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Have your say on measures to promote responsible dog control and encourage safer cycling in town centres

 

We're consulting on plans to continue measures which help promote responsible dog control in public places, deter dog-fouling and encourage safer cycling in town centres.

 

We want to hear your views on keeping in place two Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), first introduced in April 2021, which are legal powers allowing councils to impose restrictions on a defined area to tackle nuisance or problem behaviour.

 

One PSPO allows our Community Wardens and the police to enforce existing no-cycling rules by asking cyclists to stop and dismount in the busy pedestrianised areas of Peascod Street, Windsor and High Street, Maidenhead.

 

The other PSPOs means anyone caught dog-fouling in a public place anywhere in the borough risks a £100 fixed penalty notice. The order also allows the Community Wardens or police to ask a dog owner to put their pet on a lead if it’s loose and causing harassment, alarm or distress in a public place.

 

With all PSPOs only lasting for a limited time, we're holding a four-week public consultation, until Monday 26 February, on our plans to continue these PSPOs for a further three years, until March 2027. Find out more and participate online at RBWM Together. Read more in our press release.

Road closures confirmed to complete the safe demolition of closed Broadway car park in Maidenhead


Dates for road closures required to complete the safe demolition of the closed Broadway multi-storey car park in Maidenhead have been confirmed.


Demolition began on Monday (29 January) and is expected to take around 12 weeks – quicker than originally envisaged.


The demolition is being carried out from east to west, with the spiral ramp and staircase tower being the last part of the car park to be removed. This will require, firstly, a partial closure of Broadway, and then a full closure to demolish these parts of the car park.


From 11 to 28 March, a lane closure will be in place on Broadway to ensure a safe distance is maintained from the demolition works for passing traffic and pedestrians. This will include the closure of the current designated Broadway access lane (adjacent directly to the car park) with the right-hand lane along Broadway being open to enable traffic to continue to access the town centre. During this time the spiral ramp will be demolished.

 

A full road closure on Broadway will then be required – from 17 to 26 April, daily between 9am to 3pm, with no weekend closures permitted – in order to enable the safe demolition of the staircase tower. A diversion will be in place via A4 Frascati Way, A4 Bad Godesberg Way, A4 St Clouds Way, Forlease Road, Bridge Road and High Street. Read more in our press release.

Community invited to engagement events to help shape Ascot’s future development and High Street improvements

 

The Ascot community is invited to attend workshops and drop-in events to help shape the town’s rejuvenation, including sharing their views on options for improving the High Street.

 

We're working with residents, community groups, businesses and other partners to produce a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) that will guide future development in the area, complementing the vision set in the Borough Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan.

 

The Borough Local Plan includes a high-level vision to rejuvenate Ascot as a vibrant place for the community, with an improved High Street and high-quality new development that is well integrated into Ascot and protects its green and leafy character.

 

How to get involved


We're holding workshops and drop-in events for the wider community to get involved, discuss emerging themes and share their thoughts around Ascot’s future development and High Street improvements.


The workshops will be held at Ascot Racecourse, from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday 22 February and Tuesday 26 March. To book a place at one of these sessions, visit www.rbwm.gov.uk/ascot-placemaking-spd email planning.policy@RBWM.gov.uk or call 01628 796187. Attendance at the workshops must be booked in advance


Alternatively, people are welcome to simply turn up to view the plans and give feedback at drop-in sessions happening at Ascot Durning Library on Monday 26 February 11am to 1.30pm and Thursday 29 February, 2pm to 7pm. Read more in our press release.

Royal Borough thanks community for feedback in response to challenging parking proposals

 

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the recent public consultation on changes to parking fees and charges.

 

We're facing serious financial challenges, driven by a number of factors, including historic decisions which have resulted in low levels of Council Tax, high levels of debt, and low levels of reserves. This is coupled with rising demand, and rising costs of providing services across Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and housing.

 

Achieving financial stability is our top priority and intensive work continues to put the organisation on to a surer financial footing. Cabinet and Full Council agreed an Action Plan to address the financial challenges in September. This includes transforming the way in which we deliver services, maximising value from our assets and increasing income from fees and charges. It is in this difficult context, that parking charges have been considered.

 

The consultation on changes to parking fees and charges closed on 1 January. A total of 905 respondents participated in the consultation. Read more in our press release.

Have your say on measures to help protect business premises from conversion into housing without planning permission

 

We're consulting until Tuesday 12 March on proposed measures to prevent business premises being converted into housing on key employment sites without full planning permission.  

