Resolved unanimously: that Councillor Clark be appointed as Chairman and that Councillor Gilmore be appointed Vice-Chairman.

The Chairman to welcome all to the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence received from Councillors Jesse Grey and Shamsul Shelim.

To receive any Declarations of Interest.

No Declarations of Interest received.

To agree the minutes of the last meeting.

The Part I minutes of the meeting held on 16 May 2017 were approved as a true and correct record.

The Chairman to update the Panel on the Maidenhead Riverside Task & Finish Group meeting and the way forward.

The Chairman, Councillor Clark explained that the objective was to identify ways to make the most of Maidenhead Riverside as a community, leisure, artistic and heritage facility.

The Task and Finish Group had been held  to bring together residents, Community Groups and local businesses to discuss ideas and identify opportunities for an increased use of the Riverside area.

Many points were raised at the first meeting on 28 June 2017. A second meeting took place on 4 September 2017. At the second meeting the objective was to build and feedback on the points that were identified to make the most of Maidenhead Riverside as a community, leisure, artistic and heritage facility.

The points raised by attendees included:

·         The area was not welcoming enough, it needed to be more welcoming, have better riverside (including mooring) facilities and ideally have boat hiring facilities.

·         What is the Berkerley Homes proposal? It was understood that this was still in the development phase. The mooring arrangements were still being reviewed; following the new footbridge it was proposed that the opportunity for new link to Cliveden be investigated, albeit there will be some complex land ownership issues likely to be involved.

·         What moorings the Borough owned? The Borough owns the upstream Bray Boats area, along the Adopted Highway up to the area adjacent to  Woodlhurst and then from the upstream side up to Boulters Lock island An option  to foster an Edwardian Day as this is the history of Boulters Island and Lock. This anniversary event was previously held historically around Ascot Race Week.

·         Have art exhibitions along the river, “Arts on the West Bank”. Involve the photography club and have pieces on display but also to sell.

·         Steph James, Maidenhead Town Manager, suggested some events that it could be possible to have along the riverside including: an outdoor cinema, an afternoon of food, drink and entertainment and Gin in the park and others. Steph James suggested that locals should get involved and join in on the organising to help make initial events sustainable in future years.

·         David Scott, Head of Communities and Highways, gave an update on all the work in progress since the last meeting:

Ø  The Project Centre Ltd team has been tasked to carry out a review of the current signage and recommend on what could be improved, including cycle routes by October 2017. The signage would then be improved over the winter months.

Ø  Contractors had been asked for prices for lighting along the river and also for Christmas lights in the area. A number of options and costs were expected to come back in October 2017.

Ø  The Parking Team has been tasked to look at alternatives to address the impact of the height restrictions at Boulters Lock Car Park, in order to offer an alternative or and option for people who are rowing or canoeing.

Ø  We have just been made aware of the Boulters Lock Car Park being locked all day. This will be followed up.

Ø  RBWM  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

Clerk to update Members on the work programme.

1.    Councillor Stretton requested that with all regeneration in Maidenhead, lots of flats were being built and the cultural side was not being put in place. Councillor Stretton suggested that the Panel  invite Countryside to give the Panel a presentation. The Panel could be given the opportunity to scrutinise.

The Chairman advised that he would speak to the Lead Member and see if they can be invited before the planning application.

2.    Community use of sports facilities – identify the agreements that relate to the shared use of school based community  facilities.

3.    Plans for Desborough Theatre Suite – what are the latest plans for  the Desborough Theatre Suite which is inaccessible to disabled performers. What are the plans and how will they impact the existing facilities.

Members to note the next Culture and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel will be on :

Wednesday 15 November 2017 at 6.30pm – Council Chamber, Town Hall, Maidenhead,

Members  noted that the next Culture and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel would be on Wednesday 15 November 2017 at 6.30pm – Council Chamber, Town Hall, Maidenhead.