A welcome from the Chairman and introductions of all present.

The Chair welcomed all to the Forum.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Sharon Bunce, Victoria Holt, Robin Pemberton and Councillor Del Campo.

Councillor Hill attended as substitute.

To agree the minutes of the last Forum held on 4 December 2023 as a true and accurate record.

The Chair noted that the Forum had requested minutes be more reflective of what happened in the meeting and invited Peter Haley, Forum Member, to speak who had some comments on the previous meetings minutes.

Peter Haley had concerns that a lot of the discussion on the Broadway Car Park item from previous meeting had not been included in the minutes. Peter Haley explained that discussion surrounding Shop Mobility, Blue Badge parking and location of the car park had few details in the minutes, even citing a part of the video where Councillor Werner had offered to improve communications with community groups and People to Places and offered to meet with Forum Members, which was hoped to be arranged for the next week.

The Chair requested that the previous meetings minutes be updated and republished.

ACTION: Mikey Lloyd, Democratic Services Officer, to update Broadway Car Park item in previous meetings minutes and republish.

The Forum adjourned at 11:09am to allow a technical issue to be resolved.

The Forum reconvened at 11:14am.

AGREED: That the minutes be approved.

To receive a verbal report on pavements and related maintenance and reporting issues by Dug Tremellen, Transport Policy Manager.

Dug Tremellen, Transport Policy Manager, thanked the Forum for being able to attend and gave a brief overview on what they were doing on pavements and roads but added that it would be a useful opportunity for the Forum to ask questions as well.

Dug Tremellen explained that the approach to road and pavement maintenance could be demystified into three main parts. Firstly, there was a planned maintenance program, which involved larger maintenance projects planned well in advance and budgeted for, with details published ahead of time. Secondly, there was a planned upgrade program, including projects such as local cycling and walking infrastructure upgrades, which were developed and implemented over time following consultation with stakeholders. Examples included completed projects on Stovall Road and ongoing works on King Street in Maidenhead. Finally, there were reactive fixes, where a small budget and resources were allocated to address spot fixes and individual reported issues as they arose.

The Chair asked if there were any plans to upgrade the yellow bricks on the High Street and Queen Street due to their undulating contours, which posed trip hazards, especially for individuals in wheelchairs?

Dug Tremellen said there had been a study conducted on improving most of the streets in Maidenhead town centre, including those with outdated paving such as Queen Street. While the Maidenhead paving master plan, which was approximately 10 years old, had been applied to some streets already, such as the main pedestrianised High Street and around the Waterside quarter, there were still others in need of attention. Initial design work had been done for Queen Street, with some early ideas outlined. However, due to limited budget availability, there were currently no plans to proceed with upgrades for Queen Street or other streets requiring attention. Nonetheless, it remained on the agenda for future consideration.

Dominic Manley said the condition of the pavements on both sides of the road on the High Street, particularly between Market Street and the library, was a concern due to the narrow, sloping, and uneven surfaces. This presented challenges for individuals parking in that area and trying to navigate to other parts of the town centre. He hoped that these issues were also part of the program for future improvements.

Dug Tremellen confirmed that stretch of the High Street, along with Queen Street, was part of the long-term improvement program, however funding was currently unavailable. Dug Tremellen also said it was evident that parking arrangements in the area also needed consideration and combining improvements to both the High Street and Queen Street could involve reallocating parking spaces to widen footways. This approach aimed to avoid displacing disabled parking spots and required careful coordination. Nonetheless, addressing these concerns was part of the overall program based on the study conducted.

Councillor Price said that in the case of residential streets, issues like paving sticking up were typically reported through the system. However, if action had not been taken despite a report being made many months previous, it suggested that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

To receive a verbal update on the access to Network Rail lifts at Maidenhead Station by Lisa Hughes, Vice Chair and MS Society.

Lisa Hughes provided an update from the Network Rail sponsor on the ongoing works on platforms two and three at Maidenhead station, as part of the Great Western Railway accessibility panel, discussions were held at the September meeting. Network Rail sponsor and a colleague from Great Western Railway attended prior to or on the day of some closures. It was noted that due to overcrowding on platforms two and three, an additional staircase was being constructed, necessitating the closure of the lift serving these platforms from October 2023 to August 2024. Lisa Hughes said that this arrangement posed challenges for passengers unable to use stairs, who had to travel via another station, potentially adding significant time to their journey. Despite concerns raised, the project proceeded as planned.

Lisa Hughes discussed the ongoing works included the installation of mid-platform fencing to improve passenger flows and serve as a suicide mitigation measure. Progress had been made on the new staircase construction behind the station shuttering, with contractors Morgan Sindall expected to complete the main civil elements by the end of the March 2024. Additionally, the excavation of the new lift pit had been completed, with concrete poured to create the lift pit and base. Construction of the lift shaft would soon commence, with lift installation anticipated to begin in May. Lisa Hughes explained that no complaints had been received by Network Rail MTR, operators of the Elizabeth Line or Great Western Railway. Additional staff would continue to assist passengers on platforms two and three during peak times until the lifts were operational again. The project remained on track to complete the lift and new stairs by the end of August.

Lisa Hughes then shared a recent experience she had regarding booking assistance through the Passenger Assist app. After booking assistance, she received a call from a Passenger Assist representative within half an hour, informing her about ongoing works at the station and offering assistance tailored to her needs. Lisa Hughes said upon arrival someone met her, helped carry her mobility equipment and luggage upstairs, and assisted her onto the train. The return journey was equally smooth, with assistance provided at the carriage door. Overall, Lisa Hughes said the experience was highly positive, with responsive and helpful assistance throughout.

