Save Alexandra Gardens 2020 Campaign
Over the past few weeks the Liberal Democrats in Windsor have launched "Save Alexandra Gardens 2020" our campaign to stop excessive development at the Alexandra Gardens Coach and Car Parks.
As part of the Campaign we have:
- created print at home posters for your Window
- issued a press release picked up by most local media
- started a petition to have decisions made in public
Why is this happening now?
Under the current Conservative Administration the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead's council have got into significant debt. To pay off the debt large amounts of our (residents') public assets are being sold off in what local Lib Dems are calling the "Fire Sale Flog Off".
Why don't we know the details?
Plans for development along Windsor Riverside, including at Alexandra Gardens appear to have been in development for over a year. 12 months ago an argument on social media between two prominent local Conservatives led to us asking for information on the plans by means of a Freedom of Information Act request. The council refused the request citing an exemption for decisions still in the process of being taken, however the refusal notice effectively confirmed that plans were being developed in secret.
More recently we issued a Press Release which was used as the basis for stories in local media. The Conservative response to this press release provided further confirmation that the secret plans existed. In parallel we have renewed our FOI request to have the plans made public.
What's the Lib Dem View?
- Local Lib Dems don't believe in taking big decisions like this in secret, we believe the council should work for residents, not keep secrets from them.
- Local Lib Dems believe the public should be involved from the start of the process, not presented with a fait accomplis near the end of the process.
- Local Lib Dems believe that decisions should be taken with a strategic view of what is best for Windsor, not as a quick-fix to pay off Conservative debts.
- Local Lib Dems believe more Windsor Councillors should be involved in the decision. The Council Cabinet is made up almost entirely by Maidenhead Councillors.
- Local Lib Dems believe any plan for Windsor riverside should take a clear overview of all of the undeveloped land along the Windsor riverside.
- Local Lib Dems believe any plans should emphasise public green open space, pedestrians and cyclists.
- Local Lib Dems believe any plans should try to create a motor traffic free space alongside the river.