and that little area on Ovington Gardens has a significant drug and prostitution problem
stemming from separate sites one or more from the news and one or more from Ovington
Gardens. Very sad to write this in an email. As you can understand this is not acceptable
as they both pose safety issues.
At this stage, it is sensible to impose an emergency shut down of one of the entries with
a formal consultation to follow.
01 May 2019 at 15:17
From: Condacci Ioana
To: Cllr, Weale, Mary: RBKC
CC: Hurley, Tony: TTS-TransHighways: RBKC ; simon.
chilton@justcleaninglondon.co.uk ; ektor.
grammatopoulos@icloud.com ; bht ; ANDREA HAMILTON ; Daniel Reis
Subject: RE: Ovington Square
Dear Mary,
Thank you for your interest in our cause to restore the quiet and residential living
conditions we once had in Ovington Square.
To add to the testimonies that you already received with respect to the appalling state of
affaires in Ovington Square and the streets leading to the square, I feel compelled to let
you know the following facts to which me and my children, living at 5 Ovington Square,
are/were direct witnesses.
Firstly, cars are regularly racing through the square from Walton street to Brompton road
at an inconsiderate speed which can sometime reach over 40 miles per hour.
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This is the case for many fancy high horse-powered cars with middle eastern number
plates but also for other cars which use the square is a safe conduit to save precious
minutes on traffic days. As a consequence, it is not safe for residents to cross the street
and even more so when you are accompanied by children. I experienced a near death
incident when my daughter ( aged 8 at that time) and myself were just about to be hit by
a car as we crossed the street.
Needless to say that we are not the only family with children leaving around the square that
is at risk. Many other families use the streets leading to the square to join Knightsbridge
School for drop-offs and pick-ups and I always leave in fear that one child might one day
cross the street to run after a ball or have a roller blade or scooter accident and might
end up hit by a car driving at inconsiderate speed.
Further, I have witnessed cars around the weekend using the square as a party place,
taking meals from Mac Donalds and some beers, and stopping on the square to have
dinner and playing loud music with rather inappropriate lyrics. One night, some time in
spring 2017, I was coming back home around 7 pm, with my son (who was 6 years old
at that time) to find such a party of approx. 5 persons with a girl in a mini squirt who was
standing in front of the car’s bonnet dancing in a very evocative manner to the sound of
a track with sexually connotated lyrics that I would not dare to reproduce here but which
my son, unfortunately, picked up and was keen to repeat.
Being quite appalled by the scene, I told the girl in a polite but firm tone to go and party
elsewhere since the square is a residential place unfit for this type of activity, to what I
have been answered by the driver of the car, in a less polite tone and manner, that as
long as it is a public road they have the right to be there and that I had to apologize to
the girl which I refused to do, quickly entering into my building in fear of being assaulted.
The car left after 30 minutes dumping an impressive amount of litter on the square.
Finally, I have seen quite regularly a number of cars who park at the very beginning
of Ovington Mews where you have a covered conduit with drivers meeting with other
drivers and, I do not know this for a fact, but I have the feeling that drug trafficking might
take place there.
In view of the above, I do believe that closing the square is the appropriate solution to
end such behaviors, putting the community at risk, and restore decent living conditions
for the square residents.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like a more formal testimony that I will be very
happy to provide.
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01 May 2019 at 14:02
From: “Cllr, Weale, Mary: RBKC” cllr.Mary.Weale@rbkc.gov.uk
To: ANDREA HAMILTON ajarvishamilton@aol.com
Cc: bht rbkcbht@OfficeSharedService.onmicrosoft.com
Subject: RE: OVINGTON SQUARE SW3 1LR (TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT)
Dear Andrea
I am just checking what work has already been done on this because although I had not
really been aware of concerns before the last ten days there has obviously been some
discussion already.
Whatever happens, there will have to be a full consultation, which I am sure you would
support, as some residents may oppose it.
You don’t need to to but you might like to register to speak at a council meeting and raise
the issue – there is an hour set aside for residents at the beginning of each meeting:
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/council-councillors-and-democracy/councillors-andcommittees/speak-full-council-meeting.
Let me know if you register as the three of us would be happy to support/advise you.
30 April 2019 at 12:07
From: Ektor Grammatopoulos
To: Hurley, Tony: TTS-TransHighways: RBKC
CC: Cllr, Weale, Mary: RBKC ; simon.chilton@
justcleaninglondon.co.uk ; ANDREA
HAMILTON ; bht ; ioana.condacci@aoginvest.com
Subject: Re: Ovington Square
Dear Mr Hurley,
Thank you for your response in this matter.
I thoroughly support a barrier on either Walton Street or on Brompton road as deemed
most appropriate.
The content of your email below implies that everything was fine before Beauchamp place
was temporarily closed. This is inaccurate. Cars travelling at high speed, traffic, litter,
noise has been an ongoing issue for as long as I can remember but it has progressively
got worse in the last two years.
18

We are currently at very high risk of a Road Traffic Accident happening and if that occurs
accountability will lie to anybody within the council who opposes a barrier. Evidence of
this is the number of damaged cars at the moment on Ovington Square.
The main immediate concern that I have is vehicles passing at very high speed. The
road is very narrow along the long-span of the square. A Road Traffic Accident is very
likely to happen in the near future if a pedestrian is trapped between two parked cars.
I have a personal experience when a car was driving at really high speed around the
curve and luckily I heard the loud noise and I had to literally jump! The car missed my
foot by 1-2 centimetres and this happened on a Sunday morning. We have young
children who live on the square and it is frankly dangerous to leave them unattended.
Accidents happen once and with the speed that these sports cars are travelling, one just
has to blink before it is too late.
29 April 2019 at 15:46
From: ANDREA HAMILTON ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Cllr, Idris, Walaa: RBKC Cllr.Walaa.Idris@rbkc.gov.uk; Cllr, Weale, Mary: RBKC cllr.
Mary.Weale@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Re: OVINGTON SQUARE SW3 1LR (TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT)
Dear Walaa and Mary,
Thank you. We simply have to close the square now. The easiest and preferable is
probably to close from Brompton Rd and put a sign No Thorough Rd on Walton St. Just
a few signs should do it. ( If any emergency vehicles need to use it they bypass the
signs). But we could also close the Walton end. What matters is it’s not a thorough road
for anyone.
I think that doing this will actually improve the whole area- since it has been closed and
partially closed the last few days it’s been amazing
- almost no rubbish dumped by all the cars whizzing around with their take out food.
- almost no scary/ strange people hanging at all hours of the day and night.
- the thundering of trucks and cars has eased.
- a family night even consider coming here now.
- this stops the cruising / speeding/ loud music also of all the noisy cars - all night long.
- especially weekends (we have had some very serious near misses - to children,etc).
- provides a much safer neighbourhood.
- allows Residents to actually enjoy the garden- it’s been too much noise and pollution
so no one goes there.
- also much less hanging out and idling of cars- all those Uber’s/ delivery vehicles, etc.
19

- makes it less have the feeling that no one is watching and it’s a free for all to break all
rules.
- normally I do 6 full rubbish bag collections of take out food, etc through the day- this
was reduced to 1.
- this should make more long term tenants and owners move in and reduce the Air B
and B issue.
- Also- we had got to the point of being afraid to leave our house after 5 pm without
heading straight into a car/ taxi . Certainly I would not allow my children to walk by
themselves.
So many strange people parking, hanging out and heading to Brompton Road- this will
also get better. Safety has to be a big argument too. No one wants to live in our square
any more - I think this would change- we want to bring back families and community - we
have several schools and churches next door.
The residents that are left are truly not going to accept a no- it’s been too long and too
hard. If we need to speak to the council or attend a meeting - I’m happy to do this and
bring you a big group of Residents.
29 April 2019 at 15:08
Cllr, Idris, Walaa: RBKC Cllr.Walaa.Idris@rbkc.gov.uk wrote:
Dear all,
There is a huge appetite for something more permanent. I had a meeting with Mahmood
Saddiqi weeks ago, and still waiting to hear from him and Cllr Pascal about any progress/
suggestions. They (Ovington Sq/Garden residents) wanted to make their Street ‘No
Through’ access for a while now. I saw myself, the rubbish and damage to the pavements
left behind by mini cab drivers who use the square as a rest point between pick ups and
sadly agree something need to be done. The recent closure of Beauchamp Street only
worsened what was already an unbearable situation. If any of you can move things one
way or another it will be extremely helpful.
29 April 2019 at 12:46
From: Cllr, Weale, Mary: RBKC cllr.mary.weale@rbkc.gov.uk
To: Davies, Ian: TTS-TransHighways: RBKC
Cc: bht
Subject: FW: OVINGTON SQUARE SW3 1LR (TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT)
Dear Ian
Mr Hurley says he has passed all this correspondence on to you and I wondered if we
20

could discuss it at some point? I wondered if this is just a flare up due to the neighbouring
works or whether there really is an appetite/possibility to do something permanent.
I suspect some residents would be just as opposed to any change.
26 April 2019 at 16:09
From: Simon Chilton
To: Hurley, Tony: TTS-TransHighways: RBKC Cc: Cllr, Idris,
Walaa: RBKC ; Cllr, Weale, Mary: RBKC ; Noise Team: WCC ; Andrea
; ‘margarette. oldham’ ; Hilly Pilkington ; Streetline: RBKC ;greger.hamilton@ovingtonfinancial.com;tennisfelixhamilton@gmail.com; Daniel
and Ioana Reis ; Fardin Ghodoussi ; Daniel and Ioana Reis ; ‘Kate Shaul’ ; Ektor Grammatopoulos ;
‘William Norris’ ; ‘Catherine Norris’ ;
Zouheir Rayes ; Zouheir Rayes
Subject: OVINGTON SQUARE SW3 1LR (TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT)
Dear Mr Hurley
Following on from yesterday and your suggestion that there were no real traffic control
issues in the square.
Two things here:
a) Road Close Sign totally ignored. Why is it there if…
b) The road is still open as a single lane for two way traffic.
Another wonderful sign for HGV Vehicles being totally ignored.
Why put signs up which people ignore and always have done.
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No RH turn into Ovington Square – Nice and clear.
Cars turning right into Ovington Square.
Why put signs up without some kind of enforcement or obstacle to ensure compliance.
Car going down “road closed” and ignoring “no right turn” sign. Single lane created
yesterday for two way traffic.
What is the point of this sign – most people probably do not know what PSPO means.
Can you confirm if anyone has ever been prosecuted (or even stopped) for ignoring this
sign.
Who is it in the Council who thinks that this sign will encourage considerate driving and
prevent noise. No point having signs if you do not enforce them.
22

SOLUTION
Sensible signage which can be enforced and monitored.
The HGV Sign at the entrance of Ovington Square/Walton Street should be monitored
by camera and fines issued (similar to the West End – Previously stated).
A barrier lifting gate should be considered to be installed at the Brompton Road end of
the Square (suggestion).
There would still be access for emergency vehicles for buildings accessed from the
Brompton Road end and normal access to the Square from Walton Street.
For any other necessity, the barrier (locked) could be lifted by the emergency services
giving straight access direct from the Brompton Road end to Walton Street via the
Square Gardens.
All traffic would be channelled and kept to the main road routes (previously suggested)
and Ovington Square would no longer be a ratrun.
We still have the issue of all the damaged cars in the Square, a dog nearly killed last
Sunday and hire cars using our Square as a public convenience and rubbish tip.
Praying on mats should also be on the agenda – Do they have “mat permits” for this.
Hopefully this all helps – I further await your response to my previous two emails (copy
below and attached). Thank you for your consideration.
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25 April 2019 at 18:52
From: Simon Chilton
To: Tony Hurley (tony.hurley@rbkc.gov.uk) Cc: Cllr.Walaa.
Idris@rbkc.gov.uk;noiseteam@westminster.gov.uk; Andrea ; margarette. oldham ; Hilly Pilkington
; streetline@rbkc.gov.uk; greger.hamilton@ovingtonfinancial.
com; Fardin Ghodoussi ; Mary Weale ;tennisfelixhamilton@gmail.com; Daniel and Ioana Reis ; Daniel and Ioana Reis ; Flat 07 Kate
Shaul ; Flat 11 - Ektor ;
Flat 10 - William Norris ; Flat 10 Catherine Norris ; Flat 05 (Z Rayes) -zrayes@btinternet.com ; Flat 05
-z.rayes@cyberia.net.lb
Subject: Re: OVINGTON SQUARE SW3 1LR (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT – CHAOS)
Mr Hurley,
I am incensed at your arrogant and dismissive reply. How dare you think you know better
than the residents of Ovington Square and the antisocial issues we have to contend
with. We do not need a history lesson of the goings on of incompetent thinking. Listen
to what we are telling you and we would appreciate constructive resolve and remedy.
There is a major issue of antisocial driving and traffic noise. We need you to concentrate
on the problem and not defend it. Nothing has been done today to address or help - only
excuses and alternative thinking. As I understand it , you people are there to help come
up with a solution - not pussyfoot and dismiss. Residents have had enough of mediocrity
and we need to review. I have already given my views on correctly re-routing traffic via
the correct routes - Ovington Sq should not be allowed to be a rat run for noisy foreign
visitors with no consideration or thought. The square is residential and not a racetrack
to the inconsiderate. Please answer points previously raised, The council should pay for
the damaged cars and we want restrictions put in place. We will not be fobbed off any
longer with excuses - this needs resolution. Your tone suggests that we are idiots who
should bow to poor management. Wrong, we are business people looking for a result
sooner than later. PS who was the idiot who authorised single lane traffic to Walton
Street today - more blockage and chaos. Unbelievable.....
25 April 2019 at 15:13
From: Hurley, Tony: TTS-TransHighways: RBKC
To: Cllr, Weale, Mary: RBKC Cc: Simon Chilton
; ANDREA HAMILTON ;ektor.grammatopoulos@icloud.com; bht ;ioana.condacci@aoginvest.com
Subject: RE: Ovington Square
24

Cllr Weale,
Please be advised below is the current situation is as a result of the closure of Beauchamp
Place and traffic not following the official signposted diversion route down Walton Street.
The Works in Beauchamp Place were planned to be a northbound directional closure for
the two weeks over the school Easter holidays, whilst the traffic levels are generally at
their lowest, and should have completed on Thursday 18th April.
Unfortunately, during the course of these works significant voids were uncovered. For
safety reasons it was necessary to fully close the road while the voids were being
investigated. This meant that the planned utility works were impacted and took longer
as a result.
Beauchamp Place is scheduled to reopen at 3pm this afternoon. However these works
have now moved onto Walton Street where temporary traffic signals have been deployed
. This final phase of works is scheduled to complete by end of play Saturday 27th April
Over the Easter weekend at the junction of Walton Street and Ovington Square, there
was a Road Traffic Accident, resulting in the post box being demolished and the corner
house suffering damage. This RTA also damaged the gas supply to the property, which
meant the gas company had to carry out emergency road works to isolate the gas supply
from where it is connected to the gas main. Cadent Gas had to close Ovington Square
northbound from the junction of Walton Street and temporarily close it fully to facilitate
the excavated materials be removed via the grab lorry.
Regarding the issue around traffic congestion, I have witnessed whilst on site that some
vehicles are choosing to ignore the road closure signs and drive around them This then
results in a number of other vehicles following them. We have requested further signage
is deployed to reinforce the diversion and road closure/banned turn. As of yesterday
afternoon Ovington Square was reopened to southbound traffic from the Brompton road.
We are now chasing Cadent Gas to get their excavation backfilled and to fully reopen
the road.
I received a number of telephone calls and emails from residents yesterday all concerned
about the current situation and stating that this issue with traffic has been ongoing for a
number of years.
They wanted to know what the Council was going to do to rectify this matter. I informed
them that I have contacted the local Police SNT, to ask for assistance in enforcing current
traffic violations, and that I have forwarded on their concerns about the long term traffic
problems to our traffic department who are best placed to deal with them.
25

It should be noted that I visited Ovington Square, yesterday and again this morning
between 9am to 9;30am, and I did not witness any undue traffic congestion in the road,
other than those being caused by the various builders that were working on a number
of properties in Ovington Square, who were trying to park large vans, therefore reducing
the width of the available carriageway.
Photographs taken this morning attached below:
26

25 April 2019 at 12:05
From: Cllr, Weale, Mary: RBKC
To: Hurley, Tony: TTS-TransHighways: RBKC Cc:
simon.chilton@justcleaninglondon.co.uk; ANDREA HAMILTON ;ektor.grammatopoulos@icloud.com; bht ;ioana.condacci@aoginvest.com
Subject: Ovington Square
Dear Mr Hurley
I have received a torrent of complaints from concerned residents in Ovington Square,
they seem to be suffering from an onslaught of traffic.
Please would you let me know what measures we are taking to address the immediate
problem caused by the diversion and then once the diversion is over we need to consider
whether there is a more drastic long-term solution that is both feasible and supported by
the majority of the residents.
29 April 2019 at 13:45
From: streetline
To: ajarvishamilton
Subject: RE: Ovington Square Fly-tipping
Dear Mr Hamilton,
NOTE: Did you know that you can report waste/street issues using our online form? Do
so by clicking on https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/myrbkc/report/w/webpage/337BFACB1
Thank you for your email. This has now been logged for investigation and action. For
your records the reference number is: SR2440
Thank you for reporting this problem to us.
27

