Grand 'beauty' plans for town slammed
May 22, 2009 12:00 AM
By Ann-Marie Canavan - acanavan@berksmedia.co.uk in Royal Borough Observer
By Ann-Marie Canavan - acanavan@berksmedia.co.uk in Royal Borough Observer
TORY councillors have been slammed for their plans to 'beautify' Windsor.
Angry residents and Liberal Democrat councillors have criticised proposals to 'make Windsor great again.'
The plans include laying re-conditioned cobbles in place of tarmac and bricks in historic streets such as Gloucester Place as well as 'greening' up areas such as Ward Royal.
Osborne Road resident Peter Hooper says that in the current climate any spare money could be better spent.
The 58-year-old said: "I'm not against improving Windsor's appearance but feel that cobbles etc down Gloucester Place will not be seen or appreciated by the vast majority of residents or visitors. Wouldn't it be better to beautify somewhere like the Dedworth Road? I really believe the public should be consulted about where they think money should be spent."
Financial concerns about any future project have also been raised by opposition councillors at the Royal Borough.
Cllr Kathy Newbound said: "I can understand people being very concerned about the financial implications of something like this and I would hope that external funding would be used - but I think that could be very difficult at the moment. I think they (The Conservatives) need to look into these ideas more. I'm not sure how friendly cobbles would be for disabled people trying to get around."
Cllr Newbound went on to that if any proposals were put forward it would be vital that a public consultation was held.
However, Cllr Tom Bursnall said that the project was only in its initial stages.
He added: "The money is likely to come from a number of pots including section 106 monies (developer contributions).
"As for the locations that have been suggested it is because residents have asked for something to be done. These are just ideas and we want input from people about what they want to see in their town."