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Get ready to ‘Verge on the Wild Side’


We have launched an exciting new initiative in partnership with local conservation, environmental and sustainability groups fostering community stewardship of roadside verges. 


Verge on the Wild Side is a chance for individuals and community groups to support and encourage nature and greater biodiversity within their towns and villages, and supports the aim within the new Council Plan of a greener, cleaner and safer borough.


With the support of the council and conservation groups, such as the ‘Wilds’, and sustainability organisations, including the Eco Action Hub and Green Skills Library, they will be able to adopt a verge, turning unloved patches of greenery in their neighbourhoods into thriving homes for local wildflowers, grasses and insects, including pollinators.


The official launch on Monday coincided with Earth Day, and it is hoped these resident-managed verges will demonstrate the benefits of biodiversity and how habitats can be created and enhanced, even in urban areas, no matter how small they are.


If you would like to get involved, or just wish to know more, please fill out the survey here. Once an expression of interest has been submitted and the council has an idea of the verge you are looking to adopt, we will be in touch to discuss the next steps.


Read more here.

Do you have a winning Garden in Bloom?


Does your front garden stand out from the crowd? Do you have blooming roses and beautiful flowering baskets which can be seen by people walking past your garden?


You could be acclaimed as having the best garden in your ward by entering our Garden in Bloom Competition.


The popular competition is back for another year and nominations are open now. This year, the competition is sponsored by Housing Solutions, Berkeley Group and Silva Homes.


As residents, you can nominate your own garden, a neighbour’s, or if you see another blooming garden, feel free to take a note of the address and nominate it. The only criteria is the garden can be seen from the pavement or road. 


Nominations can be made here. All entries must be made before noon on 31 July. We prefer that photographs are uploaded alongside your nomination to show your garden at its best. Nominations can also be made by emailing gib@rbwm.gov.uk or by post to “Garden in Bloom”, c/o Mayor’s Parlour, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF.


And don't forget the Wildlife Gardens Awards


This year, gardeners are encouraged to enter both Garden in Bloom and the separate Wildlife Gardens Awards, which is also open until 31 July and is organised by the local ‘Wilds’ volunteer groups.


Their website also includes a checklist of 24 wildlife-friendly features, such as all compost used in your garden being peat-free.


Read more here.

Residents reminded of upcoming road closures for safe demolition of former car park


The demolition of Maidenhead’s former Broadway multi-story car park continues on schedule, and we’re reminding residents that to do this work safely requires some road closures in the surrounding area.

 

From Monday 13 May to Monday 3 June, a lane closure will be in place on Broadway, while the spiral ramp of the former car park is demolished, to ensure a safe distance is maintained for passing traffic and pedestrians.

 

This will include the closure of the current designated Broadway access lane (adjacent directly to the former car park) with the right-hand lane along Broadway being open to enable traffic to continue to access the town centre.

 

Then a full road closure on Broadway will be required from Tuesday 4 to Thursday 13 June, daily between 9am to 3pm (though with no weekend closures) to enable the safe demolition of the staircase tower. The footway on the opposite side will remain open.

 

A diversion for motorists will be in place during this time via A4 Frascati Way, A4 Bad Godesberg Way, A4 St Clouds Way, Forlease Road, Bridge Road and High Street.

 

More information about the demolition and the closures, including details of which bus routes will be affected by the work being carried out in June, is available on our website. 


Read more here.

Have your say on proposals to update cycling rules in town centre


We are consulting on proposed updates to the rules around cycling in the areas of Peascod Street, Windsor and High Street, Maidenhead. 


Several cycling groups have suggested that cycling restrictions should only operate from 10am to 5pm, rather than the current 24/7, to align with movement restrictions placed on motor vehicles in these locations. These timings were proposed during a previous public consultation on the existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which was renewed in March. 


The PSPO allows the Community Wardens and police to enforce existing no-cycling rules by asking cyclists to stop and dismount in the pedestrianised areas of Peascod Street, Windsor and High Street, Maidenhead. If they do not comply, officers have the option to issue a £100 fixed penalty notice.