27 April 2019 at 08:26
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Ovington Square Fly-tipping
Lots of take out and Maroush wrappers littered all around Square.
24 April 2019 at 14:24
From: Ektor Grammatopoulos
To: Simon Chilton
CC: tiny.hurley@rbkc.gkv.uk ; Andrea ; Cllr.Walaa.Idris@rbkc.gov.uk ; margarette.
oldham ; Hilly Pilkington ;
noiseteam@westminster.gov.uk ; streetline@rbkc.
gov.uk ; greger.hamilton@ovingtonfinancial.com ; Fardin Ghodoussi ; Fardin
Ghodoussi ; Daniel and Ioana Reis ; Daniel and Ioana Reis ; Mary Weale
; tennisfelixhamilton@gmail.com ; Flat 07 Kate Shaul ; Flat 10 - William Norris
; Flat 10 - Catherine Norris ; Flat 05 (Z
Rayes) - zrayes@btinternet.com ; Flat 05 - z.rayes@cyberia.
net.lb
28

Subject: Re: OVINGTON SQUARE SW3 1LR (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT – CHAOS)
Dear Mr Hurley,
I shall be grateful if you would prioritise your attention to the problems outlined here.
I support Mr Chilton’s email below.
I was literally almost run over last Sunday morning by a sports jeep going at very high
speed. It literally missed my foot by a couple of centimetre and this is because I was
lucky enough to jump fast away. I could not make a note of the number plate as it was
foreign, and it went too fast.
Litter everywhere on the square on most weekend mornings.
Terrible noise at the early hours of most nights coming from beauchamp place. I have
installed double glazing at my flat which is nowhere near enough to stop noise.
The RBK&C signs on lampposts in Pont Street stating “PSPO Anti-Social Driving Noise”
warnings in my opinion serve little or no purpose. Those who drive their cars fast would
never notice them or care to follow them. Most people would not know what Public
Spaces Protection Order means or its abbreviation.
I think at this stage it is imperative that one end of the square is closed off, at least
temporarily so. I am happy to provide more evidence for the above upon request.
24 April 2019 at 13:51
Simon Chilton wrote:
Dear Mr Hurley
Single handedly, Ovington Square has been turned into a car park of utter chaos, noise
and lawlessness. The Traffic Management is a disgrace caused by mediocrity within
RBK&C.
Councils are all too quick in demanding prompt payment of their service charges but
experts at giving excuses for ludicrous decision making.
Ovington Square should be a quiet Residential Square in the heart of Knightsbridge.
This is a recognised precedent for most Garden Squares in the centre of London and the
Council has no legal basis to change this.
Beauchamp Place is closed and is a main artery from Pont Street to the Brompton Road.
The Council needs to redirect traffic responsibly via main routes (not rat runs through
Ovington Square) being Sloane Street to Brompton Road or via Walton Street to S.Ken/
Cromwell Road or via Belgrave Square back to Hyde Park corner.
29

Proper signage, road blocks and traffic control systems should be in place – They are
not. RBK&C has failed to do this in all respects with Ovington Square and are acting in
a negligent maverick manner.
There are RBK&C signs on lampposts in Pont Street stating “PSPO Anti-Social Driving
Noise” warnings.
What enforcement do you follow and where are the Police – How many convictions?
Super cars with Kuwait, Dubai/Emirate and Bahraini number plates race around
Knightsbridge at will - Beauchamp Place, Ovington Square, Walton Street, Sloane Street
and everywhere else and still RBK&C do nothing.
There have been television programmes on super car noise levels and yes…. Nothing.
The noise is terrible with these cars with their high revving, racing at high speed and
back firing (like gunshots) - these people often tune their cars for this purpose – They
have no respect for London Residents and are totally self-indulgent knowing that the
Police are never to be seen - toothless.
We also have Uber cabs parking in the Square at all hours – These drivers defecate
around the Square, leave takeaway rubbish in the Square and it is not uncommon for
them to lay praying mats in the parking spaces – The Council does nothing.
Photos attached of at least four vehicles damaged last week in Ovington Square caused
by poor traffic management. Large trucks, cement mixers, scaffold lorries, removal vans
– It is a free for all.
RBK&C should pay for this damage – Trucks (much too large) shortcut through the
Square and ignore pointless signs to use the main roads – This should be enforced by
installing cameras (they have them in the Westend for illegal turning, stopping in yellow
boxes etc).
Traffic regularly backs up from the Brompton Road through Ovington Square into Walton
Street.
Super cars revving, horns blowing, loud music from these drivers and RBK&C do nothing
to dampen the noise levels.
Issue on the spot fines (min £1000 – They can afford it). Ferrari’s, Lamborghini’s (the
worst), SUV Mercedes etc especially at night –Where are the Police (Skate boarding,
dancing or sleeping at Marble Arch I read in the papers) - brilliant.
30

SOLUTION
We applied to restrict traffic access in the past and again with Lord Carrington years ago.
We would like to have a meeting to discuss closing off one end of the Square to stop
this madness.
Traffic needs to use the correct routes which I have advised above and this needs to be
controlled by RBK&C (Cameras or Square closures to stop the “rat run”).
RBK&C is now responsible for a lot of damaged vehicles in the Square and a house has
also been “taken out” on the corner of Walton Street/Ovington Gardens.
A Post Box has been demolished, wrought iron railing destroyed and gas works
necessitated all because of reckless driving and poor RBK&C Traffic Management/input.
A dog was hit in Ovington Square last Sunday evening at 7.40pm due to reckless driving.
Quality of life in the Square is terrible because of the RBK&C’s mediocre input - this
needs to be remedied.
Controls need to be put in place and we would appreciate your instant action in the short
term (today) with a further plan for the long term (not just with road works).
Today, we need road closure signs, cones and anything else to be put in place at both
ends of the Square please.
We also request for a meeting of the Residents to be circulated also advising everybody
as copied in. We await your urgent response – Please ensure this is dealt with today –
You have the resources. Thank you.
31

24 April 2019 at 11:41
From: MARGARETTE OLDHAM
To: tiny.hurley
CC: Andrea ; fardin ;
danielstephanreis ; Hilly Pilkington ; fardin40@me.com ; Margot Hogan ; w norris ; David Garner
Subject: Ovington Square incidents almost daily
Dear Mr Hurley,
I have been a resident of Ovington Square for over twenty years,(previously three other
residences in the Borough since mid 1980’s).
The past years in Ovington Sq has become almost unbearable with traffic and noise
pollution. Particularly due to HGV drivers, who totally ignore sine-age both exit and
entry points. Blockages in Square are now seeing vehicles driving wrong side of Square
rather than wait for 15 mins when traffic cannot move. This situation is exacerbated by
the road works in Beauchamp Place as a diversion route. How could anyone in your
department choose such a narrow and unsatisfactory diversion?
I have a catalogue of images to prove how we, the residents, are being abused and
suffer damaged cars ( for my part three cars over the past eight years at great expense
without knowledge of culprits.).
A few of my neighbours and self are having to seriously question whether we choose to
live in the MUCH CHANGED and downgraded Borough, of which we were at one point
proud to say we lived in and-hailed the Council.
Personally I feel vulnerable and afraid to challenge drivers who block the Square
entrances and exits along with late night drivers who clearly are unable to navigate their
vehicles on our roads.
There are many other issues that RBKC need to be aware of and be discussed with
and hopefully addressed. These matters would be better suited to a meeting either
personally or as a group. It would be much appreciated if, with alacrity, you could either
phone me or answer my mail.
23 April 2019 17:02
From: streetline
To: ajarvishamilton
Subject: RE: Ovington Mews Entrance
32

Hello,
NOTE: Did you know that you can report waste/street issues using our online form? Do
so by clicking on https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/myrbkc/report/w/webpage/337BFACB1
Thank you for your email. This has now been logged for investigation and action. For
your records the reference number is: SR2178.
Thank you for reporting this problem to us.
21 April 2019 at 07:13
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Ovington Mews Entrance
Fly tipping along street both sides of Ovington Garden. Wrong rubbish Entrance
Ovington Mews.
33

07 January 2019 at 15:53
From: streetline
To: ajarvishamilton
Subject: RE:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your email. This has now been logged for investigation and action for the
Enforcement Team. For your records the reference number is: 347289
Thank you for reporting this problem to us.
06 January 2019 at 19:05
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject:
An aggressive man, on drugs, in Ovington Square - smells terrible and wreaking havoc
with rubbish.
03 December 2018 at 12:26
From: streetline
To: ajarvishamilton
Subject: RE: Brompton Rd/ Ovington Gardens Dec 2 Report
Dear Mr Hamilton,
Thank you for your email. I have forwarded it to our Street Outreach Team who are
concerned about the problem of homeless rough sleepers.
Their direct email is:
Streetoutreach@rbkc.gov.uk
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/housing/housing-advice-support/rough-sleeping
03 December 2018 at 15:01
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Brompton Rd/ Ovington Gardens Dec 2 Report
34

Dear Streetline,
Continuing to inform you as to the high level of flytipping on Ovington Gardens, SW3
and homeless situation -- this man has been sleeping on the Brompton road 4 months
now in the same place (old Boots entrance) -Ovington garden is often the toilet. The high
level of foodstuffs left out continue to be a huge problem. The streets are being picked
up every few hours by volunteers so its important that you don’t list it as a clean street on
your data sheets - its one of the worst in London! We cannot have our dogs and children
walking by the state of squalor ad cannot wait 2 days for a sweeper who might turn up
or not.
All the trucks and cars as they pull in and back up have damaged the curbs to the square.
01 November 2018 16:27
From: Highways: ES-HwayTraf: RBKC
To: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
CC: Highways: ES-HwayTraf: RBKC
Subject: Ovington Square - Potholes and Damaged Pavements Fault report
Dear Ms Hamilton
Thank you for your email dated 30th October 2018.
I note we previously corresponded regarding the square, see attached for ease of
reference. If your current query relates to the same area, I am afraid the Council’s
position remains unaltered. The Highways Department do not maintain any plinths or
upstands on the back edge of the footway surrounding garden squares only the granite
kerb is maintainable at public expense.
The Highways Department have previously liaised with our Legal Department regarding
the case and I am afraid that as the Council do not have any jurisdiction regarding the
square we are unable to refer you to another party within the Council, as you request.
You may also wish to seek Legal Advice regarding the matter.
The Highway Inspector for the area carried out the routine inspection of Ovington Square
on 3rd October 2018. Following receipt of your email, an additional inspection has been
carried out. No issues were noted with the footway or kerb around the square, however
the concrete upstand at the base of the squares railings was noted as defective in
several places.
A repair job has been issued for a carriageway defect on Ovington Gardens on the
approach to Ovington Square. This work will be carried out within the next 28-days.
Should you have an specific queries relating to the publicly maintainable footway or
carriageway, please provide location details or alternatively a member of the Highways
team will be happy to meet you.
35

30 October 2018 21:21
From: ANDREA HAMILTON
To: Highways: ES-HwayTraf: RBKC
Subject: Re: Ovington Square - Potholes and Damaged Pavements Fault report
Dear Alix,
This is the 5th year we have asked and received the same answer- and I fear this may
occur the rest of our lives. Is there another body we can turn to for help in this matter?
The pavements around the gardens are crumbling and do need fixing. It will never be a
priority yet it is within the responsibility of your department to fix it.
30 October 2018 at 20:06
Highways: ES-HwayTraf: RBKC wrote:
For the Attention of Ms. Hamilton
Thank you for your report regarding the footway’s condition in Ovington Square, around
the garden square.
The Council undertake cyclic inspections of the publicly maintained area of Ovington
Square and when potential hazards are noted repairs are carried out. As a result of your
particular concerns a further inspection was undertaken today and no outstanding hazard
was found. If there are any areas causing you particular concern, I would be grateful if
you could send a photograph and specific location description of the exact spot/s. You
are no doubt aware extensive building development are works being undertaken in the
vicinity. Therefore, it would not be practical to undertake extensive paving reconstruction
at this time. I appreciate the footway in some parts of Ovington Square may not be
aesthetically pleasing. However, it is currently in a safe condition.
Our Highways Planned Maintenance Manager has noted your comments concerning the
overall condition and advises the Council are presently collating data to formulate the
Highways Maintenance Programme for 2019/20. The roads that are considered to be
in most urgent need of repair are given priority. The annual works programme is usually
finalised at the beginning of the financial year (April 2019). The contents of which will not
be known until then, but in the meantime our Highway Inspectors will continue to monitor
the road and deal with any issues as they arise. I hope this information is useful.
36

17 August 2016 at 15:23
From: Highways: ES-HwayTraf
To: ‘ajarvishamilton@aol.com’
Cc: Highways: ES-HwayTraf
Subject: Ovington Square - Potholes and Damaged Pavements Fault report
Dear Ms Hamilton
Further to your e-mail received on 1 August, I can advise that the Highways Department
do not maintain any plinths/upstands on the back edge of the footway surrounding
garden squares.
There are many garden squares in the borough which have a concrete upstand/soil/
hedge/railing abutting the pavement. In all these instances the private garden squares
would also maintain these. The Highways Department do not have any record of ever
maintaining this upstand. We can only conclude that this belongs to the Garden Square
Committee. You can of course seek legal advice regarding the matter.
However, our Legal Department advise that “ we don’t keep any documents as to the
status of a highway and I note you (Highways) have already explained the position
regarding the garden square Committee, who may be liable for the area in question.
Normally individuals (The Garden Square Committee) should seek their own legal
advice.” I am sorry that Highways Maintenance are unable to offer further advice.
01 October 2018 at 15:46
From: streetline
To: ajarvishamilton
Subject: RE: Brompton Road Outside L’Eto
Dear Sir / Madam,
Thank you for your email. The litter issue has been logged with our refuse team who will
investigate and action. With regards to the cars parked in red route area , please follow
the link below:
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/red-routes/contact-red-routes
37

01 October 2018 15:17
From: Sophie Andreae
To: ‘Cristina Quazzo’
CC: ‘Joanna Goodwin’ ;
ajarvishamilton
Subject: RE: Chaos on Brompton Road
Dear Christina
Good to talk just now. The key thing we must all do in the next few weeks is to respond
to the Council’s recent consultation on the renewal of the PSPO. It’s three years since
this was put in place and it’s now up for renewal. As I mentioned, a few months ago the
Council was thinking that it might not renew it because of lack of resources (in wake of
Grenfell) and other pressures (eg Notting Hill Carnival) demanding high resources of
police etc. We made it clear just how important the PCSO was in Brompton Road and
I’m pleased to say the policy recommendation now is that it be renewed for a further
three years. However, it is proposed that the boundary be reduced with S. Ken, Thurloe
Square, Museums and Brompton Sq excluded.
As I mentioned to you, whilst excluding South Kensington and the area around the station
is understandable because the issues there are not the same as in the Brompton Road,
we are concerned about excluding Brompton Square and Alexander Square and even
Thurloe Square as if enforcement can take place in Brompton Road, some activities (eg
pedicabs) will simply move into the streets not covered by the PCSO. So we need to
argue for there to be a sufficient buffer zone.
When I forward you the consultation, you will see that the PCSO covers an area including
Harrods, Sloane Street and down to the Kings Road. Along Sloane Cadogan Gardens to
the east is also within the PSPO boundary. Thus, Sloane Street does have a proposed
buffer zone. We need something similar around Brompton Road and we need to say so.
The proposal – also mentioned in the revised PSPO - to include the control pedicabs
(assuming the legislation to allow this goes ahead) will be a real advance. At present,
pedicabs are a real menace. Totally unlicensed and blaring our loud music.
38

30 September 2018 at 18:14
From: Cristina Quazzo
To: Sophie Andreae
Subject: FW: Chaos on Brompton Road
Dear Sophie,
Please see below.
We would like to arrange a meeting of a few leaders in the neighbourhood with regards
to the chaos around the cafes on Brompton Road. Would you be available sometime this
week or next to address the issue…perhaps one afternoon or early evening?
We would like to brainstorm to flush out some ideas to address and resolve.
Let us know.
PS – Andrea (previously of Egerton Crescent) lives in Ovington Gardens at the top of the
Square and has been very pro-active in trying and clean up the neighbourhood, literally
and figuratively!
29 September 2018 at 22:46
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Brompton Road Outside L’Eto
This occurs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening . Can there please be a office
on duty.
39

