Residents living in one of the UK’s most high-profile areas have a lot on their minds ahead of the upcoming local elections.
Socio-economic division in Westminster is vast. Here, some of the country’s wealthiest people live next to some of its poorest.
Despite these differences, residents are all worried about similar issues. Westminster is struggling with crime, cost-of-living and the unknown future of a pedestrianised Oxford Street, they told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Elections in the City of Westminster will likely be a “two-party race”, experts suggest. However the current Labour-run administration will have to defend its control of the council against the Conservatives, Reform, the Greens and Lib Dems. The LDRS asked residents what they see as the biggest local issues.
Peter Miller, 76, said he is most concerned about the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street. Mr Miller, who lives near Fitzrovia, said he thinks this might make other streets in the area much busier.
“I think that the traffic in the area is going to be so considerably busy, and especially late at night when the delivery lorries [have] got to come between midnight and seven, which I think is going to cause a bit of a nightmare in the area,” he said.
Carol Ridness, a resident based between Warwick Avenue and Maida Vale, also noted transport as a concern. She said her vote will be reflective of her concerns about London at-large, including Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street.
Ms Ridness, who said she is “nearing 90”, added she felt there was a “bleed the motorist” approach from the local government.
“They ask your opinions and then they totally ignore them,” she said. “And all at an expense that we don’t need.”
Laurens Geffert, 41, said one of his top concerns is transport. He told the LDRS there are “too many cars”, and that while Lime bikes are an issue, he believes there should be more cycling infrastructure.
Maria Ramallio, 78, is worried about drug dealing in her area. Ms Ramallio, who lives in Pimlico South, said police “don’t do anything” to stop the buying and selling of drugs near her home.
The pensioner said she is also worried about the rising cost-of-living. She said her bills have “shot up” over the last few years, leaving her “anxious and worried”.
Zein Noureddine, 60, said the area needs a local government that will look after its residents and businesses. Mr Noureddine, who manages a shop in Pimlico South, said his business lost around £10,000 after someone broke in and “stole everything” a few weeks ago.
“We need some people who will look after the area. The local government doesn’t look after us, they don’t look after the shops,” he said.
Katie Simpson, 77, says one of her top concerns for the area is safety and antisocial behaviour. Ms Simpson, who lives in Pimlico South, told the LDRS there are problems with the buying and selling of drugs where she lives.
“The kids are right in front of my door. I have CCTV, which I had to put in. So I feel a bit safer, but I have a shared garden,” she said.
City of Westminster elections will take place on May 7, alongside the rest of London and large parts of the country. You can find a breakdown of what each of the major political parties are promising in Westminster and a full list of candidates, broken down by ward.
