INTRODUCTION
A “shorter” month but still jam packed with meetings and ward work.
BUS CONSULTATION
We submitted our response to the bus consultation where it is proposed to discontinue the W1 with no replacement and no bus access to the GP Surgery in Vale Road. We spent a lot of time gathering evidence and speaking to officers in preparing the response which can be accessed here.
WOODY’S CAFÉ
There is a new soft play opened at the cafe which is exciting for our community. It can be booked here. Also, the Community fridge regularly drop off surplus food there. As part of Clewer & Dedworth Together, a new internet cafe initiative is being undertaken – watch this space for further details in the next few weeks.
GOOD GRUB CLUB
Helen was invited by Abri to the Good Grub Club at Dedworth Library. She wrote about this on her facebook https://www.facebook.com/helen.price.5680/
SURPLUS FOOD
Helen was contacted by generous residents who had Tesco vouchers and had picked up surplus food from supermarkets. She was able to ensure those in need were supported. The Driven Forward Community Fridge operated a pop up shop from the Pump Room on Christmas Eve, and so much food distributed. Despite this being widely advertised there was still food left over. Residents and businesses are incredibly generous and there is no reason for anyone in Windsor to go hungry despite the demand at the Windsor Foodshare increasing 30% on last year.
THE BUDGET
Helen plans to make a separate post on our financial situation in January so help with the budget consultation. She sits on the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Panel so sstudied the budget carefully, having attended most Cabinet meetings, listened and asked questions about our finance.
SAWYERS CLOSE
The planning development was supported unanimously by Panel members. Alison is a Planning Panel member and has had to maintain an open mind on this issue and not say anything pubicly before the meeting. Helen, not being on the planning panel, can be, and was, more vocal. She used her three minute entitlement to speak in favour, and prior to that wrote to every Panel member in more detail explaining why she was in favour. The one concern she, and the Panel have is over sufficient parking and how residents will be encouraged to not own a car. This is down to RBWM and Alison and Helen will be meeting with officers to discuss the long term plans. Residents are being kept informed as to what is happening and when, bit by bit. But anyone can have a look at the latest available information at www.sawyersclose.com
Despite Abri being in discussions with RBWM re the bins at Sawyers Close no action was taken with the reduction in collections over Christmas and New Year. Thus the bins are overflowing and Serco refuse to collect. Abri has completely shut down over the holiday period and cannot be contacted even via their emergency line. Helen is liaising with RBWM to try and get them to clear it (although its not their responsibility) but is resigned to it being a mess until the New Year.
TVP NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING
Helen suggested and it was agreed that the TVP would circulate its monthly Neighbourhood Police newsletter on its website thus making it easy to share widely so more residents are aware of what its doing. Helen also shared Dave Bullock’s Crime Prevention Advent Calendar every day for 24 days – a sigh of relief on 24 December!!!!
Helen is discussing with our local West Windsor PCSO a walkabout on our badly lit alleyways. If anyone would like to point out poorly lit areas please let her know and she’ll add this to her list.
CHRISTMAS FAIRS
We attended Fairs at the Green Room, Brownies, St Stephens Church Clewer,
WINDSOR HOMELESS PROJECT
Windsor Homeless Project has a new home – it’s called The Beacon. The Beacon is now open and operating from Alma Road. It houses the WHP, WFS and Street Angels. Its been funded by grants, donations “in kind” . As well as advice it offers meals and in the New Year will become a distribution points for WFS. It is a store room for the Windsor Street Angels. https://www.facebook.com/windsorhomelessproject
DEDWORTH ROAD ROADWORKS
Helen liaised with Cadent and an update on what is happening has been widely circulated on social media. https://www.facebook.com/helen.price.5680/
CHRISTMAS CARDS
We distributed signed Christmas Cards to all the businesses in our Ward as well as residents who have supported us over the last year.
RESIDENTS ISSUES
Parking, pollution from burning, bins, homelessness, unswept leaves and roads, blocked drains, repairs.
CONSULTATIONS
Parking Fees and Charges closing date 1 January 2024 https://bit.ly/48yikXB
Berkshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy closing date 2 January 2024 https://bit.ly/3trzmrM
2024/25 Budget closing date 22 January 22 2024 https://bit.ly/3TH0A8d
Disabled Facilities Grant and Housing Assistance Policy 2024 closing date 2 February https://bit.ly/4aF5Eju
MEETINGS
Abri x 2, Disability and Access Forum, One Borough, Windsor and Ascot Development Panel, Corporate Plan Update, Cabinet, Centrica, Good Grub Club at Dedworth Library, Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Panel