7 Aug 2018 at 16:16
Simon Chilton (simon.chilton@justcleaninglondon.co.uk)To:you + 5 more Details
Dear Mr Almond
RE: OVINGTON SQUARE (PHOTOS W/E FRI 20/7/18 – THANK YOU)
I must thank everyone for the brilliant effort put in by your sweepers last weekend.
The photos told a story and thank you for seemingly responding to my comments.
You missed Monday 29/7/18 and Friday looked dodgy but thanks for sending your
sweepers around not only on Saturday but also Sunday ….Excellent job done!
Your two sweepers had virtually a clear run around the Square with empty bays.
Particular praise needs to go to your man “Philip” who was thorough, diligent and very
courteous and my word did he work hard.
This is the sort of man who needs promoting and would be a very good supervisor.
Did they mention the mass of rubbish and boxes on the pavement outside No 18 which
was there all weekend.
The tense thing now about all this is ……can it be sustained.
Thank you for your input and help – Much appreciated.
27 July 2018 at 14:03
From: Simon Chilton
To: ‘Almond, Andrew: ELRS: RBKC’
Cc: Lawrence, Matthew: ELRS: RBKC ; O’hagan,
Gary ; Oliver, Terry: ELRS: RBKC ; Andrea ; greger.hamilton@ovingtonfinancial.com
Subject: OVINGTON/LENNOX /LOWNDES SQ (PHOTOS – W/ENDING FRI 20/7/18)
Dear Mr Almond
Thank you for yours dt 17/7/18 and note that RBK&C feel it unnecessary to continue
corresponding.
In the main, specific points/questions are never answered – only diatribe, facts and
figures – never the meat of the subject which is so politically the way it is these days.
Best results are always sharp and to the point.
I never suggested two men in a 3.5 T cage van – I suggested 2 road sweepers working
together on the street. The cage van only needs one operative – Common sense.
The system you have is not best efficient which is why common sense comes into play.
We have discussed the absurdity of sweepers going up and down the same street all
day instead of diverting elsewhere where they are also needed.
Photos attached to demonstrate that you tackle the Garden Squares either early morning
or at weekends – Stretches of empty parking bays for your Cage Van and good pictures
of tree burrs in the gutters/drains still there from April/May.
40

You have a clear run and the sweepers can stop sweeping into the drains or drinking
red bull in Lowndes Square or playing with their phones. What about the rubbish trucks
clearing up the mess after themselves rather than leaving it to the sweepers – Again a
comment unanswered from previously.
It is not for Suez to pat themselves on the back thinking they do a good job – They are
Public Servants paid by the Tax Payer and they need to listen to constructive comment
– Not dismiss it.
The Supervision needs to be sharpened up and the sweepers need to know that they
are being checked. It is an unsung and difficult job to satisfy all the time – I know that but
they should not leave themselves open to criticism with poor practices.
As they say, a picture tells a story as it is and here are some pictures – To help, not
hinder. Now we just need everyone to give themselves a good kick and wake up a bit to
the fact that there is a better way.
Having said this, thank you for the efforts at Ovington Square – We have a social problem
with society and fines should be issued without warnings etc – Or lets extradite these
people to the States. The Donald would know how to deal with it. Thank you.
17 July 2018 at 14:11
From: Almond, Andrew: ELRS: RBKC
To: Simon Chilton
Cc: Lawrence, Matthew: ELRS: RBKC ; O’hagan,
Gary ; Oliver, Terry: ELRS: RBKC ; Andrea ; greger.hamilton@ovingtonfinancial.com
Subject: RE: OVINGTON/LENNOX GARDENS (PHOTOS – W/ENDING FRI 6/7/18)
Dear Mr Chilton,
I am sorry to hear that you still dissatisfied, despite our site visit, and email exchanges
from both myself and colleagues, some of which I have attached, that you are still
unsatisfied with the services we are providing and the reasons why we provide them in
the way we do, that have been detailed in the attached email exchanges.
We explained that the methodology used is designed to deal with the bespoke challenges
of operating within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and with working
within strict budgetary control. We explained that the cost of providing two men in a 3.5t
cage van is not a cost-effective way of cleaning the streets.
41

As explained, the majority of London boroughs use a mixture of beat sweeper (single
operatives with barrows) and Rapid Response crews, which are the two man operation
that you described. The Rapid Response crews are generally used to clean an area
that has deteriorated outside of the contract specification, and that requires urgent
rectification.
They do not generally attain the standards of a beat sweeper, because their job is to get
in and out of areas as quickly as possible, hence the term “Rapid Response.”
In terms of technology, I can assure you that SUEZ continually trials new equipment. In
fact, the GL 1000, previously known as The Glutton, which your associate, Mr Hamilton
suggested, was trialled in the Borough four years ago. Unfortunately, the machine was
found to be cumbersome, and unable to deal with heavy waste such as bottles and small
tree branches. The wonder hose would continually block, and would require clearing.
We have trialled a number of other small mechanical sweeping machines, all of which
have been unreliable and slow. The reason that the majority of London boroughs -
including Westminster - use beat sweepers, is that these are the most effective and
productive means of street cleaning in densely-populated and heavily-parked areas.
I can give you our assurance that SUEZ will continue to monitor and trial new equipment,
as and when it becomes available to the market; should a more effective means of street
cleansing present itself, SUEZ will certainly seize the opportunity to trial it. As a highprofile
street cleansing contract, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea pilots
new equipment and practices on a regular basis. It must be noted that SUEZ is an
experienced service provider that achieves a consistently high standard throughout the
Borough.
The Contract covers a range of services Borough-wide, extending from Recycling
and Refuse Collection, Street Cleansing, Commercial Waste, Gully Cleansing, Public
Conveniences, Special Events, and Winter Maintenance. As specific numbers of staff
allocation to areas and roles is commercially sensitive/ unfortunately, I am unable to
divulge that information.
I agree with your view that an earlier start time than 07:00 would be preferential for
certain elements of the cleansing operation; however, residential sweeping cannot take
place earlier due to a variety of reasons, including noise complaints from residents.
Please note that our Rapid Response teams start at 06:00, in order to assist with priority
zones, with high-footfall areas, with underground stations, and with emptying litter bins.
We have tried to address your concerns, and we have gone to great detail to explain
how and why the operation functions in the way that it does. Since January, Ovington
Square received four complaints (two from yourself), Ovington Gardens received two
complaints and Lennox Gardens received two complaints; of these eight complaints,
only one was deemed justified.
42

This handful of complaints (from three sources, in total) does not warrant an overhaul of
the existing street cleansing operation. It is not currently possible or practical to allow
local residents to manage the contract in their areas.
As previously mentioned, both the Council and SUEZ will continue to monitor the
Partnership Contract, and to deal with any perceived shortfalls outside of the Contract
specification.
We thank you for your feedback, however, to continue with further correspondence over
the same issues at this stage would not be productive. If a new or different issue is
raised, we will of course investigate and report back to you. Equally, any deterioration
to the street cleansing standards, will always be addressed.
12 July 2018 at 12:54
From: Simon Chilton
To: Almond, Andrew: ELRS: RBKC
Cc: Andrea ; Greger Hamilton
Subject: OVINGTON/LENNOX GARDENS (PHOTOS – W/ENDING FRI 6/7/18)
Dear Mrs Almond
An update on last week – Thank you for responding to email dt 29/6/18 but it must be
said that the issues highlighted have been avoided.
No response to sweepers idly standing by drinking red bull in Lowndes Square or walking
aimlessly around Lennox Gardens.
Good photo of the top end of Ovington Square but this small section is always tidy as it
has yellow lines, easily accessible and easy to sweep (photo opportunity possibly) but
not the real picture.
We keep banging on about pavements, roadways and parking bays – These are what
need concentrating on.
As always, large number of parking bays are always empty between 6.00am – 7.30am
around the Squares and this should be the time to have teams of two sweepers to hit
these areas either with their brooms or with the “small trucks”.
There is no point continuing with one cleaner only and a useless system – The cleaners
need pacing with momentum and they will not duck and dive quite so much when there
are two of them.
Give it a try and see the difference in results but they must be managed and supervised
(and pushed). They seem to be a completely different bunch to the Westminster crowd
which must be a reflection on RBK&C Management.
43

The first two show rubbish (Ovington Square) as left by the rubbish truck collectors who
could not be bothered to sweep the street after themselves.
The next 4 are Lennox Gardens showing empty spaces (see times above) - No way can
you tell me, or your Supervisors, that these are being swept.
Other points being avoided are Mrs Hamilton’s common sense comments concerning
getting your sweepers off the main trail and into the immediate squares off the Brompton
Road areas – It is pointless having these people marching up and down endlessly
sweeping the same patch when they can divide their time in other areas and then return
to the main drag.
I also bring up the subject again on RUBBISH BINS – A lot of issues are caused because
there is nowhere to dispose of rubbish.
This is all such common sense – We all have better things to do if only the contractors
did what they should be doing.
What is the budget for the Brompton Ward and what is the position re giving the budget
back to us to manage ourselves.
How much is the budget and how many sweepers do you employ in these areas please.
What time do they start – it should be from 6.00am (standard in the cleaning industry)
AND IF NOT THEN THIS SHOULD BE REVIEWED.
Please would you also copy back email responses to those that are cc’d with the original
emails - This does not always happen. Thank you.
09 July 2018 at 09:16
From: Almond, Andrew: ELRS: RBKC
To: ‘Simon Chilton’
Cc: ‘O’hagan, Gary’ ; Lawrence, Matthew: ELRS: RBKC
; Bates, Neil: ELRS: RBKC ; Linney, Paul ; Hafez, Mona: ELRS: RBKC ; Cocklin, Tony: ELRS: RBKC
Subject: FW: PERFORMANCE
Dear Mr Chilton,
As mentioned last week Suez and Council Officers monitored the area of concerns you
highlighted last week.
Ovington Gardens was checked daily an no issues were seen.
The sweeper was also monitored and no concerns were seen.
I have attached two photographs from Ovington Gardens taken on different days.
44

03 July 2018 09:02
From: Almond, Andrew: ELRS: RBKC
To: Simon Chilton
Cc: O’hagan, Gary ; Lawrence, Matthew: ELRS: RBKC
; Bates, Neil: ELRS: RBKC ; Linney, Paul ; Hafez, Mona: ELRS: RBKC ; Cocklin, Tony: ELRS: RBKC
Subject: RE: PERFORMANCE (THURS 28/6/18)
Dear Mr Chilton,
I am glad following on from our site meeting that the sweeping standards in Ovington
Square have improved.
With regards to the other issues you raised Council Officers and Suez Managers will be
conducting periodic joint monitoring for the rest of this week. Once I have the results of
this I will provide you with an update.
29 June 2018 at 16:15
From: Simon Chilton
To: Almond, Andrew: ELRS: RBKC ; Streetline: RBKC
Cc: Andrea
Subject: PERFORMANCE (THURS 28/6/18)
Dear Mr Almond
Good afternoon – Summer is upon us with little improvement.
Go to Mayfair and check out Berkley Square and surrounding Streets – They are spotless
compared to the poor standards of RBK&C.
Ovington Square is much better which is appreciated but obviously this is an effort and
does not come naturally.
We still suffer from take away littler, urine bottles etc.
Lowndes/Cadogan Squares also Hans Crescent are still poorly maintained as are many
other areas. Your sweepers are not achieving acceptable standards – The state of the
streets tell you this.
45

a. Lennox Gardens
At 7.50am your sweeper was shuffling along the pavement doing literally nothing.
The parking bays were virtually empty and he should have had his wide broom out
sweeping the gutters.
Bone idle, no supervision and aimless.
b. Lowndes Square
I was parked up between 8.45am -9.15am.
Again, the Square curbs are unswept.
The sweeper sat on the curb all this time texting on his phone and drinking redbull.
He does this because there is no supervision otherwise he would be worried about
losing his job.
Again, the curbs have not been swept in weeks and RBK&C/Suez clearly have no idea
how to manage and again, the state of the Squares show you this.
c. Hans Crescent
No sweepers in sight to comment but again filthy dirty generally.
We continue to write with no improvement.
Your sweepers are not doing their jobs because they are not monitored effectively which
allows them to get away with it.
These sweepers need motivating.
Somehow this must stop – You need to put sweepers on the street and monitor them
more closely or get rid of them and re-employ – Have a look at Westminster for results.
Please propose how to move forward as writing letters seemingly makes no difference.
Finally, there has been no response to any of my last emails which is indicative to how
Streetline operates – You take no notice of constructive comment. Thank you.
25 June 2018 at 13:13
streetline (streetline@rbkc.gov.uk)To:you Details
Hello
Thank you for your email. This has now been logged for investigation and action. For
your records the reference number is: 335943
Thank you for reporting this problem to us.
46

24 June at 2018 08:53
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk,info@justcleaninglondon.co.uk
Subject: Ovington Square- more examples of the urine bottles being left each day.
Flytipping everywhere as well from late night Brompton Road activities mostly
Maroush and McDonalds.
Proposal: sweep/ clean these squares every day of the week especially holidays ( not
excluding them) as this is when it’s the worst.
We are continuing to gather our daily evidence to the state of affairs and keep you
informed.
22 Jun 2018 11:24
From: Bates, Neil: ELRS: RBKC
To: ‘ajarvishamilton@aol.com’
CC: Streetline: RBKC
Subject: Idling cars Ovington Square Garden
Dear Mrs Hamilton,
In regards to the anti-social behaviour of playing loud music from a vehicle there is a
PSPO in place and members of the public are invited to report these incidents to us.
There is a council reporting email to directly send information to us regarding issues
of anti-social behaviour relating to PSPO activity. We would require a signed witness
statement from you stating the time, date and location of the incident and also named
breach of PSPO that you believe witnessed. With the details of the registration and
make and model of car If known. This will allow us to obtain DVLA details of the vehicle
and pursue this matter with a fixed penalty notice to the owner.
This statement will require your full details and be signed by you as the sole witness. You
can either send this to me as a written statement scanned or photographed to my email
or posted to me of if you reside in the borough I can collect this statement from you.
If witnessed by a council officer, a car that has its engine idling while parked will be
approached and asked to turn their engine off and informed of the environmental
consequences such as the environmental pollution and the possibility of a fine being
issued. If they turn their engines off but then choose to turn back on and ignore the
warning later at the same location, then they will be issued a fixed penalty notice of £40
reduced to £20 if paid within 28 days. However, this would mean that an officer would
have to wait in the area to observe a specific vehicle to gather evidence.
47

In regards to the litter, if a driver of a vehicle is witnessed depositing waste on the
highway and abandoning it, by a council officer, then that person will be issued a fixed
penalty notice of £150.
As you can appreciate there are many similar areas within the Brompton and Hans
Town wards that have this anti-social behaviour and during my shift I spend a lot of time
answering emails regarding this and trying to monitor the areas once out of the office
to try to catch such perpetrators but this depends on being in the right place at the right
time and prioritising work load on a daily basis. In some cases, I am investigating large
dumps of black bag waste trying to obtain identification within a sealed bag to enforce
against residential waste coming out on wrong days. If you can give me an idea of when
this is happening ie a rough time of day I can try to check this area and speak to the
drivers concerned if they are regulars.
21 June 2018 at 14:05
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: streetline@rbkc.gov.uk,info@justcleaninglondon.co.uk
Subject: Idling cars Ovington Square Garden
We frequently have cars idling, playing loud music, often for many hours next to our
square garden- during the day and at night. I have read that this is against the law. They
also park in residents bays next to the garden. They eat in car, then throw rubbish out the
window- often straight into the square garden. We have furnished you with daily pictures
for nearly three years to keep a record for you. As I water the garden, I notice it but don’t
feel safe to do the policing. Who in the the council is enforcing this - if at all. These are
often non-residents and drivers for hire so they live in their cars during the day.
19 June 2018 at 16:49
From: Andrea
To: Simon and Ete Chilton ; RBKC
Subject: Urine Bottles/ Ovington Square
An example of the Urine bottles that get left in Square often in the afternoon- completely
disgusting. Something needs to be done for those caught doing this.
48

13 June 2018 at 12:43
Bates, Neil: ELRS: RBKC (Neil.Bates@rbkc.gov.uk)To:you + 2 more Details
Ref; McDonalds Food
Dear Mrs Hamilton,
Im sorry to hear that rubbish seems to accumulate in the square area. Unfortunately,
without witnessing the people dumping the waste we cannot issue a fixed penalty notice
for littering. It may also be that the wind blows waste into areas such as these and then
get lodged into the railings themselves. There is after all a large number of bins provided
in and around the Brompton Road area for litter to be disposed of responsibly. The
Square is incorporated into the PSPO area and vehicles can be reported for breaches
of the PSPO listed above. Please report such breaches and vehicle details to the email
provided below.
10 June 2018 at 08:59
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
CC: info@justcleaninglondon.co.uk
Subject: McDonalds Food
49

