Hampstead Town heads to the polls on 7th May, with residents set to choose two councillors to represent the ward for the years ahead. Among those standing are Cllr Stephen Stark, who has served the community diligently for many years, and Amanda Sefton, who joins him on the ballot. These local elections represent a vital moment. Since 2022, Camden Council has frequently been distant and oblivious to the needs of local residents in NW3. Here are some of the key issues Stephen Stark and Amanda Sefton are preparing to tackle as Hampstead Town heads toward the May elections.
The state of our roads and pavements Cllr Stark has repeatedly pushed Camden to fix Hampstead’s deteriorating pavements, including the High Street and our residential roads. Cllr Stark and Amanda Sefton will both keep pressing for action. Recently they have:
- Supported Downshire Hill residents with resurfacing, new signage and measures to reduce speeding.
- Secured resurfacing of North End Avenue and is pressing Camden to repair other North End roads.
Tax, tax and more tax Camden Council insist on raising council tax year after year and and we get even less less for it. Cllr Stark and Amanda Sefton want to see zero increase in council tax this year and subsequent years.
6 Streatley Place Cllr Stark, a civil and structural engineer, is the only councillor supporting residents after the partial collapse of a Grade II‑listed wall during basement works. He arranged meetings with Camden and the developer to improve safety and continues to attend community meetings.
Dangerous Zebra Crossings Residents raised concerns with Cllr Stark and Amanda Sefton about drivers failing to stop at zebra crossings, especially risky to children. Cllr Stark contacted police and senior Camden officers for an urgent review of all crossings in HT ward and is awaiting the outcome.
Thames Water Cllr Stark helped get Thames Water to repair leaks on Heath Hurst Road, Rosslyn Hill, Holmdale Road and Flask Walk, Including escalating cases directly to the CEO of Thames Water to try to get the repairs done more quickly.
Fitzjohn’s Avenue Cycle Scheme Cllr Stark was the only Hampstead Town councillor to challenge the scheme. After meeting Camden officers with Frognal councillors to scrutinise the plans, they successfully persuaded the Liberal Democrats to call in Labour’s decision, and they agreed and took our advice. Amanda Sefton has pledged to stop these plans, if elected on May 7th. Only a team dedicated to holding Camden Council to delivering for Hampstead can secure a sensible outcome to this unwanted scheme.
Cllr Stephen Stark has long been a familiar and trusted presence in Hampstead Town. A resident in the heart of Hampstead village for over 20 years, this has shown consistently in the way he has served as a councillor, with a track record of addressing a wide range of everyday issues that matter to residents. Cllr Stephen Stark brings energy, care, and a genuine understanding of the ward’s character to everything he does, whether tackling practical problems on the ground or working with local partners to keep Hampstead running smoothly. Take a look at some of the fantastic work Cllr Stephen Stark has done over the past few years:
Local Environment & Street Improvements
• Pavement Repairs Continuing effort to ensure Camden’s repaving works meet proper standards at Well Walk, Perrins Court and New End Square.
• Street Clutter & Accessibility Led a walkabout with officers and a partially sighted resident to tackle obstructive A‑boards on pavements.
• Cleaner Streets Clearing dumped rubbish in Hampstead. Secured rapid clearance of rubbish near Warren Street station.
• BT Box Refurbishment Arranged refurbishment of BT historic boxes by the pond and requested upgrades for those on Flask Walk Green.
• Post Box Restoration Pushed Royal Mail to refurbish dilapidated post boxes across Hampstead.
• Hampstead Tube Station Upkeep Raised concerns about broken tiles and general disrepair at Hampstead station; awaiting TfL action.
Transport, Safety and Public Spaces
• Traffic Flow Fix on Pond Street Resolved long tailbacks by getting the traffic signal timings changed.
• Countdown Crossings Secured new countdown crossings at traffic lights in Hampstead and a yellow box at Hampstead station; pushing for audible signals to support disabled and partially sighted residents.
• Derelict Charging Point Got the broken EV charger on Gayton Road repaired.
• No. 1 Bus Route Improvements Confirmed works to move the No. 1 bus from the slip road in South End Green will begin in May 2026.
• Rough Sleeping & Safety at Warren Street Raised concerns about harassment of women and rough sleeping near Hampstead Tube station and High Street pressing Camden for solutions. Also at Warren Street Station.
• Tube Carriage Cleanliness Reported poor conditions on the Bakerloo line, prompting TfL action.
Support for Residents and Local Issues
• Better Refuse Bins Helped residents secure upgraded, fox‑proof bins and promoted assisted collections for elderly and disabled residents.
• Tree Safety & Planting Reported a potentially dangerous tree on Fitzjohns Avenue (assessed as safe) and raised the need for new trees on Pilgrim’s Lane.
• Rat‑Running & Parking Issues Responded to concerns from Hampstead Hill Gardens residents about traffic and long‑stay parking; requested a meeting with Camden officers for long‑term solutions.