 

Currently, developers have national permitted development rights for change from commercial, business or service use – including offices – into residential use via a fast-track check-list procedure known as the prior approval process. This limits councils’ abilities to resist inappropriate conversions – even on sites protected under local planning policy.

 

The proposed measures, known as an Article 4 Direction, will better protect 31 locations considered most important for supporting jobs and the local economy. It will remove the national rights at those sites, but not prevent conversions where appropriate. It will simply mean developers will have to apply for planning permission for change of use, so plans can be fully considered in line with planning policy.


We would like to hear from residents, parish councils, landlords, developers, commercial property agents and others on the proposal. To take part, visit https://consult.rbwm.gov.uk/kse. Read more in our press release.

New Prosperity Board aims to drive forward Berkshire’s economic success


Proposals to create a new Berkshire Prosperity Board to help drive forward and deliver future economic success across the county are set to be endorsed by all six Berkshire Councils.

 

Under the proposals, all six councils would work together to help seize opportunities to promote Berkshire to investors, businesses and central Government.

 

The new Prosperity Board would aim to drive and deliver economic prosperity across Berkshire with the aim of securing more funding, creating more jobs and enabling more affordable housing for residents.

 

The proposal follows discussions with council leaders across Berkshire. It will be discussed at all six council’s Policy, Cabinet or Executive meetings before being formalised. If agreed, the first inaugural Berkshire Prosperity Board meeting could take place as early as May 2024. Read more in the press release.

Royal Borough partners with Rebel Business School to provide workshops offering personal financial support

 

Free workshops providing support to help residents with their personal finances are on offer thanks to a partnership between ourselves and Rebel Business School.

 

The seven online workshops are being funded by the Government’s Multiply funding and provide a range of support on how to master your money and take control of your finances. These include smart spending, saving, and investing run by the experts at the award-winning Rebel Business School.

 

The workshops will run between Monday 19 February to Monday 11 March, 8pm to 10pm, via Zoom. To sign up, visit the website.

Calling all jobseekers! Attend our next jobs fair

 

A jobs fair will take place at Maidenhead Library on Tuesday 27 February from 10.30am to 1pm.

 

Jobseekers will have the opportunity to meet local employers and find out about their current vacancies. There’s no need to book, just turn up on the day.



Employers who wish to attend the event should contact DWP-library@rbwm.gov.uk or berks.employerteam@dwp.gov.uk

 

For more information, please visit our employment support webpage.

Check out the current vacancies

 

Each school has a governing body making decisions about how the school is run, to help provide the best possible education for pupils.


Being a governor is a great opportunity to be involved in supporting local education. We have been notified that the following schools currently have vacancies on their governing boards. Further information for each vacancy can be found via the links.

 

Free Wellness Days at our leisure centres next week

 

Get your BMI and/or blood pressure checked for free at Braywick and Windsor Leisure Centres next week, at two special wellness days.

 

The sessions at Braywick on Tuesday 6 February, and at Windsor on Thursday 8 February, will run from 10am to 2pm at both venues on both days.

 

Members of Leisure Focus’ Wellbeing Team and NHS Social Prescribers will also be on hand to answer any health questions you may have. There’ll also be seated exercise classes if you fancy having a go.

 

For more information about the Braywick day, email braywickwellbeing@leisurefocus.org.uk or call 01628 685333. For Windsor’s email windsorwellbeing@leisurefocus.org.uk or call 01753 778577.

Testing for HIV is free, quick and easy

 

During National HIV Testing Week, 5 to 11 February, anyone can order a free test from the NHS website Free Testing HIV. The test kits are small enough to fit through a letterbox, and arrive in plain packaging along with information and links to support.


It used to take weeks to get the results, but you can now self-test at home and find out your HIV status in minutes. There’s also a postal test which is sent to a lab and screened for both HIV and syphilis at the same time. You can also find out more about sexual health support on the Safe Sex Berkshire website.

Fire service accepting applicants for Summer Internship Scheme


Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is seeking motivated young people from backgrounds that are currently under-represented within the workforce, to take part in the service’s Summer Internship Scheme. 


The scheme runs for five weeks in the summer, from Thursday 4 July to Friday 9 August. It aims to encourage young people who may not have considered a career in the fire and rescue sector to explore some of the many roles available to them. To find out more, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the Summer Internship Scheme portal.