Dear Streetline,
We have had at least five different McDonald’s meals last night tossed into railings by
Square- open mustard, ketchup, open food. It was disgusting and all in different places
( different sets of people) . We had to pick up all the bits and pieces in and out of the
railings. The question must be put forth about the range of take out food being made
available on Brompton road and the logical places everyone goes to eat it and deposit
their rubbish.
We also have quite a few cars playing
music to disco proportions hanging
and eating out in the square. There is
no enforcement by council or police
of these activities in Brompton Ward
so there is persistent abuse. Keeping
you informed.
3 June 2018 at 9:52
From: Just Cleaning
To: Almond, Andrew: ELRS: RBKC
CC: O’hagan, Gary ; Andrea ;
Neil.Bates@rbkc.gov.uk ; Vysny, Dusan ; Hafez, Mona: ELRS: RBKC
Subject: Re: OVINGTON SQUARE SW3 (SWEEPING – EUREKA)
Sunday. Good morning. Just wanted to regroup on Friday. Thank you for meeting up.
Nothing much changes the status quo. The big and simple issue is that the method ,spec
and execution of the work is so Council - stats, ineffective rostering and the smokescreen
of “ not enough money.” There is plenty of funding- it is just badly spent. We have to run
businesses within budgets and get results and make a profit which we do. The sweepers
should work in pairs - better coverage and productivity and concentrate on where the
sweeping is needed. This is management with common sense and the contract should
be revisited if Suez cannot adapt.
They have been there too long with poor practices. Friday- same rubbish on street in
evening- suggest no attendance similar to other Fridays. Sat / Sun nothing - square
80% empty to do good sweep as suggested. Continuity is needed and RBK&C always
hide behind smokescreens. Simplicity, better practices, more ability and common sense
needed - change is required. People only comment when things are bad - and it is
not good. Perfect day for 2 sweepers to make a difference... thank you Simon Chilton.
Ovington Square.
50

1 June 2018 at 13:05
From: Vysny, Dusan
To: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
Subject: Ovington Square complaint, Urine bottles
Hello
Thank you for bringing to our attention this issue.
Our sweeper took care of it yesterday and council enforcement has been informed about
this If you have any further comments you would like to discuss, then please feel free to
contact me.
25 May 2018 at 16:19
Just Cleaning wrote:
Dear Mr Almond
Good afternoon and note that you are now on holiday – I hope that this has nothing to
do with yesterday. The Street cleaning was fantastic yesterday and we all owe you a big
thank you for following up. Was Mr Vysny involved.
The big question now is …can this be sustained and will it be managed and supervised
to a good standard.
Training and supervision is what it is all about and a broom also helps.
The sweeper needs a “sweeping broom” not just the small “gutter brush” – he also
needs to know when to use one rather than the other, the small “gutter brush” being
hopeless for the wider areas.
Why not continue sending the machine and a couple of men – Much more effective both
performance and cost wise and the job would be completed much more quickly and they
could then go to …..another Square.
Have a good week off – Not sure who all these other people are in the email at RBK&C
(Are they performance related).
I will drop you a line next week to follow up on this week’s activities but please when you
get back will you make sure that all my points raised in yesterday’s email are specifically
answered.
51

Concerning Mr Vysny, can he now see the difference between a job well done as
apposed to his site survey on Tuesday where he thought the standard was acceptable
with knee high Burrs and an unswept Square. I would like a full explanation please on
his expectation of standards which are clearly well below the national sweeping average
and this does need to be addressed.
Have a good Bank Holiday and we will follow up again next week. Thank you for your
attention.
24 May 2018 at 17:18
From: Just Cleaning
To: Almond, Andrew: ELRS: RBKC
Cc: O’hagan, Gary ; Andrea ;
Neil.Bates@rbkc.gov.uk; Vysny, Dusan ; Hafez, Mona:
ELRS: RBKC
Subject: OVINGTON SQUARE SW3 (SWEEPING – THURS 24/5/18 UPDATE)
Dear Mr Almond
Thank you for your note this morning – have you taken over the rudderless ship.
My thanks to all concerned for the extra effort this morning in helping to remedy the
sweeping issues.
I have had several telephone calls today updating me on progress - How much more
sensible to send a machine to do the job rather than an overwhelmed sweeper. Common
sense at it’s best.
Why on earth do Residents have to send letters of complaint to get RBK&C to act
sensibly – you obviously have the equipment so why not use it when in time of need.
I have not seen the results myself but I would hope that you guys will keep on the case
forthwith.
Now, a couple of additional points:
a. Tree Burrs (Sweepings/Rubbish) – Now, don’t tell anyone, but I know where all the
rubbish is….
Answer – It is all swept into the drains – Take a look and you will see that a couple of the
drains are full of sweepings and Tree Burrs (Have you lost any sweepers lately) - Much
easier than bagging up in bags for collection I can hear you say…
Question – Where is the Supervision to stop this practice and who will pay to unblock
the drains.
b. Conclusion – My thanks again for the follow up today but what sureties do we have
52

that the Square will be maintained to a good (NOT Average) standard for the future as
contracted and paid for. Please respond to this.
The cleaning services are well funded out of Council Tax – To perform badly is an excuse
which needs to be managed as you have demonstrated today.
Please could I have your assurance that the service is back on track – As suggested
yesterday, better to send a machine and a couple of men than to have a disheartened
sweeper who is out of his depth (in Burrs and Rubbish).
Finally, I also sent Mr Vysny photographs yesterday of rubbish bags as left on the Street
(Flat D, 28 Ovington Square).
Have you nailed the guy with a fine which is the only way to teach these people – It
happens on a very regular basis in the Square and never has an RBK&C Official shown
a presence or done anything about it.
Now is the time for RBK&C to show their worth and authority – Do I have your assurance
on this matter which leaves one last thing to be answered – Why are there no rubbish
bins anywhere in the vicinity which again is basic common sense for the litter louts in the
area of which we have more than our fair share due to the Council’s mindless granting
of endless takeaway outlets – Please advise.
My thanks again for your input today and I would appreciate an update on all points
as raised above including the penalty issue of rubbish bags as left on the street with
photographic evidence to back up (See attached).
Thank you.
24 May 2018 at 09:33
From: Almond, Andrew: ELRS: RBKC
To: Just Cleaning
Cc: O’hagan, Gary
Subject: FW: OVINGTON SQUARE SW3 (SWEEPING)
Dear Mr Chilton,
In my view the best way to progress this is for you and I to arrange a meet up to walk
around the areas of concerns. I will also be bringing Mr Gary O’Hagan with me. Gary is
the Contract General Manager for Suez and I am the Contracts and Enforcement Area
Manager for the Royal Borough.
53

Unfortunately, our next availability is not until the morning of Friday 1st June 2018 from
09:00.
Can you please confirm your availability for this time, or suggest another day and time
for the following week?
In the meantime time Ovington Square will continue to be swept as detailed by Dusan in
his earlier exchanges with you.
23 May 2018 at 16:13
From: Just Cleaning
To: “Vysny, Dusan”
Cc: “Neil.Bates@rbkc.gov.uk” , Andrea , “Hafez, Mona: ELRS: RBKC”
Subject: OVINGTON SQUARE SW3 (RUBBISH – FLAT D, 28 OVINGTON SQUARE)
Dear Mr Vysny
Evidence below – Please issue relevant penalty for littering the street and credit our
Ovington Square Garden Account please for work carried out on behalf of RBK&C/SITA.
We put up with this behaviour endlessly and no one ever sees a Council Official doing
anything about it. So, here is the evidence together with proof of address, EDF Bill as
found in the bag. Go get them with no excuses – There are clear signs stating penalties
for littering and you cannot get better evidence than this.
Why does the Council allow this if the streets of RBK&C were being properly monitored
and penalties issued.
Please also note the state of the Square (Tree Burrs) following your supposed daily
normal/smart sweep program – Comments please.
Positive action for a firm and secure future as Mrs May would say (Our esteemed Leader).
Your comments and confirmation that the culprit will be brought to book would be
appreciated.
23 May 2018 at 15:55
From: Just Cleaning
To: Vysny, Dusan
Cc: Bates, Neil: ELRS: RBKC ; Andrea ; Hafez, Mona: ELRS: RBKC
Subject: OVINGTON SQUARE SW3 (SWEEPING)
54

Dear Mr Vysny
Good afternoon – Similar to the SITA sweeping, communication and action is terrible.
I have heard nothing since last Friday and the Square is still in a mess - Also no feedback
to my emails from Sat 19/5/18.
I am surprised that nothing was done last Friday to improve matters (Even a token
gesture).
We do not get a Monday – Friday sweep of the Square as you state – We get a “flick and
a lick” with more flick than lick.
a) Normal Sweep (Tues, Fri) - What does this involve and how long should they (he) be
there.
b) Smart Sweep (Mon, Weds, Thurs) – Cannot wait for this one (Explanation please).
Whatever is happening, scientifically it is very little.
At this time of year, one sweeper is inadequate – He may as well be one handed with
no broom.Why not send a team of sweepers with blowers which would get the job done
quicker and more effectively.
Go and have a look at Lowndes Square, Cadogan Square or Lennox Gardens – Infinitely
better than Ovington.
Both sides of the road are never swept at the same time and why is the pavement never
swept.
SITA is not monitoring, training or performing their sweepers and we are fed up with
paying our Council Taxes for such a poor service.
As I said last Friday, it is not your opinion which counts – It is the opinion of the Residents
which should be heeded.
The sweeper needs a proper hard bristle broom to sweep the gutters, garden edging
stones and the pavement.
There is a total lack of supervision, training and ability to motivate through your
Supervisors as seen by the poor standards offered – See pictures below which support
the facts. Whilst at it, the road also needs to be swept – My god, how much more do I
have to say on this.
Your email dt 18/5/18 (1.41pm) states that you had checked the “road”.
No, it is not a road, it is a Square -Are you looking at the correct location?
We want action for a well kept Square as contracted which means proper brooms and
sweepers who can sweep. Why is the rubbish not bagged up – because it is not swept
up in the first place I suggest (Explain please).
55

On the subject of rubbish, there are no bins and the Residents, in particular Mrs Hamilton
walk around the Square and bag up rubbish at least twice a day because SITA do such a
poor job – Why no bins - Please do not tell me because “they would need to be emptied”.
Please would you get onto the case and get your people there tomorrow, Thursday
24/5/18 within your “smartsweep” program.
One week has now passed without any action and as always, RBK&C/SITA are seemingly
putting “two fingers” up to the Residents. The pictures are self-explanatory.
It is fully understood that the “Burrs” continue to drop but it is common sense to know
when sweeping is not carried out.
P45 time I suggest unless we can get improvement with immediate response please –
We pay for the service, SITA needs to provide the service or refund us our money.
19 May 2018 at 11:08
From: Just Cleaning
To: “Vysny, Dusan”
Cc: “Neil.Bates@rbkc.gov.uk” , “Hafez, Mona: ELRS: RBKC”
Subject: Re: Ovington Square complaint
Apologies - I meant to add that due to the lack of reasonable service, I would have
thought you would be onto it today . Standards are determined by client satisfaction not
your opinion which is clearly below expectations and apparent ability to get things done .
Why no effort Friday inspite of directive or follow up today ? 5 x day service - definitely
not and poor Supervision. Re rubbish, you have been contacted many times over the
years with photos and still ignore. The residents and in particular Mrs Hamilton collect/
bag up rubbish at least twice a day because you do nothing. You guys work on the
basis of “ the wear down process” where Residents give up. Please get onto it and do
as contracted.
19 May 2018 at 10:40
Just Cleaning wrote:
Saturday. Morning. No sweeping today as so often. Go and compare with Hans Cres,
Lowndes Sq,Cadogan Sq and others. Where are the sweepers ? Thank you. Simon
Chilton. Ovington Square Mgt
56

18 May 2018 at 13:41
Vysny, Dusan wrote:
Hello RBKC
Can we have a look in to this issue together please? I have visited this area today and
as mentioned below I did not find this road in state mentioned by Mr. Chilton. He is not
happy with my answer and our work. Your input would be appreciated.
18 May 2018 at 13:36
From: Just Cleaning [mailto:info@justcleaninglondon.co.uk]
To: Vysny, Dusan
Subject: Re: Ovington Square complaint
As always, you make excuses. The square is not maintained as expected and charged
within our council tax. Difficult period I appreciate, but get on and do a better job. Always
the response . Rubbish rarely swept, no bins etc. Please do no argue and listen - we pay
a lot of money for a poor service and not for your opinion. Please get onto it and confirm.
Thank you . Simon Chilton.
18 May 2018 at 12:31
Vysny, Dusan wrote:
Hello
I have been passed your complaint regarding Ovington Square.
To confirm, Ovington Square is being maintained 5 times a week in accordance with the
‘SmartSweep’ regime.
Namely normal sweeps on a Tuesday and Friday and a SmartSweep on a Monday,
Wednesday and Thursday.
I have visited this area today and what I found is blossom only. If you have any further
comments you would like to discuss, then please feel free to contact me.
57

18 May 2018 at 10:38
From: Just Cleaning
To: ‘streetline@rbkc.gov.uk’
Cc: ‘Andrea’
Dear Sir/Madam
Good morning - Unfortunately your cleaning/sweeping service continues to be terrible.
We should have minimum 3 / 4 days weekly cleaning service.
Would you please get someone over to the square to do a proper sweep to all sides of
the square.
You constantly make excuses for poor service and all residents should get a Council Tax
rebate for non-performance. Constant excuses over the years – Please revert back and
confirm your actions. Thank you.
19 May 2018 at 16:18
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Rubbish dumped outside 28 Ovington Square
We suggest you look inside and see whom it belongs to.
58

19 May 2018 at 07:07
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Brompton RD/ Resident Vine Vera/ 4 months
01 May 2018 at 13:41
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
Sent: 0 (BST)
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Ovington Square and Gardens
This is the incorrect rubbish that was left out today after lunch - or thrown out car window.
A whole other set was cleaned and collected this morning.
29 April 2018 at 10:43
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Plastic barriers left behind Ovington Square
These were left behind by someone doing works. There are 2 and have been sitting
around. Please can they be removed.
59

21 April 2018 at 15:03
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To:CommunityEngagement@rbkc.gov.uk,Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk,margarette.oldham@
btinternet.com,emms_martin@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: Typical Saturday/ Brompton RD and Ovington Sq
Dear Community Team,
We are continuing to keep you informed. Someone threw into Ovington garden 5 bags
full of Lebanese food takeout - disgusting! I did not have my phone but went back to show
you this. It’s a miserable situation that does not improve. The problem is the number of
takeout establishments and that tourists and others are absolutely unworried to litter on
the streets. Even if you sweep in 24 hours it’s full of litter again.
20 Apr 2018 at 11:50
60

From: Margerette Oldham
To: locallife
CC: Andrea ; Margot Hogan ; Hilly Pilkington ; fardin
Subject: Litter T 10am Sunday
This en route from my home 0vington Square
A three min walk to newsagents Brompton road. And the day barely begun!!!
14 April 2018 at 11:06
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Brompton Road
Dear Streetline,
I observed your street cleaner on duty at 11am Brompton Road and he was picking
up about 10 percent of the rubbish. All around Costa is strewn with litter and left in the
ground including sidewalks on Brompton Road. There has to be some sort of checking
of what these services are doing as taxpayers money is paying for it. I thought you
should be made area. We write to you daily about these problems in order to keep you
informed of the difficulties faced. We really appreciate the cleaning services provided
and want you to have feedback of what we witness. The man that does Ovington Square
regularly during the week is excellent and works hard and is always pleasant.
25 March 2018 at 08:39
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From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Rough sleeper Brompton Road
Has been sleeping here every night for the past
few weeks - so you are aware.
25 March 2018 at 15:27
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject:
Wrong Rubbish in Ovington Garden Square. There are a few other bags around the
garden. Full of drinks bottles, etc.
A street sweeper came down the street speaking on his phone and I noticed he picked
up only 10 percent of all the waste on the street as we marched along ( it might have not
been his job to do this area) .
As he walked quickly through the square to the Brompton Road. It might be an idea for
you to monitor or do surprise checks of these services you are subcontracting and what
they are charging you for.
I also walked into South Kensington as well as Draycott Ave and Milner Street and saw
the same Flytipping and wrong Rubbish everywhere. As there is no enforcement, people
are throwing rubbish wherever they please. It’s a real problem to enjoy as Residents
Sunday outings to be faced with litter everywhere we walk.
22 March 2018 at 07:01
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From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com [mailto:ajarvishamilton@aol.com]
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.ukSubject: Ovington Gardens
Every day Rubbish left on this cornersuggest
No dumping sign put up.
19 March 2018 at 07:32
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com [mailto:ajarvishamilton@aol.com]
To: Streetline: RBKC
Subject: Entrance to Ovington Gardens from Brompton Road
A continuous line of Flytipping
with several bags left on wrong days.
The square has more if these wrong
day bags.
18 February 2018 at 15:15
63

From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com [mailto:ajarvishamilton@aol.com]
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Ovington Square- Sunday
Rubbish left everywhere- Flytipping Traffic jams as Beauchamp place closed
07 February 2018 at 15:01
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Ovington mews
Rubbish has been here 1 week now kindly collect
01 February 2018 at 08:42
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From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com [mailto:ajarvishamilton@aol.com]
To: Streetline: RBKC
Subject: Wrong Rubbish dumped outside 9 Ovington Sq
29 January 2018 at 09:46
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Wrong Rubbish 9 Ovington Square
25 January 2018 at 10:51
65

From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com [mailto:ajarvishamilton@aol.com]
To: Streetline@rbkc.gov.ukSubject: Persistent Wrong Rubbish
Ovington SquarePersistent problem of rubbish bags left out on wring days- all around
square.Can Council please remove/ enforce.
02 October 2017 at 15:46
From: Margerette Oldham [mailto:margerette9@icloud.com]
To: Local Life: CP-PPU: RBKC Cc: Andrea
Subject: Sunday 10am
30 September at 2017 at 09:09
66