We are holding a four-week public consultation, until 5 June to ask people if they agree or disagree with the PSPO only applying between the hours of 10am and 5pm. 


Read more here.

Have your say in our Affordable Housing consultation

 

Residents are invited to have their say on a key planning document that will assist with securing the right amount, and type, of new affordable housing in the borough.


The six-week public consultation, on our draft Affordable Housing Delivery Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), runs until 20 June.


An SPD is a technical document that helps guide developers and those deciding planning applications. While SPDs cannot create new planning policy, or change existing ones, it sets out detailed guidance to help the council and developers in negotiations to achieve as much affordable housing as possible from proposed schemes, placing the priority on social rented and affordable rented homes that best meet local needs.


We would like to hear people’s views on our draft SPD document, which you can read on our website, or in person at Maidenhead, Windsor and Ascot libraries.


And there’s lots of ways to get involved, from drop-in sessions at our libraries, on online webinar, by email and through our online feedback form. 


Read more here.

Some 50 community wellbeing initiatives now funded


Eighteen community groups across the Royal Borough are the latest to receive special funding to launch and run community-led initiatives supporting the wellbeing of local residents.


They join 29 other local organisations which have already benefitted from our Innovation Fund, which is run in partnership with NHS Frimley. 


In this latest and fourth round of applications, the 18 groups each received up to £2,500 to get their projects up and running. They include groups to encourage and protect biodiversity, football sessions for children, and yoga for Asian women. 


Read more here.

Police and Crime Commissioner results announced


The election for the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) was held last week, in which the Conservative Party candidate, Matthew Barber, was re-elected. 


PCCs are elected representatives who oversee how crime is tackled in a police force area and aim to ensure the policing needs of communities are met.

West Berkshire Council had overall responsibility for running the PCC elections in our region, working with the 13 local authorities that make up the Thames Valley policing area, and the result was announced at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday 4 May. 



PCC elections are held every four years and you can see a full regional breakdown of the votes cast in the Thames Valley area on the PCC elections results page.   

Our latest campaign launches focusing on keeping well whilst ageing


This week across our channels we launched our latest campaign, 'Ageing Well and Living Independently'.


The campaign aims to give you and your loved ones the best advice for keeping well and highlight support of how to live your best life, whilst ageing in the borough, highlighting services available and community opportunities.


This included posts and advice around:


This week focused on how you can look after your health whilst ageing.


Next week, we're focusing on Dementia Action Week and care in the borough. Keep an eye out on our social media channels.

Reminder: Last chance to have your say on proposals to help improve road safety in Maidenhead neighbourhood

 

You have until Sunday 12 May to respond to our consultation on proposals to improve road safety at Norfolk Park, a neighbourhood north of Maidenhead town centre and Kidwells Park.


We want to hear feedback on proposals to introduce traffic calming at four of the entry and exit points to the neighbourhood. The specific measures proposed are continuous pavement crossings for pedestrians across the roads, which will help to prioritise those on foot over traffic and help to reduce the speed vehicles approach the junctions and turn into the streets. All entrances/exits to the neighbourhood will remain open to vehicles under the project.

 

As part of the consultation, we're also seeking your views on whether you would support the introduction of a 20mph limit in the neighbourhood. For full details and how to take part, see our press release.

Mayor volunteers with Windsor Horse Rangers

 

The Royal Borough’s mayor, councillor Neil Knowles, has signed up to volunteer with Windsor Horse Rangers, a charitable organisation which provides equine training to young people in the local area.

 

Windsor Horse Rangers was set up in 1972 with the aim of educating local children about all aspects of riding and horse care. Based on Forest Green Road in Fifield, it provides this activity for hundreds of local youngsters, with its own farm and horses.



Cllr Knowles, who has served in the Household Cavalry Regiment, came on a Mayoral visit earlier this year and was highly impressed with the charity’s work. It was after seeing this first hand that he decided to volunteer.

 

The charity is currently seeking more adult volunteers and is particularly short of Sunday team members. Find out more here.

