West Kensington and Gibbs Green - what you told us

West Kensington and Gibbs Green - what you told us

In December and January H&F Council, together with our partners M&N Communications, held a consultation to find out what you think about living in the area and particularly your estate. Below we summarise what you told us.

YOUR HOMES AND COMMUNAL AREAS

Whilst West Kensington residents were mixed about feeling pride in the estate (due to the poor state of the buildings), Gibbs Green residents were almost unanimous in feeling pride in their homes. However, across both estates, there was general agreement that 'sense of community' could be better.

There was an obvious commitment demonstrated by residents to the estates and the area. Whilst many of you, did not wish to buy your current rented property, around half (across both estates) said they would wish to buy a property in the area if possible.

67% of Gibbs Green respondents and 52% of West Kensington respondents also said they would not want to leave the estates.

The majority of residents (59%) felt it was important to have mixed communities to prevent 'ghettos' being created, although comments were raised about private renting and short term leases causing transient communities or overcrowding.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

On the whole, a significant majority of residents felt either 'quite safe' or 'very safe' (78%).

Although many of you felt safe anywhere on the estates, some were more cautious after dark.

A few issues were highlighted regarding unlawful activities on some stairwells but no specific 'hot spots' were noted.

GETTING AROUND

An overwhelming number of residents felt that both of the estates were very easy to navigate and 85% of respondents found getting around within the estates and 79% externally to be 'very easy'.

Many residents said that access to public transport connections was very easy from both estates as was access to the surrounding areas. Easy access to public transport was voiced by many as one of the most attractive reasons for living in the area.

OPEN SPACE AND PLAY AREAS

The provision of open space and play areas was praised. However the definition and use of these spaces is felt to be unclear so these spaces feel more like 'through-routes' rather than designated leisure areas.

75% of respondents stated that they 'only occasionally' or 'never' used these areas.

The main reasons voiced for this were lack of defined uses, dog usage and early closing/locking of sports areas.

THE EARLS COURT EXHIBITION CENTRE

There was a mixed response to how much obvious benefi t there had been from the existing Earls Court, with only around a third seeing obvious benefi ts for the community.

There was a three way split between those who did want to see the redevelopment of Earls Court (28%), those who didn't (32%) and the larger group who were unsure (37%).

Many of you were uncertain about whether redevelopment of Earls Court would be good or bad until you have seen more detailed proposals.

Only 23% of respondents would not like to see the area benefi t from any potential future development.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES

Across both estates, there are little or no community facilities and the community halls are massively underused.

Most residents were keen to see the halls brought back into community use for all ages and mixed activities.

Lack of community facilities on the estates was not (on the whole) considered to be a major problem due to having access to "everything we could need" in the wider area.

TRAINING AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Overall, around two thirds of residents involved in this exercise were unemployed however around half of this was connected to illness.

Across both estates there was a mixed knowledge regarding employment with only 21% feeling that they have access to training and job opportunities in the area.

The majority of respondents expressed the need for more employment opportunities.