From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To:streetline@rbkc.gov.uk,margarette.oldham@btinternet.com,
ovingtonsquarecommittee@gmail.com,Howard.Wiggan@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Fly tipping/ Rubbish/ Ovington Square
Dear Streetline,
We are keeping you updated with the rubbish situation in our square this morning 9 am.
All the open food left out yesterday from Maroush we picked up, plus Costa coffee cups
etc.
We did see one of your street sweepers sweeping outside Brompton Road end towards
Costa which was very helpful as he picked up all that rubbish. I do not believe that
Maroush, McDonalds or Costa ever send around people to clean up as they have
indicated to you. We have never seen anyone apart from our committee and your men
in yellow.
There is also many but one flat in particular which is a non-stop air B and B. I am often
directing these families to it with all their luggage’s. What is the councils position on this?
Is it still 90 days?
23 Sep 2017 at 8:04
From: Andrea
To: streetline
CC: ovingtonsquarecommittee
Subject: Ovington Square/ Maroush
Dear Council,
Please speak to Maroush restaurant (Beauchamp place). Every night we get people
coming to our square with the take out, sitting in the square (or handing in their car with
engines on) late at night, and then leaving all the open food out and leaving it on street
and throwing it in garden. We have photographic evidence for you should you need itseveral
years worth.
I spotted a bird feeding in it this morning.
We personally clean all this stuff up when we see it as it is a public threat to hygiene and
safety- but we do take pictures and try and keep track when we can.
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19 July 2017 at 12:53
From: MARGARETTE OLDHAM
To: Andrea
Subject: Re: Fwd: Short term lets - Ovington Square
Dear Andrea
What an utterly pathetic response from (one can only judge) a low grade admin operative.
Maybe he feels his low standards of general condition of streets in Knightsbridge is
simply judged by his low bar of reference. Having lived in this square for nearly 20
years and other local addresses since late 1970’s it beggars the question how long this
individual has experience of this area.
I have, this week chased picnickers from my steps, nbr 2, yours, and casual resters
on several steps, over several steps in Sq and Gdns. In fact I was met with a torrent
of abuse from one Asian man... on steps in Ovington Gdns... when I asked him to stop
this disgusting behaviour of cutting his toe nails. His friend sauntered across the road to
join him As i was fearful of being attacked did not take my phone out to photograph this
incident. I said I wud report to police before he picked up his shoes and legged it.
Rubbish is frequently left outside on pavements when short letters move out. FYI
basement flat of 1, (opp my 1st floor home) is the one constantly through the year turns
over 2,3 and 4 days. I am often placing this stuff on steps near doors. Particularly from
short let’s.
Two days ago someone sat in the garden edge to eat their food... then hung empty
68

ag and containers on finial of fencing. This a common practice. A mere cursory iPad
inspection is just Not Good Enough. I’m in the process of checking out an Asdociation
for our immediate area sofar positive response. Hopefully this will not end in litigation
and huge press exposure.
19 July 2017 at 11:06
Andrea wrote:
This is what the council does constantly to act like nothing is ever wrong- writing these
smooth professional legalese letters. They would do the same for a car running over a
child.
19 July 2017 at 10:45
From: “Plaster, Kevin: CP-Plan: RBKC”
To: “ajarvishamilton@aol.com”
Subject: Short term lets - Ovington Square
Dear Andrea,
I refer to the below email from Neil Evans to yourself dated 15 July 2017.
The part highlighted at the bottom refers to short term letting. Please could you advise
which street and house and flat numbers you are referring, so the matter can be
investigated. Please note you can short term let your property up to 90 days a year
without requiring planning permission. So, there may not be a breach.
The views expressed in this correspondence are those of an officer of the council and
do not amount to a determination of the proposal under the Town and Country Planning
Acts. Any recommendation would be made in the light of technical assessment justified
in terms of planning policy and taking into account any material considerations.
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15 July 2017 19:58
From: Evans, Neil: ELRS: RBKC
To: Andrea
Cc: Streetline: RBKC ; Lawrence, Matthew: ELRS: RBKC
; Almond, Andrew: ELRS: RBKC ; May, Kathy: ELRS: RBKC ; Planning: PC-
PlanSvc: RBKC ; Housing F2F: RBKC ; Hafez, Mona: ELRS: RBKC ; Chris.Downs@met.
pnn.police.uk
Subject: Complaint reference 317956
Dear Andrea Hamilton
Thank you for your recent email. I trust this finds you well.
As a matter of concern from the inventory of things on your compiled list, I attended
Ovington Square/Gardens this evening and conducted an environmental visual audit on
my mobile iPad app, you can view this report, see attached item.
The result of the audit has been logged and stored as a record. I did see a few gathered
leaves in channels that have fallen from the trees in the square gardens, this is natural
occurrence at this time of year, the sweeper will gather those when he sweeps next,
The visual audit recorded the following- back lines pavements were of B+ to A grade
the channels grade B+ detritus and litter bins grade A graffiti and fly posting grade A.
Dog fouling grade A No members of the public were observed sitting on the steps of any
property in the street. I am pleased to inform you the overall grading was recorded as
Grade A “pristine” for your street.
This in no way reflects the consistent overall view of the street, this is just a snap shot
audit carried out on your behalf, for us both to share the view of your street at the time
of the audit. I can further report that whilst I was conducting a visual audit no sports cars
or other vehicles were seen racing through the street, the activity levels within the area
were high, foot fall in the area medium to high, in Ovington Square and Gardens footfall
low. With regard to the urination problems encountered I have forwarded this as a matter
for the CPT and inspector Downs, to communicate with his officers.
I will ensure the high level of sweeping is kept up in the area. I will continue to conduct
snap shot audits any antisocial behaviour will be addressed by officers. I spoke to
McDonalds manager this evening and requested a patrol to be conducted in your street
as a courtesy to the residents I am informed this will be done regularly.
In relation to Air B and B and subletting of properties this is better placed with planning
enforcement and housing enforcement to investigate, I have copied the teams in to this
email should they wish to contact you for further evidential assistance.
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8 March 2017 at 09:46
From: MARGARETTE OLDHAM
To: Andrea , , Hilly Pilkington
Subject: Re: Ovington Square
I wholeheartedly agree that enough Apathetic attention and support of zero enforcement
of the powers gifted to RBKC. It Is unlawful to Fly Tip, litter and cigarette ends littering
g the street. Spitting is also unlawful. A few Pathetic small blue notices placed sparsely
and almost discretely are a total waste of good mobey. The reason. ... being I can only
assume is because no policing of these issues. The excuse profferedundoubtedly will be
shortage of Funds, an irrational argument because this is a ‘Catch Twenty Two’ if council
arrange Communiy efforts and youth offenders to clean up, overtly show enforcement of
law by way of instant fines and that
laws have Teeth. The more on the spot fines imposed, the more money into the Coffers.
Too simple for Councillors and admin personnel? Then let’s get rid of.
Brompton Road and our surrounding areas need not look like some run down
underdeveloped country. Short sighted views on this issue will bring down the overall
depreciation and flavour of Knightsbridge. Which in turn will provide this council with
diminishing revenue and cheap Pound shops and the like. You the council has been
gifted and were Trusted to Caretake properly All aspects while in Your Temporary roles..
We sincerely hope that you will begin to listen to residents and business people who
have only one major interest....the safe keeping of what has always been a beautiful
area.
08 March 2017 at 8:41
Andrea wrote:
Dear Council Team,
Can anything be done to stop the repeat offending of all the rules of littering, flytipping in
Ovington Square. Does the council have plans/ powers to try and get the situation under
control for the Brompton Road and the constant mess created in the surrounding areas?
It is every day, week after week the same problems.
The residents of Ovington Square would like to see an action program in place.
71

15 September 2016 at 22:16
From: MARGARETTE OLDHAM
To: Andrea Hamilton
Subject: Re: Ovington Square Manifesto 1st Draft
Dear Andrea and Gregor,
Thank you so much for your effort and most definitely for your splendid missive/ draft
notice. I think you have covered all points of the residents concern and unhappiness.
In the 17 years I have lived in the Square I can honestly say it is not the Knightsbridge I
bought into. It's more like Edgware Road. Certainly I feel dirty when walking along the
Brompton Road and most certainly keep well clear of the side and area near Montpelier.
I would endorse your points of CCTV and traffic restrictions circumvating the square. It
would also show the council officers responsible of proof re illegal parking in resident
bays, sometime for two and more hours. The other day I had to demand a tradesman
did not work his machinery in a bay. Where and why do theWardens never see these
incidents?
The other day when leaving the house, I noticed a black youth, dressed in black clothes,
with hood ( in blistering heat) bright red trainers. He seemed to be checking out the
square, as he spoke into his large iPhone. I watched from my steps for a couple of
minutes, before pretending to use my phone as I looked at him...he noticed me and
'legged' it very quickly up the square. I asked a cyclist warden if he'd seen him, but he
hadn't. I was late for an appointment so asked the cyclist Warden to phone my concern
in to his office. He said he would phone the police because he had witnessed three
suspicious black dressed bikers in Egerton 'Jammiying' open a car boot. The day before.
This at 2.30 pm.
I am waiting to see this building's cleaner to brief her on cleaning the area outside 2-4.
Also in pursuit of culprit who dumped dustbin on pavement. Everyone in this building
denies any knowledge. It's also not one of ours.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in the Residents association.
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14 September 2016 at 11:15
Andrea Hamilton wrote:
Dear Friends,
This was written in haste but we want to polish it up and then send it to the Residents of
the Square/Gardens/Mews as well as the Councilors of the Brompton Ward. We have
been working very hard to improve conditions (that are within our control) and make the
Square a better place to live. The problem is that there are very few of us that are owners
that live here.
Feel free to send us details to add or things that you think are needed or require further
editing.
Sorry to be boring!! Next time its an invitation to cocktails in the garden with a classical
music performance- wouldn't that be fun?
06 November 2015 at 11:31
From: Greger Hamilton < greger.hamilton@ovingtonfinancial.com>
To: coleridge1 < coleridge1@aol.com>; Cllr.Coleridge < Cllr.Coleridge@rbkc.gov.uk>;
cllr.paget-brown < cllr.paget-brown@rbkc.gov.uk>; Cllr.Weale < Cllr.Weale@rbkc.gov.
uk>
CC: ajarvishamilton < ajarvishamilton@aol.com>
Subject: Fwd: Policing in Ovington Square - call 101 or our local
Dear Cllr Coleridge, Cllr Paget-Brown, Cllr Weale,
As per the recent correspondence I forward a recent email concerning the subject. We are
very surprised, and indeed dismayed, if residents are told to use specific communication
channels, such as per the instruction below, to communicate with our councillors and
such communication is not forwarded to yourselves.
It is not conceivable that neither of our councillors have been made aware of the issues
facing Ovington Square and Ovington Garden. . .
Looking ahead - we now have a working line of communication I look forward to a
productive cooperation on these matters.
The immediate tasks for us are:
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1. Immediate suspend the motorcycle bay by Costa. It currently is a magnet for drug
dealing and courier services managed by thugs on wheels. We have had several acts of
personal violence, intimidation, defacation by these delivery drivers. You as Councillors
have the power to issue an order to immediately suspend. We suggest you use this
power for the benefit of concerned residents.
2. When possible make arrangements to remove the motorcycle bay - or make it solely
residential motorcycle bay.
3. Install CCTV cameras to monitor parking violations by these delivery drivers. Currently
they park on single yellow lines totally ignoring parking wardens who are not ticketing
them as they say it is useless. CCTV would also monitor the apparent ongoing drug
dealing which occurs on the corner of Costa Coffee.
4. We want to commence the procedure to stopping through traffic through Ovington
Gardens/Square. We ask you to advice us how to best initiate this process as the
situation for residents is completely intolerable with speeding cars, risk to our children
safety (not to mention our own), significant air pollution from both diesel and petrol cars,
damage to cars parked legally by van and minicar drivers, etc, etc. Shutting down the
through traffic would solve most of the problems we now have.
Looking forward to working with you on these matters and look forward to a meeting/
lunch/coffee in th near future.
06 November 2015 at 4:31
“coleridge1@aol.com” wrote:
Dear Greger
Thank you for this. incidentally referring to your previous e-mail concerning the dog
which was killed in Egerton terrace yesterday I am aware of this sad event as my mother
lives there and knows the man who owns the dogs. Apparently the dog was on a very
long lead and just jumped in front of the car.
The motor cycle bay seems to be an issue and I suggest we meet to review this and
then we can work with officers to see what can be done to resolve this issue. we have
over many years discussed the issue of closing Ovington square to through traffic, but
as you will realise it would both increase traffic in Walton street and Beauchamp place
by displacing the traffic into other streets.
I could meet on Monday morning, between about 11.30 and 1...pm if that would be any
good. Perhaps costa so we could observe the bike stand in use.
Can you confirm.
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28 October 2015 at 13:40
From: MARGARETTE OLDHAM
To: Andrea Hamilton
Subject: Fw: Damaged car Ovington
Dear Andrea,
Fingers crossed yr efforts are having some effect.
I’m working on iPhone and pad, so weird words from Apple take over...but here is my
correspondence
To Desmond Z. And his reply
28 October 2015 at 13:37
Desmond.Zephyr@rbkc.gov.uk wrote:
Dear Ms Oldham,
I will forward the issues you raise with my colleagues in Highways who oversee such
matters relating to parking bays and parking/stopping provisions in the borough.
I will also raise the issues of parking compliance with the council’s contractors who are
responsible for enforcement.
I am aware that some parts of the area are on a red route (red single and double lines)
which is managed by TfL however my colleagues in Parking and Highways can relay
such issues with them directly.
28 October 2015 at 13:22
From: MARGARETTE OLDHAM [mailto:margarette.oldham@btinternet.com]
To: Zephyr, Desmond: ELRS
Subject: Damaged car Ovington
I think perhaps your group has not fully taken into consideration of this road blockage in
single yellow lines during permitted as well as non permitted times. Simply put. Brompton
road is one of the majorl arteries in and out of London. I.e. A4... Sunday’s can create
an almost impossible situation where motorists blockage, caused by parking on single
yellows back up on the Brompton road because traffic entering Ovington Sq from Walton
75

St end will not give way I have personally had to sit on the corner of Ovington Gdns and
A4 for 8 mins to get to my home at 2 Ivington Square. It is a dreadful situation that we
should have to ask that perhaps the only answer to this Ovington Gdns and Square is
to place Double Red or at least Yellow lines along gardens And furthermore remove the
root of the problem...delivery bikes.... Solo bay completely. We never had a problem as
dreadful as is now before they arrived
With anticipation this will receive....with alacrity your response.
27 October 2015 at 14:34
From: MARGARETTE OLDHAM
To: Andrea
Subject: Re: Damage to car at Ovington Gardens
Dear Andrea,
I cannot believe RBKC can be so inept or indeed delivery ignorant to the many calls , at
several Meetings,re these delivery motor mopeds/scooters invading our peaceful lives.
I cannot begin to imagine which side RBKC is on....Paymasters, (taxpayers and general
residents) or these suspect so, called delivery riders. I suggested at the last meeting
meeting at St Colombus, perhaps re-positioning these solo bays to behind Patteterie
Valaerir. This positione houses a single handful of residents which has direct access
from and to Brompton and Fulham Square. The bikers can also buy the coffee/ food,
should that be their mainSOLO interest. these bikers, on the whole are Learners cyclists
from many countries and seem to think because there Learners, can use these bikes
as their toys. DO these comments, and indeed PLEAS, fall on DEAF ears? This is our
homes and through negligence on RBKC part has been allowed to gather momentum as
an unhealthy, filthy and illegal dealing quarter. Drawing an even larger ‘Underbelly of an
undesirable Society’. For which RBC have the nerve to ask us for support in their fights
over community issues. Why should this be a one way street.
Perhaps these highly paid executives would like to welcome these Bikers/ food couriers
to their home domestic patch! Alternatively compensate residents suffering a loss of
civilised living which we believe is not unreasonable for we tenants to ask for.
I would be most grateful Andrea, if you would send thsitotheappropriate person I fear
THE TEAM is inadequate to handle this urgent matter.
I’m back from Italy now albeit cannot habitat my flat for a couple days whilst builders are
working.
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27 October 2015 at 13:16
From: Andrea [mailto:ajarvishamilton@aol.com]
To: Zephyr, Desmond: ELRS
Cc: sykesco2@gmail.com; Deane, Kirk: TTS-TransHighways
Subject: Re: Damage to car at Ovington Gardens
Dear Mr Zephyr,
We would like to ask the procedures to revoke the parking bay immediately. We believe
the council acted in contravention of a need for balance ( given the documented daily
problems with this corner for several years now). Could you kindly let us know how best
to get it resolved immediately as we intend to seek help from the Ombudsman to review
the problems in our area.
27 October 2015 at 09:23
wrote:
Ms Hamilton,
As advised in my earlier correspondence, Mr Deane is best placed to consult on the
parking bay issue.
Thank you for copying him in and I’m sure Mr Deane and his team will be able to respond
accordingly.
27 October 2015 at 09:10
wrote:
Dear Ms Sykes,
I’m sorry to learn of the incident to your vehicle and the ongoing situation relating to the
motorcycle couriers.
Both the Council funded Community Police Team and your local Safer Neighbourhood
Police Team have been made aware of the issues reported in your area.
I have spoken to my colleagues in Highways and they advise that despite the pressure
on the Council to provide parking facilities, they are sympathetic to residents’ concerns.
You are advised, along with other concerned residents to contact Mr Deane (Senior
Engineer, Transport Policy), copied into this correspondence for your convenience.
77

