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Blair urged to settle his ‘war at home’
AS Tony Blair jets off for his first week as a Middle East envoy, his neighbours in Bayswater are calling for the ex-Prime Minister to settle the war at home.
The Hyde Park Estates Association, lobbying for conservation of historic Bayswater and Mayfair, last week welcomed him with open arms. But the new recruit is yet to be accepted by his neighbours after a ring of steel has been set up outside his £3.65 million listed house in Connaught Square.
Armed guards patrol the leafy conservation area and vehicles and pedestrians are banned from entering the west side of the square.
Police have used powers under the Prevention of Terrorism Act to suspend a dozen parking bays.
The security measures have incensed neighbours who feel powerless to stop the area being transformed into a “gated” community.
Julia Landycheva, 20, a student who lives in the square with her partner, said: “It seems unfair they have done this. We have lived here the longest but we have to pay the price for the Blairs moving in.
“If they suspend any more spaces it will be a real pain.”
Sheryar Jahangir, 38, who works in nearby Connaught Street, said: “It’s a nuisance because it’s difficult enough trying to find a parking space anyway. It’s certainly more difficult than it was this time last month.”
Westminster’s transport chief Councillor Danny Chalkley said: “The city council has no desire to see residential areas turned into mini-fortresses. We fully understand the security risks associated with the former Prime Minister, but we must balance this with the needs of all our residents and businesses to go about their everyday lives. We will be continuing to press the police to ensure the arrangement is constantly reviewed so disruption to Mr Blair’s neighbours is minimised.” |
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