Eviction of long-standing Kings Cross motorbike business

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Daniel Z. Zylbersztajn-Lewandowski

MotopsychoThe owner of the motorbike business Motopsycho, a long standing feature in South Kings Cross, currently residing at 18 Acton Street, is to leave the premises by August, in spite of the owner Keith Pollen in his own words, “always having paid his rent on time and never missing a single payment.”

Pollen, a father of three, who inherited the business several years ago from his mechanic friend Adam Murray, now finds himself in a quite worried state.

The garage supports his entire family and a few mechanic assistants. The closure would force upon him difficult decisions at a time already not easy due to the economic downturn of the past years.

“In the worst case I may have to start completely anew, and businesses such as this one rely on slowly building up contacts with motorcyclists, who know the location of the garage, rather than your e-mail or phone number.”

Pollen says it could take years to rebuild the trade at a new location and he is hoping he can find a replacement workshop close to the current location. He is appealing to anyone with suggestions of potential locations in the area nearby, from where he could continue to operate.

The reason for Pollen’s demise is the fact, that the landlord is clearing 18 Acton Street for refurbishment to modernise it and convert the entire building into flats. Pollen says, that legislation has changed recently, making it easier to convert commercial units into residential properties.  Apparently some of the residential tenants above the garage  have also been told to leave.

The history of the business goes back decades.  Prior to running the  garage from Acton Street, the business was run from a unit on Kings Cross Road, but moved eventually into the spacier premises in Acton Street.  Just a few years ago Pollen had to upgrade the garage for fire hazard safety at much personal expense.

It is yet another tale of a long standing blue collar businesses being forced to vacate the Southern side of Kings Cross. Recently the Jaguar garage on Gray’s Inn Road, also shut for good, with the rooms currently used as a make shift car-park.

If you have any info on premises large enough to sustain a motorcycle garage either drop into the garage or phone Keith on 020-7837 04 72 or email via the website www.moto-psycho.co.uk/contact.html

Posted in Local businesses | 2 Comments

Sustainable Art Exhibition: 16th- 19th May

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Daniel Z. Zylbersztajn-Lewandowski
Image
The Kings Cross based Atelier Tammam, more known for its outstanding ethical fashion and bridal ware have created a “Sustainable World Art Competition & Exhibition” here in Kings Cross,the first of its kind.

Come and see the Public Exhibition:

May 16-19, 2014

The exhibition is open to the public and artworks are available to buy with profits going to animal welfare charities.

Friday 16th – 11am – 6pm

Saturday 17th – 11am – 4pm

Sunday 18th – 12 – 4pm

Monday 19th – 11am to 4pm

WHERE

Atelier Tammam, 5 Hastings Street, London WC1H 9PZ (off Judd Street)

More details: http://ateliertammam.wix.com/sustartcomp

Posted in Arts and Entertainment, King's Cross People, Local businesses, New | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

TfL to appoint ‘Head of Corporate Credibility’

Posted on May 13, 2014 by William Perrin

We’ve been tipped off that Transport for London is seeking to appoint a ‘Head of Corporate Credibility’ to help in the delivery of real projects.  Our TfL source says that the job ad, to appear in tomorrow’s Construction News will explain that this is a result of the huge success of a previous appointment, the ‘Head of Politically Distracting Projects’.  The HPDP has successfully distracted people’s attention with the Estuary Airport scheme that gave the appearance to hard pressed people who vote for the Mayor in SW London that the Mayor was actually doing something about flights.

Other great successes from the Politically Distracting Projects Department (set up as a deniable skunk works team in a converted public toilet) include the Cycle Superhighways, the Emirates Cable Car and the recent announcement of  giant tunnel gyratory system for London. However our sources tell us that the cycle superhighways were implemented accidentally when there was a surplus of blue paint in the works department and no one can work out how the dangleway was actually built – both were only supposed to be political concepts to take people’s minds off the real transport problems in London.  It is still unknown who the Head of Politically Distracting Projects is, they operate under deep cover and are thought to be a direct descendant of the planner behind Operation Fortitude.

The huge success of the Politically Distracting Projects Department has led to a credibility vacuum around TfL who will now appoint a Head of Corporate Credibility to reassure people that TfL can still build stuff that matters.

Speaking on condition of anonymity a TfL official said:

‘Well, now Bob Crow has gone the Mayor looks like Ernie Wise going it alone and needs some help.  I know it’s hard to believe, but the tunnel was the final straw – there’s a plan for buses on sky hooks somewhere they keep trying to get out.’

Editors note: Apologies to regular readers, I’ve had to resort to satire as the plain facts were too ludicrous.