I will continue to express your concerns relating antisocial behaviour to our police teams
so this can be incorporated into their patrols.
Please do keep me informed.
27 October 2015 at 02:01
Andrea wrote:
Dear Mr Deane,
We have had a long history of complaints and disputes emanating from the Brompton
Road. On behalf of all residents in the square, we are asking for the new extra public
motorcycle bay which was added outside of Costa Coffee on the corner of Brompton
Road and Ovington Gardens to be removed immediately and in its place put a resident’s
parking place for a car.
The grounds are loitering, criminal activity, crowd behaviour, noise and nuisance,
destination hangout by unsavoury characters, dangerous speeding of motorbikes
gunning their way down the road, threatening behaviour to residents, on and on. It still
leaves the previous resident’s bay for motorcycles, which is plenty. It has led to antisocial
behaviour on unprecedented levels and we believe children are in danger walking by
this area now on their way from school. ( there is are several schools nearby including
the Knightsbridge School) across from our square. There is a lot of clear and visible drug
trafficking occurring now at night as well and we suggest the utmost vigilance by police
of this Square.
We do intend to have the Ombudsman review what is happening in our area as despite
our many daily complaints to council and police we are not being supported enough, in
fact the problem is worsening. There are vagrants sleeping along the street as well.
Most problem activities occur after 5pm and before 9am and on weekends where there
is no one monitoring or policing the problems.
Please let us know what precise steps are needed to have this new problematic bay
revoked immediately.
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27 October 2015 at 01:47
From: Sandy Sykes [mailto:sykesco2@gmail.com]
To: Zephyr, Desmond: ELRS
Cc: Andrea
Subject: Damage to car at Ovington Gardens
Dear Mr. Zephyr,
Sad to say there is another dent in our car, at the back this time.
Also a police report has been filed as I personally have been verbally abused and pursued
by one of the bikers as I photographed the bike bay the council have ENLARGED despite
the negative effects of the bikers in this area outside Costa Coffee.
By having this bike bay and the outside area of Costa Coffee it means that the groups of
bikers eat, urinate, litter and block access.
When will the council remove this motorbike bay and withdraw the outdoor licence of
Costa Coffee.
At Ovington court residents have even had to ask bikers to move from our front step so
they can enter the building.
The council is enabling ( by expanding the bike bay)not just anti social behaviour but
now there are more sinister activities.
As residents some of us have seen some of the bikers down the laneway opposite
distributing something that is then delivered.
There is a very large man in tracksuit bottoms who comes with 2 smaller men in black
leather jackets and they always wear dark sunglasses and meet with some of these
bikers down the lane.
When the police came to take my statement they said there was no CCTV in this area
which by itself attracts criminal activity.
I must impress upon you that since the summer the situation has become very much
worse.
RBKC can help by removing the bay and removing the outside area of Costa Coffee.
Before as residents we had nuisance....now Mr. Zephyr we have real menace
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09 October 2015 at 17:55
From: Daniel Reis
To: “Cllr.Weale@rbkc.gov.uk”
Cc: “ajarvishamilton@aol.com” , “greger.hamilton@
ovingtonfinancial.com” , “ioana.condacci@
aoginvest.com”
Subject: RE: Ovington Square
Dear Councillor Weale
Unfortunately, I have another very shocking and worrying incident, I recently experienced
next to my house on Ovington Square.
I parked my car next to my house with my little daughter on the backseat. When opening
the car doors on the street side of the car (which is the side of the square cars usually
race through at very elevated speeds) we always have to be extremely careful because
of speeding cars. In this instance when I got out a car came speeding and I signalled
gently with my hands to the driver that he should slow down, based on which he stopped
the car opened the window and yelled at me what I wanted. I kindly asked him to reduce
speed because of the kids and around the square. He then got even more rude. I then
simply took out my phone and tried to take a picture of his registration license. Then
the situation got entirely out of control, as he jumped out of the car like a crazy person,
yelling at me (in front of my 8 year old daughter): “Do you want to f.ck around with me?
Yeah! Let me take a picture of your car and house so I know where you are! Yeah!” He
then started taking pictures. He then yelled at me to be careful of what I planned to do.
The last thing he yelled was: “I know your car, I know where you live”. Then jumped into
his car and raced off.
You can very well imagine that my little daughter was absolutely petrified about this
asking me for an entire week if we were safe in our house.
Unfortunately, above described incident, is just the anti-climax of a series of incidents
we have reported, from speeding super cars, to gang motorcyclists and rubbish on the
square.
I am just really sad of what is happening around our area. It is us residents, many
being ex-pats, who live and work in London making this city what it is, through all our
contributions (be it our social commitments, our kids schools we support, taxes, jobs we
create or businesses we establish). I begin to doubt this is the right place to invest for
the future of my kids.
You will understand that we fully support the initiative Mrs Hamilton has taken and I can
assure you I am not the only one who takes this matter extremely serious and will take
this as far as we possibly can. Your help on the below matter is more than appreciated.
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08 October 2015 at 10:09
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com [mailto:ajarvishamilton@aol.com]
To: committees@rbkc.gov.uk; Cllr.Weale@rbkc.gov.uk;
greger.hamilton@ovingtonfinancial.com; Daniel Reis
Subject: Ovington Square
Dear Councilor Weale,
The residents of Ovington Square and Gardens are interested to meet with you to
discuss the practical and legal procedures required to apply to close off our Square
permanently from vehicle access to the Brompton road. This neighbourhood has been
subject to a constant 24/7 stream of crimes,nuisances, dumped rubbish, vagrants, and
large amounts of antisocial behavior (much of which has been documented for years
now), that we would like to commence the necessary procedures to seek legal council
for our rights to closed off from the Brompton road entirely. I have attended some of
the meetings going on about the Supercars and have lived in this area for 30 years. It
has never faced such a situation. We believe that our best option (as nothing else has
worked) is to pursue protecting the Square in this manner if it is feasible within the law.
If you can help point us to the best people that can help in this matter we would really
appreciate it. There is sadly little confidence in people that going to the council or police
will help, although I am trying to keep them informed, despite my work and three children.
An email received from a neighbour today, for instance, about the problems with the
huge expansions in motorcycle bays on the corner where Costa Coffee is.
“I have had a dreadful day. I photographed the bike bay and one of the HenchMen’ riders
then followed me to my car and photographed my face and car. I think I will no longer be
able to park nearby, he repeatedly shouted at me. I have been so shaken and upset to
be so abused and intimidated.
You must be very careful with these gangs. Our son who is a barrister tracked down the
owner on his private phone. He said he was shocked by this behaviour and would be
phoning me to apologise. So far I have one missed call from an anonymous number.I will
be very glad to get back to HK. We put the flat on the market last year but took it off as
our daughter and son in law needed somewhere to live. Our plan was to sell before we
repatriate from HK.But really I am so upset and now worried for my safety and the car!”
81

06 November 2015 at 11:31
From: Greger Hamilton < greger.hamilton@ovingtonfinancial.com>
To: coleridge1 < coleridge1@aol.com>; Cllr.Coleridge < Cllr.Coleridge@rbkc.gov.uk>;
cllr.paget-brown < cllr.paget-brown@rbkc.gov.uk>; Cllr.Weale < Cllr.Weale@rbkc.gov.
uk>
CC: ajarvishamilton < ajarvishamilton@aol.com>
Subject: Fwd: Policing in Ovington Square - call 101 or our local
Dear Cllr Coleridge, Cllr Paget-Brown, Cllr Weale,
As per the recent correspondence I forward a recent email concerning the subject. We are
very surprised, and indeed dismayed, if residents are told to use specific communication
channels, such as per the instruction below, to communicate with our councillors and
such communication is not forwarded to yourselves.
It is not conceivable that neither of our councillors have been made aware of the issues
facing Ovington Square and Ovington Garden. . . Looking ahead - we now have a working
line of communication I look forward to a productive cooperation on these matters.
The immediate tasks for us are:
1. Immediate suspend the motorcycle bay by Costa. It currently is a magnet for drug
dealing and courier services managed by thugs on wheels. We have had several acts of
personal violence, intimidation, defacation by these delivery drivers. You as Councillors
have the power to issue an order to immediately suspend. We suggest you use this
power for the benefit of concerned residents.
2. When possible make arrangements to remove the motorcycle bay - or make it solely
residential motorcycle bay.
3. Install CCTV cameras to monitor parking violations by these delivery drivers. Currently
they park on single yellow lines totally ignoring parking wardens who are not ticketing
them as they say it is useless. CCTV would also monitor the apparent ongoing drug
dealing which occurs on the corner of Costa Coffee.
4. We want to commence the procedure to stopping through traffic through Ovington
Gardens/Square. We ask you to advice us how to best initiate this process as the
situation for residents is completely intolerable with speeding cars, risk to our children
safety (not to mention our own), significant air pollution from both diesel and petrol cars,
damage to cars parked legally by van and minicar drivers, etc, etc. Shutting down the
through traffic would solve most of the problems we now have.
Looking forward to working with you on these matters and look forward to a meeting/
lunch/coffee in th near future.
82

05 November 2015 at 22:36
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: kmescal@gmail.com, committees@rbkc.gov.uk, desmond.zephyr@rbkc.gov.uk,
kirk.deane@rbkc.gov.uk, kimberly.wilkinson13@gmail.com
Cc: , , , , , , , , , ,
, , , , , ,
, , , , , ,
,
Subject: Re: Policing in Ovington Square - call 101 or our local
Dear Councillors,
We have written to you on a regular basis (to your personal emails) with not a singular
response from any of you to any of our emails to the many problems in Ovington Square
the most recent of which was a burglary today. We are also in regular contact with the
police and council about the daily problems we are facing. The Kensington and Chelsea
Council website tells us that we must correspond by email to you that does not appear
to be an effective method.
Could you kindly let us know how we are meant to contact you as we need you need to
contact Kirk Deane ( kirk.deane@rbkc.gov.uk)regarding o ur first action request which
is to immediately remove the public motorcycle bay in Ovington Gardens immediately
across from Costa, which has been a constant source of many problems (all of which
have been detailed and documented regularly).
We want to stop crimes such as those suffered by Katherine Mescal today and be proactive
rather than reactive. We have a very strong relationship with the Knightsbridge school
(Magoo Giles), Egerton Crescent, Alexander Square, Walton Street, Lennox Gardens,
Pont Street, Thurloe Square as well as Montpellier Square residents who care about
building a safer community. Kindly help us to help improve the situation. To all residents
please try and join OWL ( www.owl.co.uk)when you have a chance (the neighbourhood
watch website used by the police - ).
PLEASE FORWARD TO ANY RESIDENTS WHO MAY BE AFFECTED/PLEASE ASK
TO BE REMOVED FROM THE LIST IF YOU HAVE MOVED
83

HI All,
My flat in 28 Ovington Square was burgled today. The burglar was able to break into
the front door and the flat between 9:20AM and 3:20PM. Electronics, jewellery and
handbags were stolen. The suspect is likely male and was wearing Nike trainers. If
you saw anything suspicious today, could you please let me know, as the jewellery has
sentimental value and I would very much like to recover it.
08 October 2015 at 9:09
wrote:
We are underpoliced, there is no one on duty many evenings in our ward. To get more
support can be petitioned through the council. Please log whatever problem you have to
the police. 101 is the easy number. Or else the mobile number of our local man is 07768
17812. William Hodgkinson, Amankou Amon and Mark Lines are listed as in charge.
Thank you for your responses so far. Please excuse me if I have not yet deleted you
and please send me anyone who wants adding in. The messages and stories back of
harassment and crime were far worse than expected. Here is one from today - from the
issues of the huge new bike bay.
“ I have had a dreadful day. I photographed the bike bay and one of the HenchMen’ riders
then followed me to my car and photographed my face and car. I think I will no longer be
able to park nearby, he repeatedly shouted at me. I have been so shaken and upset to
be so abused and intimidated. You must be very careful with these gangs. Our son who
is a barrister tracked down the owner on his private phone. He said he was shocked by
this behaviour and would be phoning me to apologise. So far I have one missed call from
an anonymous number.I will be very glad to get back to HK. We put the flat on the market
last year but took it off as our daughter and son in law needed somewhere to live. Our
plan was to sell before we repatriate from HK.But really I am so upset and now worried
for my safety and the car!”
Several people have asked if we can petition to cut ourselves off physically from the
Brompton road and what our rights are to this effect. If you know, please do let us know.
If you don’t want to receive emails, bear with us and we will remove you from the list. As
we said, we are ready to make an effort now, but after this we are moving if there are no
results.
84

11 September 2015 at 08:37
From: MARGARETTE OLDHAM
To: Andrea Hamilton
Subject: FW: Fwd: RE: Defecation & urinating ovington gdns
Andrea, thought u may like to be aware of the quite disgusting behaviour Sandy reported
last week and the reply she received.
The next issue is quite tricky but nevertheless important to get resolve disputes: the
courier bikers have made the corner Solo Parking bay their apparent HQ. On two or
three occasions last week, it was extremely difficult to drive into Ovington Gardens from
Brompton Rd. these delivery scooters not only blocked up the Locals Solo Bay, they
parked opposite on double yellows creating a traffic jam backing back into Bromton
Road.
The traffic from Walton St couldn’t pass through without causing a jam whilst we from
Brompton Rd had to wait up to three or fourinutes to be let through. Costa appear to
allow this scooter mob to eat their MacDonalds or just have their tables as their social
Club. I shall write to RBKC to suggest they creat a new area for these delivery scooters
in the cobbled area behind Pattiserie Valerie. This would not disturb the flow of traffic or
cause more irritation to locals.
I don’t have your Round Robin email addresses so would be most grateful if you circulated
this mail. Hope your long break away was a happy and successful time for you and the
family.
11 September 2015 at 08:11
From: Sandy Sykes
To: MARGARETTE OLDHAM
Subject: Fwd: RE: Defecation & urinating ovington gdns
Dear Margaret
Please let others know we have a good response from RBKC....
Mr. Zephyr spoke to our Porter, Lalita Jannsen and they will get the police to keep an
eye on it as these on line couriers have just sprung up this summer making Ovington
Gardens their HQ.
It may become a seasonal problem as they fetch food etc from shops for visitors.
85

9 September 2015 at 16:58
From:
To:
Subject: RE: Defecation & urinating ovington gdns
Dear Ms. Sykes,
Many thanks for your email to the Community Safety Team.
Your correspondence was also shared with me and I had the opportunity to speak with
Ms. Johansen at length on the telephone yesterday. Her concerns and your report has
been passed on to the Community Police Team and I have proposed tasking officers
from the police team to cover the area in upcoming patrols.
Please do continue to report cases of antisocial behaviour to the police and council.
31 August 2015 at 11:21
From: Sandy Sykes [mailto:sykesco2@gmail.com]
To: Community Safety: CP-Mgmt
Cc: William Fall; MARGARETTE OLDHAM
Subject: Defecation & urinating ovington gdns
Dear Sir
I write to you on behalf of the many residents of Ovington court.
Not only do we have the noise of super cars and pedibikes....which has not abated
as of today 31st August 2015. This summer has brought with it a new nuisance. The
motorbike riders of Jinn and Gett are now congretating on both sides of the street...
blocking pedestrian access to our flats.
They eat and drink on the street just dropping their litter and food. Our block has had to
install cameras as they also urinate and defecate at our gates. When approached they
demonstrate passive aggressive behaviour and despite many pleadings for them not to
litter and defecate outside our flats they do. Please help us.
Please.
At any time there can be 6 to 12 bikers there. They intimidate our formidable porter.
Lalita Johansen the caretaker is on duty during office hours. Her mobile is 07765398175.
Please forward this to any departments that may help us with this situation.
86

9 June 2015 at 08:46
Andrea wrote:
Dear Neil,
Thank you for your personal response. As you are aware, we are really working hard on
monitoring this ( to the point that we often clean rubbish ourselves on the weekends up
to two times a day- and everyday of the week we clean the garden and its edges- which
we have begun to document with pictures). It has been several years now with the past
two years focused daily on the issue. Our garden association is very active.
We log in complaints at least weekly for your records. All this time could be spent simply
solving the problem and collecting the rubbish. Why do we clean ourselves?
As a deterrent, the cleaner it is the less likely we notice that people litter as freely.
We simply cannot take the onslaught of all the tourists discarding all their food stuffs
without both cleaning and vigilance from the council and police. There needs to be a
strong response from the council or else perhaps we can apply to become a private
square which monitors itself.
We have logged calls every week and now with our community website up we will log in
the information and pictures so you are welcome to check as well.
Residents in squares and streets along the Brompton road are very unhappy in general
with the state of affairs with rubbish discarded by tourists and no one enforces any of
the penalties threatened. Our last meeting had over 280 disgruntled residents and the
numbers are growing.
How can we be sure action is taken? We will copy you in to the street line complaints in
the future, hopefully you will get it under control.
My advice is to make it part of the Licensing Acts that all food places on the Brompton
road contribute to a cleaner 7 days a week 24/7 which checks the residential squares and
streets constantly.That is the true solution. As they benefit from all the tourist business
there should be a charge imposed on all the litter that are discarded along the streets.
From the council and police side, enforcement of penalties must begin.
87

