FN Newsletter 04-10-2023

Early October round up of news, features and comment

Another long email newsletter with lots to report…

At the end of last month two of my Fitzrovia News colleagues and I gave a talk to Camden History Society about the past 50 years of Fitzrovia News and its predecessor, Tower. CHS had invited us to do the talk in response to our recent publication: Fitzrovia News: Celebrating 50 Years. You can watch the talk from the CHS website.

A quick update on Crabtree Fields. There are now engagement events scheduled. See this story for background.

It’s very distressing when pets go missing. On Saturday afternoon a black and white border collie greyhound mix dog went astray from an address in Cleveland Street. However, today we received news that Isla the female dog has been found safe and well.

Last week part of Tottenham Court Road was closed off for most of the day after a man died during a police chase.

Around 140 businesses in Fitzrovia West will have the opportunity to vote this month on whether to create a business improvement district (BID) in partnership with Westminster Council. The BID promises cleaner streets — just like those on the Camden side of the neighbourhood which “has enjoyed the additional services provided by The Fitzrovia Partnership BID” for the past 11 years.

I very much enjoyed watching The People’s Piazza: A History of Covent Garden, which was aired again on BBC2 in September. Presented by historian David Olusoga, it covers 400 years of history and has some interesting interviews with people living and working in the area, including a very young architect and campaigner Jim Monahan. You can view it on iPlayer.

Covid-19 remains a major threat. Experts are urging people to start wearing face coverings in indoor public areas again — and a majority of people in one survey agree. Please follow NHS advice to avoid catching and spreading the virus.

If you want to get in touch with us to tell us what you think of our reporting, have a question, or would like to contribute to Fitzrovia News please email us at news@fitzrovianews.com

— Linus Rees, editor

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The latest on our website

Parts of Tottenham Court Road and Grafton Way closed after man dies and another is injured in collision

Man dies in a collision with a taxi and street furniture while the motorcycle he was riding was being followed by police officers.

Fitzrovia West businesses to vote on a business improvement district

Around 140 businesses in Fitzrovia West are being balloted this month on a proposal to create a business improvement district (BID).

Fire at Fitzroy Street construction site leaves three workers requiring hospital treatment

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a blaze at a building site on Fitzroy Street in Fitzrovia on Wednesday 27 September.

Camden adds ‘women’s safety principles’ condition to new licence at Store Street restaurant

A family-run business can serve alcohol at its new Store Street branch after Camden Council agreed to grant a premises licence but added a condition to ensure the council’s “women’s safety principles” are adopted at the restaurant.

Camden Council disables community safety email inbox in favour of a ‘more reliable’ communication system

Camden Council has disabled its Community Safety email inbox mere weeks after putting up posters at Crabtree Fields open space directing the public to use the email address. It now asks its “customers” to use a “more reliable” system… which crashed on Friday morning.

Guided tour of London Borough of Camden archives at Holborn

The public are being offered a rare opportunity of a guided visit to the London Borough of Camden Archives in Holborn, as part of Libraries Week in October 2023.

Small grants can make a big difference in helping individuals to help others

“For me £2,000 was a life-changing amount.” So spoke Aran at the Warren Centre, Whitfield Place on 23 September, at the celebration of ten years of Open Wing Trust.

Public consultations

Licensing application: Naroon Counter, 63 Great Titchfield Street

Mojereh 63 GTS Limited has made an application to Westminster Council for a new premises licence at Naroon Counter, 63 Great Titchfield Street in Fitzrovia West.

Planning applications and appeals in Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia East, September 2023

Camden Council registered 65 planning applications during September 2023 in Bloomsbury ward, which includes Fitzrovia East.

Planning applications and appeals in Fitzrovia West, September 2023

Westminster Council validated 14 planning applications during September 2023 in Fitzrovia West. An appeal has also been lodged against a planning application decision.

Westminster Council seeks views on developing an evening and night-time plan

Westminster City Council has launched a consultation on its proposal to create an inclusive evening and night-time plan and is seeking the views of residents.

Camden Council seeks views on Adeline Place, Bedford Square, and Great Russell Street changes

Camden Council has opened a public consultation today on proposed changes to the street environment at Adeline Place, Bedford Square, and Great Russell Street, on Fitzrovia’s lower east side.

Printed newspapers

Our next printed newspaper will be out in December and available from outside Fitzrovia Community Centre, 2 Foley Street, along with the weekly Camden New Journal and the Westminster Extra. See the newspaper archive for back issues of Fitzrovia News. We aim to produce a two-page, printed issue at least four times a year.

News from elsewhere

Charity demands ‘scrutiny' over death of teen motorbike rider in police pursuit

A charity has called for “urgent scrutiny” of the events which led to a teenager being pursued by police dying in a road crash.

Caught short? Soho forum commissions survey on public loos

Soho has one of the lowest numbers of public toilets per square mile in the country, according to a neighbourhood group launching an investigation this week.