Reminder: Have your say on proposed update to School Transport Policy

 

We're consulting until Monday 13 May on a proposed change to the way school transport assistance is handed out for young people aged over 16 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

 

Parents, students, schools/colleges and others are invited to comment on a proposed update to the School Transport Policy from September 2024, which would ensure assistance continues to be available for vulnerable students while giving families greater flexibility and choice to make their own travel arrangements.

 

Post-16 students with SEND are not legally entitled to transport assistance, however in the Royal Borough support is available under our policy for eligible SEND students from low income families. We will continue to provide transport assistance for this group, and eligibility criteria will stay the same, however the way it is administered is planned to change.

 

For more information, read our press release.

Get involved with the Leisure Focus Health Open Day


Join us in celebrating health and wellbeing at the upcoming Leisure Focus Health initiative.


Save the dates: 13 May at Windsor Leisure Centre and 14 May at Braywick Leisure Centre, from 10 am to 2pm.


Enjoy complimentary BMI checks, blood pressure checks, yoga seated exercise classes, inclusive wellbeing walks, and even free gym passes.


Don't miss this chance to put your health first. Book your free ticket here.

Royal Borough Community Spotlight


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


  • Maidenhead Choral Society Spring Concert (Saturday 11 May, 7.30pm) – St Lukes Church, Maidenhead. A Celebration of choral folk music. For more information click here.


  • Join Us at the ECO Action Hub’s 1st Anniversary Party. Saturday 11 May, 10am with the ‘grand opening’ at 11am and bubbles at 12pm, at the ECO Action Hub, 5-7 Nicholsons Walk, Maidenhead SL6 1LB. Connect with people likeminded people, share stories, swap tips, learn how small actions can make a big difference for you and for the planet! Special guests - RBWM’s Karen Davies, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, along with her colleagues. And, if that’s not enough, there will be cake and champagne to go with the games and the swaps and the conversation. For more information click here.


  • Desborough Bowling Club Open Day (Saturday 11 May, 12 noon to 4pm) - 10 Green Lane, Maidenhead, SL6 1XZ. Please come along and enjoy the excellent bowling and social facilities in our new purpose built bowling complex. All ages, abilities and backgrounds welcome and you'll be made very welcome and provided with all you need to have a go. Just wear flat shoes. Refreshments and on site free parking available. For more information click here.


  • A celebration of folk classics (Saturday 11 May, 7.30 to 9.30pm at St Luke’s Church, Norfolk Road, Maidenhead, SL6 7AX). Maidenhead Choral Society will be singing traditional folk favourites like Danny Boy, The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond and Shenandoah, as well as The Sprig of Thyme collection by John Rutter. Tickets are available online and on the door.


  • Quiz Night (Saturday 11 May, 7pm for 7.30pm - prompt start is required) – Woodlands Park Village Centre, Manifold Way, SL6 3GW. Tables of six or ask about individual entries when you can join a table with others. Bring your own food, drinks, glasses. A raffle will be held with prizes. For more information and to book for place email or call 01628 623263. All proceeds go to St Marks Crescent Methodist Church Fund.   


  • St Michael's Church, Bray Recital (Sunday 12 May, 3pm) - Malaysian pianist Hao Zi Yoh makes a welcome return with a programme to include Haydn, Ravel, Albeniz, Szymanowski, and Rachmaninov's Variations on a Theme of Corelli. Admission free with a retiring collection, tea and cakes served in the church hall afterwards. For more information click here.


  • The Arts Society Englemere (Ascot’s evening Arts Society) May Lecture with Ralph Hoyle (Tuesday 14 May, 7.30pm for 7.45 pm) – St George’s School. Wells Lane, Ascot, SL5 7DZ. Mid-18th Century English Rococo Silver – its social context and the adventures of its owners and makers. There will an opportunity to put questions to the lecturer. Further details of the event click here. To register your interest please click here.


  • Singing for the brain (Second Tuesday of each month, 10.30am – 12pm) – Mountbatten Grange care home, Helston Lane, Windsor SL4 5GG. Meet other members of the community living with dementia and sing a variety of songs you know and love in a fun and friendly environment. Take part in vocal exercises that help improve brain activity and wellbeing. For more information click here.