Royal Borough Community Spotlight


Here are just some of the upcoming community events and volunteering opportunities in the Royal Borough:


  • Pub & Pastries Seniors Social (Monday 5 February and Monday 4 March, 11am -12.30pm) - The Fox & Castle Pub, Old Windsor. Relaxed, friendly, sociable gathering for our sensational seniors, their friends & family. Warm and welcoming to those experiencing dementia and other conditions, at any age, and any stage. Free entry. Small charge for hot drinks. Hosted on behalf of Age Concern. More information contact jo.halstead@homeinstead.co.uk or call 01784 335 804.


  • WEA Maidenhead Branch with Oxford University Study Day (Monday 5 February 10.15am to 4pm) Norden Farm - face to face and live streaming. The subject is History and Myth in Painting, Sculpture and Photography. For more information visit the website or contact Steph Diggon via email or call 01628 563676.


  • Community networking night (Wednesday 7 February, 6.30pm) – MyWorkSpot, York Road, Maidenhead. Calling all residents, businesses and community leaders. Don't miss the chance to connect and collaborate at this Community Networking Night. For more information and to register click here.


  • Later living event (Friday 9 February, 10am to 2.30pm) - Desborough Bowling Club, Green Lane, Maidenhead SL6 1XZ. Join for insightful discussions and refreshments. Stalls and information to showcase everything you need and more to continue enjoying your later years. Free entry.


  • Turning Wine into Aid (Friday 9 February, 7.30pm) - Maidenhead URC Church, West Street, Maidenhead SL6 1RL. Led by a wine expert, this evening will help you understand wine and what you can eat with it. All profits will help Aid for Ukraine. For more information and tickets visit the website.


  • Desborough Bowling Club open day (Sunday 11 February, 2pm to 5pm) - Green Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1XZ. Come along between 2pm and 5pm to look at one of the premium bowling centres in the country. You will be able to try your hand at indoor bowling with fellow members or just take a look at the club's multi million-pound bowling complex and facilities. For any queries or to register your interest in coming for the day, email gensec@desboroughbc.com, call 01628 629403 or just turn up on the day. For more information visit the website.


  • Coffee morning  (Monday 12 February, 10:30am to midday) - Parkside Christian Fellowship, 16 St Lukes Road, Maidenhead, SL6 7AN. Join on the second and fourth Mondays each month for free refreshments and a chance to chat and make new friends. See details here.


  • World Book Day costume swap (participating libraries from Monday 12 February). You’re welcome to donate with no obligation to exchange and everyone is welcome to find their ‘new to you’ costume. Cookham, Dedworth and Maidenhead Libraries, Thursday 29 February to Wednesday 6 March, from 4pm. Windsor Library, Tuesday 27 February to Wednesday 6 March, from 2pm.


  • Signature A Cappella Singers - Do you love to sing? The group is looking for women to join the Windsor-based choir. It rehearses every Thursday evening at St Edwards Parish Centre, Windsor, SL4 3BA. For more details look at the website at www.signaturesingers.com, or to join one of the rehearsals, email singwithsignature@gmail.com


If you have an upcoming not-for-profit community event or appeal for volunteers you’d like to promote in this newsletter, simply send basic information about your event to communications@rbwm.gov.uk and it could be shared with more than 21,000 local residents.


You just need to include a brief description, when and where it takes place, and a link to a website/social media page/contact where people can find out more.


To see further volunteering opportunities in the borough, or for another way for community organisations to promote volunteering opportunities, please visit RBWM Together.

Our consultations - have your say


We regularly hold consultations and surveys to get your views on proposals within the Royal Borough.


Participating, sharing ideas, and giving your feedback is the best way to ensure your views are heard.


Our current consultations are:

Local Travel Updates


Rail - industrial action


The ASLEF union has announced industrial action and this includes strike action affecting the GWR network on Monday 5 February. Visit the GWR website for updates.


Rail - engineering work


  • Planned engineering works are taking place on the South Western Railway network this weekend, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 February, and the lines between Staines and Windsor will be closed all weekend. Buses will run between Staines and Windsor. Visit the SWR website for further details.


  • From Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February planned improvements will close lines in the Wokingham area. Rail replacement bus services will operate between Ascot, Bracknell and Reading. Please check before you travel. For more information, visit the SWR website.


Council highways works


For details of further council works on highways, visit our website. For full local roadwork details, including work by utility firms, please visit the One Network website.

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