Clewer East Catch-Up: July 2020

July 2020

You could be forgiven for thinking that council business winds down for the summer holidays, but this month has been as busy as ever and filled with a variety meetings, campaigns and resident casework. As always, you can phone, email us or contact us through social media (Facebook, Twitter, Next Door) to raise any issues with the ward or the council in general. We look forward to hearing from you.

Windsor Museum and Tourist Information Office

A number of residents have contacted us recently, sharing our concerns about the future of the Windsor Museum. Karen asked a question about this at Cabinet last Thursday and was assured that the closure of the museum and the tourist information is only temporary and not permanent. She also asked that the museum volunteers be canvassed on their views and ideas as part of the decision-making process about how and when it re-opens. We will be keeping a close eye on what happens next.

Time for a Windsor Town Council?

We are delighted that a motion to set up a Community Governance Review to consider the formation of a new Town Council for Windsor was passed unanimously at RBWM Full Council on . We promised to ask residents if they wanted a Windsor Town Council in our election pledges last year. Lib Dem members sit on the steering committee and Karen is going to represent us on the Review's Working Group to consider what a future Town Council for Windsor might look like. Please share your views in the public consultation here.

Ward Work

This month we have responded to lots of emails from residents about fly-tipping, missed bins and overhanging hedges. Several residents have been in touch to share their ideas for ways to improve the problem of town centre parking charges and to discuss the plans for Battlemead Common. Here's one example of casework from this month:

A resident reported to Amy that the planting under the War Memorial in Windsor Cemetery was looking very overgrown with weeds. Within three days, the area had been tidied up and we hope you'll agree it looks much better! This started a conversation with residents about whether our memorials and public spaces should be planted with more sustainable and pollinator friendly perennial plants rather than annual bedding. What do you think? Are there any plants that you think would look beautiful and fill the brief? Amy is gathering ideas so do let us know.

Before and After!

Clewer Rec/The Pirate Park

Amy is a regular user of the Pirate Park with her family and has noticed that is starting to show its age. Over the past 4-5 years, the play equipment has started to wear out and the planting is looking tired This year, the box hedges seemed to fallen victim to disease or pests. With the brand new cafe due to open in the early autumn, we are keen to explore ways to spruce up the rest of the park. Come along and join in a resident-led litter pick from 10:30am on Sunday 23rd August and share your ideas for how we can work together to improve this space.

RBWM Climate Strategy Consultation

Have your say on how we tackle climate change in our borough. RBWM want to hear your feedback on the draft Environment and Climate Strategy for the Royal Borough. The council has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions in the borough by 2050 (though Karen insisted on including a commitment to bring this forward as it becomes possible). The draft strategy sets out the council's vision and action plan to achieve this and it will drive the decisions, resources and actions taken over the next five years. Complete the consultation here.

Children's and Youth Centre Closures- Have Your Say!

Earlier this year you may have completed a consultation about whether the council should move to a hub system for the children's centres and youth centres. Cabinet have made the decision to adopt this model and after a call in to Scrutiny Panel by Lib Dem councillors, including Amy and Independent councillors, the council are now consulting again on the plans, including the possible closure of 7 children's centres and 6 Youth Centres. You can help shape the service going forward. Please take part in the new consultation online and share the link with your friends who might not see it due to the centres being closed at the moment.The background information for this consultation is fairly lengthy as it explains the rationale behind the new model but Children's Centres, like The Lawns in our ward, are a vital resource for parents so please have your say!

Suggest Topics for Scrutiny

Did you know that residents are able to suggest topics for inclusion in the work programme of the four overview and scrutiny panels?

• Communities

• Infrastructure

• Corporate

• Adults, Children and Health

Topics should relate to a service, event or issue which affects the social, environmental or economic well-being of a group or community of the people in the borough. Recent topics brought to overview and scrutiny by Amy and Karen include the Dedworth Road/Clarence Road roundabouts.

Please read more information and complete the form here, giving details of your scrutiny request, will be considered for approval. If you're unsure what panel would be best to consider your topic or have other questions, you can contact the Scrutiny Officer on: democratic.services@rbwm.gov.uk

Events at The Swan in Clewer

The legendary courtyard BBQs are back! Head down to the Swan between 5-8pm on Saturday 8th for a socially distanced burger or two with your bubble. On Saturday 15th August you can join in the pub's VJ day celebrations from 3pm. Period costume is encouraged! Please follow the staff's guidance and the information on the tables to enjoy your visit safely.

Lib Dem Campaigns

Windsor Lib Dems are active across the town and run campaigns based on residents' concerns or information that arises from following council business:

Resident Parking

Click here to find out more about our Resident Parking Zone campaign. Download and display a poster in your window (many colours available) to send a message to the Conservative administration that people in resident parking zones should not be singled out to carry the cost of the council's financial mismanagement.

Alexandra Gardens and Riverside Development

We have had a very positive response to our survey but are still keen to find out your priorities for any development in the area around the coach park, Riverside and Alexandra Gardens and invite you to complete our questions. It may take up to 10 minutes of your time. You can read more about our campaign here.

And Finally...Windsor Womble Jumble Trail!

A day of community spirit, active recycling and charity fundraising! Had a lockdown clear out and don't know where to sell or donate your items? Use your driveway to sell or give away your unwanted things. Keep the cash or donate all or part of it to charity. Register your address for £10 and be featured on the published trail. All registration proceeds go to The Kyangala Trust registered charity number 1145757 (www.kyangala-trust.org.uk) Please email kjhughes1976@yahoo.co.uk to register as a seller. Buyers just turn up! A trail map will be posted on the Facebook event page. Amy is taking part and hoping to raise some money for charity.

Enjoy the lovely weather!

Cllr. Amy Tisi (amy@windsorlibdems.org.uk)
Cllr. Karen Davies (karen@windsorlibdems.org.uk)