This month has been dominated by finances as the budget is finalised. We’ve been briefed by officers to understand the decisions and risks. This was approved at Council so now the hard work of implementation begins. The savings (ie cuts) will hit some residents hard and we will do all we can to mitigate mainly by signposting to help whether that be from RBWM or from Abri, our local social housing provider.
SPRING IS IN THE AIR
As the photo above shows, it is lovely to see the spring flowers in bloom and the trees in blossom. All the planters are “adopted” by residents and businesses. Helen spoke to the owner of Windsor Food and Wine (this isn’t in our Ward) and he is happy to continue with the purchasing, planting and watering. So many thanks. Most of these planters and the troughs are blossoming. No worries about watering!!!!!
ABRI
We both attended the quarterly meeting with the Abri Regional Team and were frank in our concerns. Residents have been approaching us with damp and mould problems. Top Abri staff have been alerted that their admirable Policy on damp and mould is not being consistently applied, eg providing a dehumidifier and paying the running costs, paying for destroyed items. Sadly Abri are being slow to react to these failures. We are constantly chasing them about this.
The rent and service charges have just been issued with rent increasing by just under 8% and in some cases service charges by nearly 100%. In addition, this year is a 53 week year so for those on Universal Credit residents will have to find one week’s rent themselves as UC will only pay for 52 weeks.
Sawyers Close – monthly meetings are taking place with Abri so we are fully briefed on the devlopment and can give feedback and suggestions. We are monitoring the weekly planning applications for any Sawyers Close applications and notifying Sawyers Close residents.
This month Keeler Close had an Action Day. Abri staff are there to answer questions, take away any bulky items etc. Our local PCSO’s were present as well as the Community Fridge.
HILLTOP SCHOOL
Helen had a productive meeting with the Head Teacher and Chair of Governors. She is making linkages to organisations and individuals who might be able to support the school.
GRAFFITI
There has been an abundance of vandalism in our ward recently – Alison cleaned 4 bus stops (3 in Clewer Hill Road and 1 in Smiths Lane) as well as quite a few road signs. Sadly, it’s not getting better. If you know anyone who might be doing this please urge them to stop.
VALE ROAD POST OFFICE
This is now under new management Taranjeet Singh Machotra and his two brothers are running the store. We wish them well with their new venture and also wish Jesse & Deep Johal a happy retirement after running the shop for 33 years!
DHILLONS NEWSAGENTS, MANOR FARM CLOSE
Sash, Sita and their family have now left the shop and it is under new management, reopening March 2024 after a refit. We wish the old and new owners well.
VALE ROAD PARKING
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Helen has tried the softly softly approach in getting the traders and worshippers to be considerate but it hasn’t worked. So our Parking Enforcement Team will visit this site more frequently particularly on Fridays to deter and issue fines in the hope this will encourage behavioural change and more consideration for the community. The verges in some cases have been totally destroyed.
PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE TOWARDS WOMEN AND GIRLS (THAMES VALLEY POLICE)
Cllr Amy Tisi organised a briefing from TVP to local councillors re this initiative. It gave us confidence they are taking this seriously. https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/thames-valley/vawg/tvp-violence-against-women-and-girls-strategy.pdf
COUNCIL MEETING
The Budget was passed by Council. We both contributed to the debate. Helen’s can be viewed here https://youtu.be/_B_g2jL3RHg?t=8090 Alison’s here https://youtu.be/_B_g2jL3RHg?t=9208
BUDGET INFORMATION
Cllr Mark Wilson and Helen produced an “easy-to-understand” guide to the budget. This followed on their previous joint explanation of our financial situation. If you’ve not seen a copy it can be found on Helen’s facebook https://www.facebook.com/helen.price.5680/
CABINET
Helen regularly attends the Cabinet Meetings and puts in her two pennyworth. Her advice was publicly acknowledged before she was frank to Cabinet about our financial situation. You can view here https://youtu.be/mTkeebEbk0A?t=3670
tBfI AGM
We held our the Borough first Independents AGM on 19th February at Windsor & Eton Football Club – a great place for a meeting venue with plenty of parking. Alison was elected secretary and Helen a member of the executive commitee. If anyone would like to join as a member you can do so here https://www.theboroughfirst.org/register-join-assist/
AGE CONCERN
This operates out of the Spencer Denny Centre, Park Corner. It is NOT part of the national charity but is local and entirely dependent on generating its own funds. We both attended their indoor car boot sale which is one of their many initiatives to raise awareness and funds. They are always on the look out for volunteers. http://www.ageconcernwindsor.org.uk/
WINDSOR VISION
Helen has been actively involved in the creation of the Windsor Vision, ensuring that residents views were heard and that they were involved at the right stages. A meeting was held with the Ward Councillors and the Lead of Windsor and she was invited. She is now confident the implementation of this Vision (and it’s a 20 year + plus project) is in the safe hands so has stepped back from direct involvement. This is a topic for the upcoming Windsor Forum chaired by Alison – 12 March. So the opportunity to find out how the implementation phase is to be handled. https://rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/vision-for-windsor
CARE PROVIDER IN ST ANDREW CRESCENT
This was front page Iin or local Observer. The Care Quality Commission has stated Elegant Care Provider requires improvement. Helen followed this up with RBWM and has been informed that this is not one of our approved providers, nevertheless will provide statutory support in helping it improve.
WINDSOR & ETON FOOTBALL CLUB
Alison continues to support the matches on a Saturday and took a trip to Henley Town game on 10th February where Windsor & Eton won 5-1, as well as all the home games. It’s also great news that a ladies team is being created and Alison’s friend, Cathy Corr has been announced as the manager, Alison will no doubt be supporting them too. Watch this space…
Photo is of Alison and her dog Saxon at Henley
CENTRICA
Helen has been working with Centrica and trying to make it easier for local organisations to seek volunteer support. The attached form has been created https://forms.office.com/e/TB74sFHg1g so organisations can clearly set out what is required. Centrica is already linked with 30 local organisations and wants to do more. – in fact double their volunteering activities. In order to support this big step change Helen is linking them directly with our schools, with the support of Cllr Amay Tisi (cabinet member for schools) and for environmental projects with Cllr Karen Davies (Cabinet member for the Environment) and grass root sports clubs with Cllr Josh Reynolds (Cabinet member for sports). Re volunteering opportunities in the adult and social care sector Helen is linking them with the appropriate RBWM officer.
ST GEORGE’S DAY FAIR
We are excited that there is going to be a St George’s Day Fair on 21st April 12-4pm at Clewer Memorial Recreation Ground. There is a car show as well as a Tug O’War competition. Have a look at the website for more information www.cleweranddedworth.co.uk
SCHOOL STREETS
You may bave seen Alison post about the trial that is taking place at Clewer Green First School in Hatch Lane – the trial starts on 15th April and Hatch Lane will be closed to non-residents from 8.30am-9.15am and 2.45pm-3.45pm.
RESIDENTS’ ISSUSES
Damp and mould, increase in social housing rent and service charges, housing, parking,
CONSULTATIONS
Gambling Consultation closing date Feb 23 https://rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/gambling-consultation
MEETINGS
Abri Senior Management meeting, RBWM Assistant Head of Strategy, Assistant Director of Corporate Projects and IT, Cabinet Member for Finance, Assistant Director of Placemaking Partnerships and Sustainability, Divisional Director LEGOLAND, tBfI AGM, Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure, Hilltop First School, Tesco Community Champion, TVP, Age Concern Indoor Car boot sale, Budget Briefing Executive Director of Resources, School streets, Windsor Vision, Centrica, Council, Windsor & Ascot Planning Development Meeting, Place Overview & Scrutiny Panel.
Thank you and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us
Cllr Alison Carpenter & Cllr Helen Price