Posted in New | Leave a comment

Institute of Physics comes to Balfe Street and the Cally Road in 2015

Posted on May 7, 2014 by William Perrin

imageIf seems that finally, concrete proposals are emerging for the troubled site at the apex of Balfe Street and Cally Road.  It’s been a hoarded-up abused dump since TG Lynes plumbers moved out donkey’s years ago. The Institute of Physics (an academic charity/trade body for physics) last year bought the freehold to the site that bridges Cally and Balfe (see their pic above). And are working on plans with architects Tate Hindle, who do decent commercial stuff it seems.  IoP have a mini-site in their website that they are using to share news (though there isn’t much interesting there yet). I have been slow picking this up and am grateful to local resident Cabe for the flyer above.

Cally Councillors have also commented

‘IoP has begun discussions with Islington Council to modify the current building. Cally Councillors now have a copy of the proposals which mainly involve an additional storey on the main building. At their public consultation on 19th May further details should be available.’

IoP are workshopping with their members – however their members clearly haven’t come across Islington’s renowned heritage planners who I doubt will let a PV panel or green roof anywhere near the conservation area – it’s Welsh slate or bust.  There may well be rights of light issues if rooflines are altered as the development is to the South of a set of properties with windows facing inwards to a courtyard.  It seems there is a local consultation with residents on 19 May – helpful to share any details.  I haven’t checked yet to see if the buildings are listed.  Will be interesting to see what if any community benefit IoP offer.

IoP like many bodies of that sort run an events service as part of their trade so this should increase night time footfall, which is usually good for local security.  I can’t imagine it being too rumbustious as it turns out.

‘The Institute’s chief executive, Paul Hardaker, said: “The building is about being a centre for the physics community to come together, so we want to design it with the right usability of space to facilitate that. We would like to have a modern conferencing and business suite with a large exhibition space where we can showcase collaborations with science, industry and the arts and humanities community, and a space where we can engage with newly incubated businesses.’

I expect the B@1 cocktail bar on the corner will will soon ring with classic lines like ‘Never trust atoms – they make up everything’ as physicists let their hair down.  There may be an increase in taxi drop offs I guess, but they will quickly learn it’s best to abandon a cab before the one way system.

Posted in Planning, Licensing and Regulation | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Street tree damage

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Sophie Talbot

The majority of street trees in the north east section of King’s Cross are there because of the endeavors of one man, John Ashwell. John fundraised for the trees and liaised with Islington Council’s tree team to survey planting pits, procure, plant and maintain them. This week John is once again coming to rescue. He has provided a list of damaged trees to Islington Council with a request that action be taken.

John has asked that:

Railway Street tree right side at junction with York Way

Railway Street tree right side at junction with York Way

♦ Trees damaged by scaffolding on Railway Street should be replaced with semi mature specimens of the Liquidambar species and a full watering programme implemented during the summer months until the new trees are established.

♦ Remaining trees on Railway Street need to be professionally pruned.

Wharfdale tree by bus stop

Wharfdale tree by bus stop

♦ A tree that was enshrouded in scaffold for well over two years on Wharfdale Road is now largely dead – this is the first season coming into leaf since the scaffold was removed.  The property developer should pay for a semi mature replacement with full watering cycle till it is established.  These were the second batch of trees that John raised the money for and so have been gracing the street for over 10 years. It is wholly unacceptable that contractors should be allowed to damage street trees – especially when they have been funded by local residents.

♦ The tree adjacent to the Wharfdale Road bus stop now only one side branch remaining alive so is definitely in need of replacement.

The urban tree canopy enhances city life in so many ways. It cleans the air we breathe, gives us calming tree lined vistas and forms part of a fragile ecological system for urban wildlife that is battling against destruction by developers (for example loss of natural set planting on the canal towpath) and destructive residents feeling views from their individual windows are more important than our threatened shared green resource.

Posted in Green spaces, Wildlife and Nature | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

King’s Cross Farm Drop

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Sophie Talbot

logoJudith Paris, founder of King’s Cross special enterprise group, Get More, has set up a Farm Drop in King’s Cross and will be hosting a taster evening this Friday.

Farm Drop is a new way of buying food produced within 100 miles of a given location. It was created by Ben Pugh who worked in finance and is interested in new economic models. It’s a simple idea – customers place orders via a central point run by a Farm Drop ‘keeper’. The orders are circulated to food producers who deliver to the Drop ready for collection. The aim is to cut down on food miles, packaging and waste.

And there’s more, Farm Drop producers sign up to a produce manifesto covering sustainability, standards, welfare and transparency.

To get your invitation to the King’s Cross Farm Drop taster evening this Friday, just join the Drop!

Posted in Buy&Sell, Community stuff, Food and Drink, King's Cross People, New, Noticeboard | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Help Bob Stuckey create a plaque to commemorate George IV – the ‘King’ in Kings Cross

Posted on April 28, 2014 by William Perrin

George IV wall plaqueLocal Bob Stuckey has got in touch with a lovely proposal to raise funds for plaque to put the King back into Kings Cross – Bob writes:

‘During his lifetime as Prince of Wales, Prince Regent and King George IV seedy Battlebridge was not a place the aristocracy liked to promenade. He only became linked with with the area as his death approached in June 1830 as a gigantic statue was planned at the centre of the crossroads. This was to uplift the area as part of a grand entertainment complex, the Panarmonium. Henceforth the area was to be known as King’s Cross. The placing of the central statue can be seen in this map of 1830. The statue was demolished in 1845 to ease the flow of traffic.