9 Jun 2015 at 08:18
wrote:
Dear Mr and Mrs Hamilton,
This is of great concern to me as I spent a great deal of time walking around the area
doing environmental visual audits with Paul Siggery the SITA area manager, I have
contacted Paul this morning and reiterated what had been emailed, he was aware of the
email, Paul has informed me that the sweeper did not sweep Brompton or Walton Street
as he is supposed to on Monday’s.
The sweeper has be disciplined, Paul and I have agreed that Walton Street will be
swept Monday Wednesday and Friday, Brompton Road end of Ovington and Ovington
Gardens/Ovington Square will be swept 7 days a week with an extra sweeper on the
weekends, this is what was agreed and communicated to you both by me some months
ago, but has broken down.
I apologise for the poor state of sweeping in your area, I can assure you that the agreed
commitment will be followed as Paul my fellow officers and I will monitor the situation
closely to ensure compliance.
If you have any need to complain or observe any breach of this agreement please
contact Streetline and ask them to refer the complaint to me.
8 June 2015 at 19:01
From: MARGARETTE OLDHAM
To: “ajarvishamilton@aol.com” , “streetline@rbkc.gov.uk”
Cc: “daniel.reis@petroleumequity.com” ,
“linda@currentdesign.co.uk” , “sykesco2@gmail.com”
, “traci@weaverfamily.org.uk” ,
“stop.asb.now@gmail.com” , “just_cleaning@tiscali.co.uk”
, “subs@wainwright.me.uk”
Subject: Re: Ovington Sqiare - Street cleaning and litter Fault Report
Thank you Andrea.
It is quite shameful. I’m fed up taking photos of the disgusting street rubbish. We’re now
getting more tourists eating this Big Mac and fries on the steps and leaving their rubbish/
food leftovers.
88

I think Jen and Chelsea seriously have to question the competence of their Street
management. They want the revenue brought in by tourists but apparently not inclined to
UP their game to accommodate all these tourists and their disgusting habits. Would they
consider a cut in local taxes for Residents to employ local workers to keep the square
clean? I should doubt it but the question could be raised. We’re going to be invaded
during the next couple of months so RBKC need to get their act together otherwise a
change of votes when it comes to next Councillors who talk the talk and do NOT walk
the walk. Great effort and frustrating for your input
8 June 2015 at 13:27
From: Andrea [mailto:ajarvishamilton@aol.com]
To: streetline@rbkc.gov.uk
Cc: Daniel and Ioana Reis; Linda Ashley; Sandy Ross Sykes; Maggie Oldham; Traci
Weaver; Traci Weaver; Simon and Ete Chilton; Michael Wainwright
Subject: Re: Ovington Sqiare - Street cleaning and litter Fault Report
Dear John,
The state of Ovington Square is horrible again this Monday with no street cleaner. There
is rubbish throughout from Brompton Road to Walton street, especially after the weekend
and all the tourists. My husband and I are on the Garden committee and speak on behalf
of all the residents copied in.
We are complaining about this and have logged calls for over four years with lots of
promises made but not being met. Can you please address the situation immediately.
89

07 June 2015 at 09:21
From: William Fall [mailto:William.Fall@hotmail.co.uk]
To: Traci Weaver; Maxine Buchanan-Michaelson; olga.fall@hotmail.com; Steve
Beverley; Christopher Sykes; John Lorimer; Jan Langmuir; Renata Cesar; Catherine
Labaude; Susana Franyutti; Cristina Quazzo; GARY EABORN
Subject: Steering Group 5th June 6.30 pm 5 Alexander Square
Attendees
Traci Weaver (P.S. I do not have Andrea’s email... can I ask you to forward this to her?)
Maxine Buchanan-Michaelson
Olga Fall
Steven Beverly
Andrea Hamilton
William Fall
Apologies
Christopher Sykes
John Lorimer
Jan Langmuir
Renata Cesar
Catherine Lebaude
Susana Franyutti
Cristina Quazzo
Gary Eaborn
Actions
1) Another email update will go out over the weekend on a fuller explanation of how and
why to report incidents across the area (JL). With the heightened attention being paid
to this issue by RBKC and the police currently, it is important to keep up the pressure of
reporting.
2) Another email update will come out next week focussing on the progress made in our
media/communications areas, highlighting the new website, Twitter and Facebook (TW).
The uploading of information onto the website is a near priority. TW/CQ/AH will work out
the next steps here and if necessary circulate access codes to the group to allow more
people to upload data onto the site.
3) It was agreed that we should try to get an update out not less frequently than fortnightly
during the summer. This will have to be coordinated by email between this group (All).
It was agreed that we should try to keep them short with a single principal issue for each
update.
90

4) The use of the red cards has been found to be effective. TW/AH to look into producing
more of these more cheaply, potentially with a different printer. We also discussed
producing a short leaflet for distribution around on parked cars, and potentially doorstepping
people at the Tube station.
5) TW will review the list of people who signed the first petition but have yet to sign the
new one. A chaser email will be sent to those for whom we have email information. TW
will circulate a list of the others to this group such that we can take those we each know
and get them to sign onto the new one.
6) It was agreed that the PSPO campaign should continue to send the message to
councillors and the police about the importance of broadening the scope, while accepting
that initially any PSPO will focus on supercars to start with. RBKC may be starting with
a more limited scope as its first step with this new legislation.
7) The street database to be updated to show relevant area-coordinators, where we
have them. This will prevent double coverage (WF).
7) Q Plates seem to be a ‘dead’ area as far as the police are concerned. However the
legislation is very clear that these are needed for foreign-owned cars with unreadable
number plates. We should add these to the list of items that are reportable on ‘101’. TW
to revert to Will Hodgkinson to determine way forward if any.
8) It is rumoured that Cafe Vienna has been sold to an Arab group. This is another SKE
property (WF to follow up).
9) It has also been reported that shisha pipe smoking is going on upstairs above 241.
This space is not in the restaurant lease however (WF to follow up with SKE). Also WF
to follow-up on rumours of 232 sale. The meeting with Ridha at 232 on 16th June has
been confirmed (Tim Butler of SKE plus SB/JL/SF/WF to attend).
10) WF to speak to Joanna Gardner about the allocation of a police team to the area
around the end of Ramadan.
11) It was suggested that we make contact with other land-owning groups other than
SKE. TW thought JL may have some of these contacts.
12) It was proposed that we should advertise the campaign in other outlets. The Garden
News broadsheet was suggested (TW to speak to Holly?).
13) TW suggested pencilling in Tuesday 15th September as the date for another
Community Meeting, to which NP-B, Coleridge and Gardner would all be invited as well
Hodgkinson. Next steps?
91

14) Robert Berg will start looking at the accounts and background of SKE’s dealings in
the area, as well as of L’Opera, when he returns from vacation in the middle of July (WF
to liaise).
I hope this is it. It is a bit hurried as I am trying to get something out before leaving for the
airport. We left open the potential for another meeting before some of this group leave
London for the summer. Thoughts?
06 Jun 2015 at 19:00
From: Traci Weaver
To: Cristina Quazzo
CC: Hamilton Greger & Andrea (Jarvis)
Subject: RE: placement Public Space Protection Order petition
Thanks Cristina – good catch!
Visit our website at www.StopASBNow.org and our FB page StopASBNow. We are
getting there. Enjoy your guests and your daughter’s baptism!
06 June 2015 at 06:25
From: Cristina Quazzo [mailto:cristinaquazzo@hotmail.com]
To: Traci Weaver
Subject: Fwd: placement Public Space Protection Order petition
Traci?
Not sure if you got this as it looks like Andrea may have your email address incorrect
below.
Seems to be missing a “T.”
Hope you all got together; it seems you did!
Am so pleased.
Sorry I couldn’t make last night. Just not possible.
Was on an appt and been running around like a nut this past week. Have Guests coming
in from US today as having our daughters baptism on Sunday.
Looks like you all/we are getting traction.
92

06 June 2015 at 00:17
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: klhplf@gmail.com, margarette.oldham@btinternet.com, daniel.reis@
petroleumequity.com, MichaelWainwright@eversheds.com, Sarah@hewettfamily.net,
mail@hewettfamily.net, mail@thesorrells.com, linda@currentdesign.co.uk, greger.
hamilton@ovingtonfinancial.com, kbricken@me.com, eric@ericbettelheim.com, just_
cleaning@tiscali.co.uk, gkount@aol.com, sandmerkman@gmail.com, kmescal@gmail.
com, cristinaquazzo@hotmail.com, marcideclaris@icloud.com, dmdesigns04@yahoo.
com, valeria@quartergroup.co.uk, yvonnechanym@yahoo.com, magdaconway@
yahoo.com, nicanna@first.g, fpduval@googlemail.com, artemisdiana@btinternet.
com, amgenette@hotmail.com, azia@aziaresort.com, londonoffice@aziarsort.com,
cosima@pavoncelli.co.uk, aedulik@aol.com, alisonecorbett@icloud.com, hasana@
btinternet.com, aldred@acqpromland.com, cpetitgas@aol.com, SJulius@Stellican.com,
kimberleyjulius@btopenworld.com, elizabeth@louisfamily.com, jeff@louisfamily.com,
greger.hamilton@ovingtonfinancial.com, dan.bricken@wellsfargo.com, nicolajulius@
madasafish.com, hls@dial.pipex.com, petty.taylor@gmail.com, whirlingjarvis@gmail.
com, katiefd@aol.com, margaretmannphotography@gmail.com, nanrichards@gmail.
com
Cc: sykesco2@gmail.com, stop.asb.now@gmail.com, raci@weaverfamily.org.uk
Subject: Fwd: placement Public Space Protection Order petition
Dear Friends,
Please forward this email to people you know who may be affected or insterested.
I have recently met with a group of lovely residents (Alexander Square, Egerton Crescent,
etc.) who have set up a centralized community action hotline (stop ASB now--antisocial
behaviou) for most of your grievances related to loud cars gunning there way down
the streets, litter and many other problems. The only way to get any change in laws is
through signing petitions and calling in grievances and being active about the problems
you experience. There is a website being set up, facebook (Stop ASB Now), twitter and
instagram. You can upload photos and post to these - so please record and write down
and send in pictures and you may find others that share your views. Please continue
to log calls with council and police even if you think they are ineffective. It can be loud
speeding cars, excessive litter issues, loud crowds gathering and unruly at night, etc.
Each square/garden ideally should have at least one(stopASBnow) representative to
inform and pass ideas to you. Social media is a great tool for community action such as
this.
The stop ASB group has been meeting with councillors, police, MPs weekly and are
serious about getting problems in Knightsbridge/Chelsea/South Kensington/Belgravia
areas affected by the Cromwell/Brompton road under
control.
93

Please please sign this petition which is mainly about the loud cars-they have a deadline
soon on this one. Please have a read and I appreciate any feedback. Please circulate to
your group of neighbours. We need huge numbers to sign in order to change laws and
give police more powers and presence.
Please email stop.asb.now@gmail to com and ask to be kept informed. The next
community meeting is set for September 15. They had over 270 people attend the first
meeting which had both the council and police visibly shaken.
04 June 2015 at 15:22
From: Stop Asb
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: Re-placement Public Space Protection Order petition
Dear Neighbours,
In response to concern about the wording of the original e-petition urging RBKC to adopt
a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to address anti-social behaviour, we have relaunched
it.
Please sign the NEW e-petition NOW asking RBKC to widen the scope of the proposed
PSPO to include large crowds behaving in an anti-social way!
Direct link to E-Petition
The new petition focuses on the anti-social behaviour of large crowds rather than the
number of people in the group and addresses the fears many residents have expressed
about the intimidating nature of the behaviour.
RBKC is listening, but we only have a limited amount of time to get this message across.
Please sign now and encourage your friends to do so as well!
14 May 2015 at 12:04
From: Sandy Sykes
To: Andrea
Subject: Re: Ovington Gardens and Ovington Square. RBKC 3
We certainly need a sign like there is from Walton st.
And ‘Slow ‘ signs.
94

13 May 2015 at 17:02
“Andrea” wrote:
Hi I am very concerned it will not solve the problem- but create a nightmare--we are
going to get more and bigger trucks and vans- in fact they are going to really use it as a
pass through- so this is the reverse of what we want!!
They (council) are seeing this as advantageous as they have a bottleneck problem and
this gives them new access though our square. So be very careful and do not agree to
this proposal. Think how much fun ferrarris will have gunning down a wider square. What
we want is a sign or those two poles as you enter the square that you can fit through like
Albert Bridge. It will slow everyone down.
13 May 2015 at 16:44
From: Margarette Oldham
To: Sandy Sykes
CC: Andrea Hamilton
Subject: Re: Ovington Gardens and Ovington Square. RBKC 3
Hello both, thought you might be interested to know that, I have, this afternoon spoken
to a member of RBKC, who called me in response to my initial letter re the parking and
damage to cars parked in the square, as well as traffic jams caused by Transit vans
and lorries. Apparently they will be placing a Planning Notice specifying the removal of
Parking meters on the East side of the Square. He also suggested Double Yellow lines
on the curve. I pointed out, and he agreed, that this is a bit heavy handed for ordinary
shoppers on Sunday’s because they are not the problem but LORRIES, Transit Vans
and oversized vehicles using the Square as a
‘Cut Through’ and building construction deliveries without permits for parking bays.
Goodness knows what these Traffic Wardens are doing.
13 May 2015 at 16:43
Margarette Oldham wrote:
Hello both, thought you might be interested to know that, I have, this afternoon spoken
to a member of RBKC, who called me in response to my initial letter re the parking and
damage to cars parked in the square, as well as traffic jams caused by Transit vans
and lorries. Apparently they will be placing a Planning Notice specifying the removal of
Parking meters on the East side of the Square.
95

He also suggested Double Yellow lines on the curve. I pointed out, and he agreed, that
this is a bit heavy handed for ordinary shoppers on Sunday’s because they are not the
problem but LORRIES, Transit Vans and oversized vehicles using the Square as a
‘Cut Through’ and building construction deliveries without permits for parking bays.
Goodness knows what these Traffic Wardens are doing.
13 May 2015 at 08:41
Sandy Sykes wrote:
Please forward this onto others. Mr. ZEPHYR said he would raise this.
Thanks Sandy
11 May 2016 at 19:53
From: Just Cleaning
To: stop.asb.now
CC: greger.hamilton ; ajarvishamilton
; streetline ; Michael Wainwright
; Oonagh Shenley Toffolo ;
alsaleh.munirah ; linda ;
Eric and Cristina (Kika) Bettelheim ; yvonnechanym
; magdaconway ; tarinyc
; nicanna ; aldred ; Pascal and Francoise Duval ; Metin and Sandra
Erkman ; cnorris21a ; margarette.
oldham ; mikeandyo ; daniel.reis ; mat.potulski ; Mark and Annabelle Sorrell ; cllr.mosley
Subject: NEW PSPO ENFORCEMENT MEASURES (YOUR EMAIL DT WEDS 11/5/16)
To Whom it May Concern
RE: NEW PSPO ENFORCEMENT MEASURES (YOUR EMAIL DT WEDS 11/5/16)
In receipt of yours just now, it is a toothless gesture – lots of writing and little else.
RBK&C never listen to the Residents and Rarely do anything which requires common
sense. Some comments below on your brainwave “going live” policy:-
96

