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Cllr Paul Convery |
Neighbours snap over Geldof paparazzi
THE paparazzi may fight to get a glimpse of her, but neighbours of Peaches Geldof, daughter of Live Aid founder Sir Bob, say they have seen more than enough of the teenager.
The swarms of photographers that regularly gather outside her King’s Cross flat have led an Islington councillor to appeal to Peaches to “take a holiday”.
Labour councillor Paul Convery says he will put a note through her letter box suggesting she takes a three-week break to allow the excitement around her to die down.
He is also calling on Islington Council to take action against the teams of photographers who have “camped” outside 19-year-old Peaches’ home virtually day and night for the past 10 days.
Cllr Convery, who lives nearby, represents Caledonian ward and is chairman of the west area planning sub committee.
He said: “I will be dropping a note to her saying, dear Peaches, it’s holiday season, why don’t you slope off for a few weeks and give your neighbours a bit of peace.
“I shall also suggest that when she comes back, hopefully fully rested, she gets herself a full-time job, doesn’t stay out late and get into trouble – and that way doesn’t give the paparazzi an excuse for hounding her.”
Father of one Cllr Convery accuses photographers of illegal parking, dropping litter, and holding impromptu barbecues on the pavements outside the flats.
He claims that NCP parking wardens turn a blind eye to the photographers’ vehicles even when they park on double-yellow lines or in residents’ own parking bays.
“Residents are fed up with being woken up at all times of night,” he said. “There is terrible disturbance from car doors slamming, the sound of the scrambling photographers, and cameras flashing every time Peaches appears.”
The siege intensified, according to residents, when an ambulance was rushed to her home after she passed out last month. There was speculation that she had suffered an overdose but Peaches has insisted it was the result of inhaling hair dye fumes.
Peaches, who writes and sings, is daughter of former pop star Sir Bob and the late TV presenter Paula Yates. She was unavailable for comment yesterday, Thursday, although two or three cars with photographers were parked outside her home.
Cllr Convery said that residents had simply had enough.
“These photographers treat the street as their home,” he said.
“They seem to be above any form of regulation that applies to everyone else.
“But they are a commercial operation who are plying their trade – and therefore rules should apply. You don’t leave debris on the pavement or create noise, nuisance and fumes. You don’t disturb people who are trying to sleep late at night.”
Peaches’ agent Kirsty Williams said that her client had gone away for a few days and was planning for an extended holiday with her family in a few weeks’ time.
Ms Williams added: “No one is more frustrated and upset by these photographers than Peaches herself. She would also be glad not to have them hanging around.”
Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Islington Council’s executive member for environment, said: “The first we heard about this was when we received Cllr Convery’s email yesterday.
“No one else has complained to us, but I want to thank Cllr Convery for bringing this to my attention and I will ensure the area continues to be properly patrolled.
“If photographers are parking illegally we’ll treat them exactly the same way as everyone else, and there are no exemptions for paparazzi.
“If litter is being dropped in the area we’ll deal with this in the usual way too.” |
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