‘Despite the Regents Canal being a short walk away, and despite the imposing presence of Regency architecture throughout London, the association between King’s Cross and the king is nowhere celebrated. To strengthen this link a plaque has been designed to the same dimensions as that celebrating the architect Lewis Cubbit, placed on the west side of the station facade. The blue background of Wedgewood pottery is used, so much in fashion at the time. It will turn out similar to the plaque celebrating George III’s physician.

‘To make such a plaque costs £581.40 inc VAT which will be raised by contribution, which can be as low as £1. You will only be asked to honour your contribution when a suitable place for the plaque has been agreed. Please email your interest and commitment to contribute please use the form below or mail Bob on robert.h.stuckey@gmail.com

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Thank you for your response. ✨

 

 

Posted in Architecture, King's Cross People, Kings Cross local history | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Waste Policy in Kings Cross (and the rest of Camden): A wish list!

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Daniel Z. Zylbersztajn-Lewandowski

There is hardly a time when the roads at Kings Cross are free of rubbish, especially plastic bags of any size with waste can be found in many locations, many corners have dropped unwanted furniture, and some communal recycling bins are overflowing, due to waste not being collected often enough or there not being enough containers.  When we last wrote about rubbish one year ago on 21st of April 2013:  Full of Rubbish and Poo:  Camden’s Management of Kings Cross Streets  some people commented that this is not just an issue in Kings Cross, but likewise in Kentish Town, Camden Town and West Hampstead, so there seems to be a general problem.  One year on, there is hardly a noticeable difference.

That this is an issue Camden must tackle is clear when you consider that there are ever more people living in Kings Cross and Camden, beside those who work here or travel through the area.  If the poor waste policy is not modified and its control intensified, we soon will live in streets of waste and still pay money to Camden for what is an outdated service, that lacks a permanent investment and vision and just does the bare minimum of what is necessary, namely collect the waste at regular intervals.

Streets without constant filth and rubbish will allow people to feel more at home and take more ownership and responsibility of a clean nice street scape.

Here is a wish list of points that the council ought to strongly consider.  They are hardly rocket science, but common sense:

  • Add communal recycling containers where community highlighted that there are too few (e.g. Swinton Place)
  • Consider reintroducing permanent waste bins, where rubbish bags on the pavement are a persistent problem.  Where not possible, be very clear where the waste can be left and how.

    Full beyond limits.: Communal Mixed Recycling Waste Container in Swinton Place after not being emptied. Community has repeatedly requested more containers for at least three years.

    Full beyond limits.: Communal Mixed Recycling Waste Container in Swinton Place after not being emptied. The community has repeatedly requested more containers for at least three years.

  • Properly enforce regulations on offending behaviour regarding waste, by strengthening the manpower of those responsible to check it (or else we will do a Freedom of Information request on the issue that may reveal Camden hardly enforces anything on this).  The bottom line is, our roads must look better than roads of rubbish.
  • Massively increase the amount of on the road road bins, where people on the move can drop their waste, ideally bins that have a triple division (glass and metal / paper / all other waste).  There should be a bin every 250 meters on both sides of any pedestrian path.  Empty these as often as is necessary to stop them being full to the brink.
  • Increase dog-poo bins, so that there is one in at least each road or every 500 meters or so.
  • Regulate and control areas where people can leave bigger unwanted items and how these are collected.  Go in line with the reality that most people do not call the collection team and think how you could regulate this better and more community appropriate.  There are unofficial corners at the moment, with mobile collection vans that check the roads regularly.
  • Ensure that waste of businesses is dropped at the least conspicuous locations on a road and encourage the construction of fences / sheds that hide waste.
  • Inform residents all the time on how household rubbish and waste and recycling items are collected.  Consider putting up permanent signs on each road.  Due to the high amount of temporary residents one off explanation of the waste policy and regulation loose significance even after but one year.  Explain the policies at least once a year to all households and to any person registering newly for council tax, with relevance to their specific address.
  • Encourage all mobile Camden officers, including street wardens to report filthy areas and high amount of rubbish on the pavement and have a team that can speedily act on such reports.
  • Planted trees should not be used as areas next to which it is acceptable to load of rubbish bags.  This also counts for the Camden rubbish collection team.
  • Encourage local community to get that broom out and swipe the area in front of their entrance, and to bin items, even if they were not dropped by them themselves.
  • This is more a street environment issue, but will help making roads look more appealing.  Consider more flower planting such as adjacent to trees.  Encourage and allow the community to engage in planting alongside the pavements.
Posted in Anti Social Behaviour, Crime etc, Broken Stuff on the Street, How to get things done locally, Street Tipping, Mess, Trash | 1 Comment