1)Dedicated Action (Suggested) – RBK&C always busy looking into everything but
achieving precious little.
2)Dedicated Common Sense – Suggest act on Residents concerns rather than thinking
that you always know best.
3)Dedicated Operators (Complete rubbish statement) – You should have these people
manning the phones regardless.
4)Increased Inforcement Personel (Ramadan) – What about the rest of the year?
Toothless and useless - They do nothing albeit you think they do.
5)Litter, Noise, Nuisance – Bins removed from Brompton Road area because they were
always full – Why not just empty them rather than remove them - Who was the idiot that
came up with this one?
Noise – What are you going to do – Display “Keep Quiet” signs?
Nuisance – The Police should deal with this with a firm hand not a pussy glove – All
discipline and social education required.
6)New Traffic Signs – How ridiculous and what a waste of money – Do we need more
signs?
7)Funding – If this came out of your pocket, better decisions would be taken.
Now for a few common sense items which have either been rejected, overlooked or just
plain ignored by RBK&C in the past:-
a) Delivery Bike Parking – Many complaints at junction of Brompton Rd/Ovington
Gardens with motor bike parking, noise, rubbish.
RBK&C Solution – Do nothing.
b) Street Cleaning (Ovington Square Area) – Constant rubbish from local takeaways –
Sweeping service very poor with endless complaints from residents to the Council and
appointed Contractor.
RBK&C Solution – “Always looking into” …. poor supervision, screw the Residents –
They have to paythe Council Tax anyway.
c)Road Closure (Ovington Gardens to Brompton Road) – Residents of the area requested
in the past that Ovington Gardens to Brompton Road should be closed off to stop the
“rat run”.
RBK&C Solution – Surprise, you know best – Consultation rejected to encourage noisy
couriers, taxi’s etc – Who cares.
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d) Lennox Gardens (Roadworks) – Recently closed off to put in (I think) a cobbled
pedestrian type crossing – Are we that stupid not to be able to cross the roads without
spending fortunes like this to presumeably help dogs, cats, school kids, old people and
Council Officials reach the otherside?
RBK&C Solution – Spend the money anyway – It makes the road look good and another
great major decision taken by the RBK&C “Think Tank” (Health & Safety) – Maybe they
should live a little more on the edge – Buy a car.
e) Traffic Lights (Pont /Walton Street and others) – Who needs lights which can count
1 - 10 and then signal for cyclists to stop or go.
I know that education is pretty bad at the moment but what happens if someone cannot
count from 1 – 10 – May issue them a parking ticket?
Where is the common sense and don’t tell me Health & Safety?
RBK&C Solution – Let’s spend more money where it is not needed and let’s see if the
public can count 1 – 10 (Edgy stuff).
Let’s also Re-Phase the traffic lights generally to help create more traffic jams and then
let’s call this “congestion” so that we can possibly make more charges in the future for
our inadequate decisions (No one will know, I hear RBK&C say at one of their brain
storming sessions).
Fact - Traffic lights need to be removed in many areas – To help, I would suggest not to
be removed from busy Pedestrian Junctions but only a Tax Paying idea. (One for your
Finance Director - Think of the electricity you will save and my god, the ozone layer!) –
Cannot wait…
f)Roads (Pot Holes) – Cromwell/Brompton Roads (and many others) a total disgrace
being main arteries into a Capital City – Terrible condition generally in many places.
RBK&C Solution – Let’s ignore it (Please do not quote me what you think you spend
– The facts are there to be seen) and let’s spend the money on more uneccessary
schemes like new Road Signs, increase Town Hall salaries (and Pensions), send out a
few million useless leaflets and no one will know (That should keep the road users quiet).
I could add quite a lot more but the wife has just brought me a cup of tea and said “what’s
the point – they never do anything and they never listen”…..
Back to where we started….Happy Ramadan, no litter, peace and quiet and new traffic
signs to guide us forwards – brilliant!
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11 May 2016 at 10:30
From: Stop Asb
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: New PSPO Enforcement Measures
RBKC is finalising a series of measures to address the expected increase in Anti-Social
Behaviour associated with noisy super cars, motorcycles etc. this summer. They are
also about to put into place procedures to allow better enforcement of the PSPO.
We know that many of you have been frustrated at the lackadaisical enforcement of the
PSPO and ineffective action to address ASB. When the procedures are finalised in the
next few days we will send out a more comprehensive overview of RBKC plans but in
the meantime here are some highlights of their plans.
To improve the route for reporting PSPO violations RBKC will soon go “live” with:
1. Dedicated telephone number
2. Dedicated email address
3. There will be dedicated operators for the telephone line from 9am-17: 30pm
Increased Enforcement Personnel preceding and following the Ramadan holiday, (1
June-14 July
The Community Policing Team will be on the streets Thursday-Saturday until late in the
evening and on Sunday from mid-day-20:00pm.
1. The Road Traffic Police will be enlisted to step up parking enforcement.
2. Council Enforcement will be focused on the area with a view to addressing litter,
noise, nuisance etc.
RBKC is in the final stages of designing road traffic signs that will identify and define the
PSPO area. They have obtained approval for this signage but it’s not ready yet.
26 May 2015 at 17:32
streetline@rbkc.gov.uk wrote:
Dear Mrs Hamilton,
Thank you for your email, I have forwarded the details to the street Cleansing Manager
and have requested that Ovington Square be swept as soon as possible and the service
be maintained on a regular basis.
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26 May 2015 17:16
From: ajarvishamilton@aol.com
To: waste.management@rbkc.gov.uk
Subject: Ovington Sqiare - Street cleaning and litter Fault Report
There has been no cleaning of the Square during the Bank Holday weekend and then
on the Tuesday after no street cleaner arrived. We have reported a major problem
especially on weekends with tourists dumping rubbish and eating on the edge of square
pavement from all the fast food restaurants. We have resorted tp cleaning the whole
square ourselves but have taken lots of pictures to show you the problem (available
upon request).
13 May 2015 at 16:43
From: Margarette Oldham
To: Sandy Sykes
Cc: Andrea Hamilton
Subject: Re: Ovington Gardens and Ovington Square. RBKC 3
Hello both, thought you might be interested to know that, I have, this afternoon spoken
to a member of RBKC, who called me in response to my initial letter re the parking and
damage to cars parked in the square, as well as traffic jams caused by Transit vans
and lorries. Apparently they will be placing a Planning Notice specifying the removal of
Parking meters on the East side of the Square. He also suggested Double Yellow lines
on the curve. I pointed out, and he agreed, that this is a bit heavy handed for ordinary
shoppers on Sunday’s because they are not the problem but LORRIES, Transit Vans
and oversized vehicles using the Square as a ‘Cut Through’ and building construction
deliveries without permits for parking bays. Goodness knows what these Traffic Wardens
are doing.
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20 March 2015 at 18:52
From: "Sandy Sykes"
To: "road.safety@rbkc.gov.uk"
Subject: Ovington Gardens and Ovington Square. RBKC
Dear Mr Davis,
Ovington Gardens and Ovington Square (“the affected area”) are conjoined residential
streets in very close proximity to popular shops, restaurants and bars. Knightsbridge
School, which caters for 3 to 13 year-olds, is also in close proximity. The affected area
is a well-known “cut through” route which is popular with motorists seeking to circumvent
congested neighbouring streets such as Beauchamp Place.
Your email dated 18th March 2015 fails to address the present issue. In your response
to our email , you confirm that the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (“the Royal
Borough”) has prior knowledge that damage has been caused on multiple occasions
[by] [grossly inadequate/the absence of road calming measures] [traffic] [motorists]
in the affected area. Acknowledging receipt of the aforementioned email places the
Royal Borough on actual notice that injury to personal property is an escalating and
serious issue. As such it is reasonably foreseeable that further injuries will occur in the
affected area. Removing parking spaces in the affected area will not remedy the issue.
This is clearly inadequate as it will encourage the “sports car–related issues” which you
acknowledge to be so serious that the police are involved. Preventative measures are
necessary to reduce the speed of motorists in proportion to the risk of injury. We suggest
trying some warning signs initially and lowering the speed limit.
The Royal Borough has a duty of care to ensure that reasonably foreseeable injury,
personal and otherwise, does not occur. I would strongly urge the Royal Borough to
reconsider its stance on this matter before the opportunity expires.
30 Sep 2014 10:53
From: Daniel Reis
To: Andrea Jarvis Hamilton
Subject: Fwd: Ovington Square Community Cleaning Issues/Bill Bergin Kensington
and Chelsea Council
Andrea
Sorry, if i added even more hassel with the racing cars. But i have had a number of
events this summer where either the kids were in danger or my car door was almost
knocked out... Happy to take on some of the admin work in relation to this, but perhaps
not a bad idea to discuss in detail first.
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29 September 2014 at 14:35
From: Daniel Reis
To: Valeria Zilkha
Cc: Margarette Oldham , Andrea Jarvis Hamilton
, “bill.bergin@rbkc.gov.uk” ,
“just_cleaning@tiscali.co.uk” , “MichaelWainwright@
eversheds.com” , “greger.hamilton@
ovingtonfinancial.com” , “sandmerkman@
gmail.com” , “evalotta@malmberg.co.uk” , “maria_piffaretti@hotmail.com” ,
“pavlovic.milan@hotmail.com” , “jamescormier1@
me.com” , “tarinyc@gmail.com” , “alsaleh.munirah@gmail.com” , “eric@
ericbettelheim.com” , “cristinacodognato@hotmail.com”
, “fpduval@googlemail.com” , “hasana@btinternet.com” , “yvonnechanym@yahoo.
com” , “klhplf@gmail.com” ,
“linda@currentdesign.co.uk” , “oonaghtoffolo@hotmail.
com”
Subject: Re: Ovington Square Community Cleaning Issues/Bill Bergin Kensington
and Chelsea Council
Dear Andrea
Thank you so much for your initiative - you have our full support.
In addition to the deterioration of the state of the square there is one other area you and
me had talked about in the past - and which i would really like to elaborate on with the
support of this recipient list including the council. The amount of cars speeding like racing
cars from the south to the north side on the west side of the square has significantly
increased over the years - this year, it has just become really intolerable.
it is not only a major risk to kids, puppies and ourselves when leaving our cars (on the
street side), but simply a major noise and pollution annoyance.
as you can imagine particularly over the summer and in autumn there are a lot of middle
eastern number plated racing cars testing their speed acceleration and noise volume on
our square, but also, due to street repairs on beauchamp place a lot of cabbies speeding
through.
I would like to understand from the council what is needed to implement appropriate
security measures, such as speed bumps, cctv speed cameras, etc - or simply closing
the square to wider vehicles with two iron poles, like on Drayton Gardens, which also
has the additional benefit of slowing traffic down and making our square as a short cut
for cabbies less attractive.
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29 September 2014 at 10:20
From: Holly Smith
To: Andrea Hamilton
Subject: Re: Ovington Square Community Cleaning Issues/Bill Bergin Kensington
and Chelsea Council
Dear Andrea,
Thank you for your excellent letter. I’m sorry to hear you are having these problems.
At Hereford Square they are dealing with cabbies throwing bottles of urine into their
garden, and male customers from the Hereford Arms across the street peeing into their
hedges. At Courtfield Gardens West there is a problem with minicab drivers parking in
residents’ places. Beyond that, I haven’t heard of much in other garden squares.
Good for you for going out and tackling it yourself, demonstrating what can be achieved.
Hopefully this will spark some major changes. Are your three ward councillors helping?
I believe your local councillors (please double check me on this) are Council Leader
Nicholas Paget-Brown, head of planning Cllr Tomothy Coleridge, and Cllr. Mary Weale.
In truth they should be on top of this problem — you shouldn’t have to be concerning
yourself with this.
I had a similar “street rage” moment regarding the Gloucester Road tube station area,
near where I live. I’ve attached my letter below that I wrote earlier this month. I’m
pleased to say it seems to be bringing some good results.
Would I be able to run your letter as a letter to the editor in my November issue? It is
good for people to see that this is a growing problem, and if they face similar situations
they can join in the chorus demanding improvement.
Dear Courtfield Ward Councillors,
I am shocked and dismayed by the filthy and unattractive place the Gloucester Road
Station entrance has become. It seems worse than it has ever been, and I feel that we
are being let down in a variety of ways.
The following is a list of problems in the area:
-- Dirty pavements
-- Cracked pavements
-- Gum black spots everywhere on the pavement
-- Dirty rubbish bins
-- Dirty newspaper stands
-- Rough sleepers
-- Beggars
-- Drunks urinating around the corner
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-- Gary Keates’s poor facility for selling fruit (Cllr. Rutherford has offered to explore fixing
this)
For many tourists, this area will be the first London streetscape they see when they
come in from Heathrow on the underground. It currently looks like something out of the
back streets of Bombay. I feel we are paying for services that aren’t being delivered.
Could we please have one of the Courtfield Ward councillors take charge of bringing this
squalid area back to something Kensington can be proud of? I am ashamed of it now.
28 September 2014 at 23:52
Valeria Zilkha wrote:
Dear Andrea,
Thank you so much for being our voice, you have all our support, this can not continue,
we are witnessing day by day the deterioration of Ovington Square.
28 September 2014 at 22:37
From: Andrea Hamilton
To: Holly Smith
Subject: Fwd: Ovington Square Community Cleaning Issues/Bill Bergin Kensington
and Chelsea Council
Dear Holly,
I was wondering if all the garden squares are feeling the same pressure from garbage
dumping everywhere and little enforcement on the weekends.
p.s. I know this is more a street issue rather than a garden issue but we do get a lot
thrown into our gardens!
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28 September 2014 at 21:41
From: Andrea Jarvis Hamilton
To: bill.bergin@rbkc.gov.uk, ajarvishamilton@aol.com
Cc: just_cleaning@tiscali.co.uk, MichaelWainwright@eversheds.com, greger.hamilton@
ovingtonfinancial.com, danielstephanreis@gmail.com, sandmerkman@gmail.com,
evalotta@malmberg.co.uk, maria_piffaretti@hotmail.com, pavlovic.milan@hotmail.
com, jamescormier1@me.com, tarinyc@gmail.com, margarette.oldham@btinternet.
com, alsaleh.munirah@gmail.com, eric@ericbettelheim.com, cristinacodognato@
hotmail.com, fpduval@googlemail.com, valeria@quartergroup.co.uk, hasana@
btinternet.com, yvonnechanym@yahoo.com, klhplf@gmail.com, linda@currentdesign.
co.uk, oonaghtoffolo@hotmail.com
Subject: Ovington Square Community Cleaning Issues/Bill Bergin Kensington
and Chelsea Council
Dear Bill,
Early this morning (Sunday), I was rather depressed by the state of Ovington Square.
I just wanted to move. There was open dog fouling in four corners, dog bags at every
lamppost (rather than in the bins provided at either end of the square), there was food
thrown into the square from Maroush among other sources-- lots of food just sitting
inside and outside the fringes of the garden from the nights revelries the evening before
there were countless beer bottles tossed and broken, there was garbage left in the same
places, cigarette boxes and cigarette butts everywhere (and several Addison Lee drivers
and other taxis parking and hanging out smoking ready for more) and McDonalds, Costa
and various other food bags left everywhere. Sports cars gun there way down the street
at all hours making awful noises not to mention safety issues with pedestrians. Never in
my 18 years of living in these three blocks did I feel so frustrated with the state of apathy
about living in Knightsbridge.
It turned my stomach to think of children walking around on this squalid state of affairs
so I spend 4 hours with my marigold gloves cleaning the street and inside the square
as well as washing down the street carefully and putting bleach and dettox on anything
that could spread ecoli. A neighbour saw me and began to lend a hand. Many people
noticed and remarked on what I was doing and how necessary it was for the council to
take care of things better.
The result was astonishing and the square looked magical when I finished and the
garden was also safe for children to play in.
I do think it is a matter of health and safety to have such a poor level of hygiene associated
with London streets. My solution has been simple, we need street cleaning on weekends
as well as this square is a cut through from the Brompton Road. We need a strong
campaign so tourists and renters respect our laws. We need constant surveillance which
comes from both the council and residents organisations.
105

I hope that you will help fight our cause as I cannot understand why it is not in everyone’s
interest to keep the streets clean and for a low relative cost. I am asking neighbours to
help in this campaign and I will ask for further support.
If there is anyone you think I should speak to, please let me know.
I don’t know if it is worth filling out the forms anymore, do let me know.
Putting stickers on things is also not working great.
I think the solution is for the residents and the council to work together and monitor the
situation. The most important of all is to clean the streets every day ( weekends there
are even more tourists than during the week).
28 September 2014 at 10:33
Margarette Oldham wrote:
Well done Andrea.
It is a shocking state of affairs that you had to take the initiative to shame KC officials.
These people make good talking heads when after votes the old adage “Actions more
import than Words”. You have my total support.
13 November 2013 at 21:47
From:
To:
Subject: RE: Litter Bin- Ovington Square. Ref: Mayrise 237030
Dear Andrea Hamilton
Thank you for your further feedback, following previous complaints I did spend some
time monitoring both the Square, and Gardens last weekend. Enforcement action is
planned against one resident regarding a number of waste issues.
Unfortunately I am away from work until next Monday. I will as previously promised
contact you on my return. I am happy to look at ways we can improve the street scene,
and look forward to your input.
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13 November 2013 at 19:39
From: Ajarvishamilton [mailto:ajarvishamilton@aol.com]
To: Bergin, Bill: ELRS-WasteLeis
Subject: Re: Litter Bin- Ovington Square. Ref: Mayrise 237030
Dear Bill,
I am sorry I did not get a chance to speak to you but I am concerned about our square
as has rubbish everywhere everyday and on the weekends it’s much worse as there are
no street cleaners.
I would be interested in finding out all the channels necessary to get some sort of system
working. It is not just the litter thrown everywhere but also thrown into the garden, garbage
bags left out on the wrong days, we have had builders skips in front of the house for
three years- it just does not seem very controlled.
13 November 2013 at 16:25
wrote:
Dear Andrea Hamilton
Thank you for your email. Further to my conversation with your housekeeper. I have
made arrangements for the removal of the column mounted litter bin in: Ovington Square
(To be completed during, week commencing 18th November 2013). A review of all litter
bins has now been completed. A new style of bin will be rolled out around the borough,
during December.
A full list of locations for those litter bins will be available shortly. I will pass details of
those to be located in and around your area as soon as they are available.
If I can be of further assistance, or you have further feedback do not hesitate to contact
me.
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#GoPlogging Campaign
www.goplogging.org
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Ovington Square Residents Association
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