  • The Quince Players perform Electra (Thursday 9 May to Saturday 11 May and Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 May) - Cordes Hall, Sunninghill, SL5 9NE. The opening night (9 May) will be a special evening from us, a not-for-profit am-dram group, with cut-price tickets, to help raise funds for the charity, Dandelion Time. For more information and tickets click here.


  • Question Time – All about solar panels (Saturday 18 May, 11am to 12.30pm) - Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead SL6 1UU. Local residents interested in solar panels will be able to put their questions to a panel of experts at a special Question Time, organised by ECO Action Windsor & Maidenhead. People who wish to attend are invited to sign up here, where there is also the chance to contribute questions to be put to the panel on the day.


  • Come and discover the wonders of the pond and meadow here at Braywick this half term. We will be exploring these habitats with traditional pond dipping and sweep netting techniques under guidance from our Rangers. Hopefully you and your children will find creatures you have never seen before! Tuesday 28 May: Pond Dipping 10am to 11.30am and Minibeast Safari 2pm to 3.30pm. Thursday 30 May: Pond Dipping 10am to 11.30am and Minibeast Safari 2pm to 3.30pm. No experience or own equipment needed, just bring yourself and lots of curiosity! Dress for the outdoors and weather on the day, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Best suited for four to 11 year-olds but anyone is welcome. Pond dipping is wheelchair/pushchair accessible, Minibeast Safari involves some steps so is not wheelchair/pushchair accessible. For more information click here.


  • Dementia-Friendly Walk & refreshments (Wednesday 22 May, 11am to 12.30pm) - Braywick Nature Reserve. Join us for a gentle dementia-friendly walk, followed by refreshments at the nature centre. This event is suitable for people with dementia and their carers. Meet in the car park at Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1UU. There is no need to book but if you would like more information contact 01189 594242 or email.


  • Signature A Cappella Singers - Do you love to sing? We are looking for new members and would like to invite any women who are keen singers. You don’t have to be able to read music. We rehearse every Thursday evening, arrival 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Held at St Edwards Parish Centre, Windsor, SL4 3BA. For more information visit our website, or to join us at one of our rehearsals, email us.


  • Age Concern Windsor Gardening Club (Tuesday 14 May, 1pm to 2.30pm) - Spencer Denney Centre, SL4 4EB. If you like gardening but maybe need a hand with bending, lifting etc. then please come along. All activities can be done from a chair and table top, although if you’re really keen, there’s always loads to do in our garden. This is indoors in bad weather so don’t worry, if it’s raining we’ll still be doing things. Refreshments and lots of gardening chatter as well. For more information call 01753 860685 Tuesday through Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm or email.


  • Volunteers needed for Maidenhead’s Big Read Group. For the past six years, we have proudly organised the annual "Maidenhead’s Big Read" festival engaging authors, illustrators and story tellers and related activities in celebration of the World Book Day. Our aim has been to support local schools and families in encouraging broader reading habits among Reception to Year 7 students, fostering a passion for reading, especially among those who may be hesitant or reluctant to read, as well as create fun in our local Community. We urgently require at least six additional committee members to ensure the ongoing success and continuity and growth of MBR. For more information on Maidenhead's Big Read click here.


  • Stanley Spencer Gallery Volunteer Opportunity. The Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham is looking for a volunteer to be its Friends Membership Secretary later this year. Training in using a simple online database will be given and you will be joining one of the few entirely volunteer-run, nationally accredited, art galleries in the country. For more details email.


  • Volunteer eBay Assistant for Thames Hospice. We have several opportunities to work in the eBay team in Maidenhead for Thames Hospice. You will be listing collectable and interesting items. It’s fun and interesting. For more information click here.

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:







Partner consultation:



Local Travel Updates


Rail - industrial action


There will be action across several train operating companies on Saturday 11 May. For updates, check the SWR and GWR websites.


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.

Keep in touch


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