To receive a verbal update on non-mainstream housing provisions, such as respite accommodation and transition into supported living by Lynne Lidster, Director of Commissioning.

Lynne Lidster, Director of Commissioning, opened the item by explaining that Forum had posed a number of questions that covered adult social care, housing (including disabled facilities grants), and planning policy. Lynne Lidster explained she would address adult social care, while housing questions would be answered by Amanda Gregory, Assistant Director, Housing and Public Protection. It was noted that planning policy colleagues could not attend but had provided some answers.

Lynne Lidster explained that their strategic plan aimed for individuals to lead fulfilling lives at home, within their communities, and with their families. They prioritised support that enabled independent living and strived to minimise the need for specialist accommodation unless necessary. Key principles included prevention, community investment, choice, and treating everyone with compassion, respect, and dignity.

Lynne Lidster noted how a supported housing needs assessment had been conducted, commissioned by adult social care, covering sheltered housing for older adults, Extra Care facilities, residential and nursing homes, and accommodations for individuals with learning disabilities, mental health needs and or autism.

It was explained that the housing needs assessment projected a need for 420 units of retirement accommodation, with none in the affordable and social rented sector but all in the private sector by 2035. It was assumed that 50% of this need could be met through accessible mainstream housing, reflecting the aim for individuals to remain in their communities rather than moving into specialist accommodation unnecessarily. Housing with care or Extra Care housing usually involved onsite carers, such as at Lady Elizabeth House, where dedicated carers were available round the clock. The estimated need for such housing by 2035 was 200 units, catering to both self-funded individuals and those eligible for care from the council.

Lynne Lidster continued that in terms of residential and nursing care provision, they had a significant number of care homes registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in the borough and when comparing to neighbouring boroughs, had double the amount of such facilities. It was noted that the need for additional bed spaces in residential care was minimal, with only five projected to be needed by 2035. Additionally, there was an estimated oversupply of 250 bed spaces in nursing care, with around 250 void spaces at any given time.

It was explained that for people with mental health needs and those with learning disabilities, the estimated need up to 2030 was 100 units and 50 units respectively. Most of these needs could be accommodated in general needs housing that was adapted to provide appropriate support. Lynne Lidster explained that many individuals with learning disabilities in the borough resided in smaller, adapted general needs accommodations where they received24-hour care and support, rather than in specifically purpose-built facilities.

Lynne Lidster noted that respite care offered family or unpaid caregivers a break from their caregiving responsibilities, ranging from a few hours to weeks. It could be provided in various settings, including at home through organisations like Crossroads or day centres like Boyne Grove. Care homes could offer respite stays  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

To receive a verbal update on the Isolation and Loneliness Project from Rosanna Sansom and Jen Hardy of the Communities Team.

This item was moved up on the agenda due to the officer presenting the Broadway Car Park item not being ready.

Lynne Lidster and Amanda Gregory left the meeting at 12:15pm.

Jennifer Hardy, Transformation and Communities Partnership, opened the item and explained how the Campaign to End Loneliness defined loneliness as a subjective feeling of lacking companionship, resulting from a mismatch between desired and actual social relationships, while social isolation referred to the objective measure of contact quantity. Loneliness was considered a normal part of life, with fluctuations over time.

Jennifer Hardy gave some updates on some of the projects being undertaken by the communities’ team. The first project involved a new carer's initiative in collaboration with Slough Borough Council and Bracknell Forest Council as part of an East Berkshire Consortium focused on innovative support for carers. RBWM's role was to examine community support for carers, addressing specific challenges they faced and promoting integration. This included raising awareness about carers, facilitating access to information and support, and preventing carers from experiencing loneliness and isolation. Collaboration with the wider community and local businesses was essential to address these challenges effectively.

Rosanna Sansom gave insight on the Community Information Hub project that aimed to revamp the existing events directory on the RBWM website and to serve as a central resource for community events and group information. Working closely with the libraries team, the project sought to provide accessible and up-to-date information for residents, with a planned release in April. It emphasised the importance of dynamic and easily navigable resources to promote community connectedness and support for various groups, including carers and domiciliary care recipients.

Rosanna Sansom explained another initiative, led by the adult social care front door teams, involved leveraging a software to refer individuals to community resources for support. This collaborative effort with community and voluntary groups aimed to ensure that support services were seamlessly integrated and accessible. Furthermore, the council offered volunteering opportunities for individuals and supported voluntary and community groups across the borough. Rosanna Sansom said the volunteering offer was being refreshed to ensure the availability of up-to-date information and support for residents and businesses alike, with a scheduled release in April. It was noted that questions or updates on these projects could be addressed in future meetings.

Jennifer Hardy said the RBWM Together project, in collaboration with Ellen McManus Fry, Equalities and Community Engagement Officer, and Councillor Moriarty, aimed to utilise RBWM Together as a platform to address loneliness and social isolation. Currently, efforts were underway to create a hub like the "Here to Help" pages, focusing on providing advice and support related to loneliness and social isolation, including personal stories to raise awareness and combat stigma. This ongoing project would be promoted by the communications team in the coming months, with opportunities for feedback once the site was live.

Jennifer Hardy summarised that these key projects linked to loneliness and social isolation were part of RBWM's efforts to support prevention in the borough. Utilising asset-based Community Development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

To receive a verbal update on the Broadway Car Park demolition from Kiran Hunjan, Senior Development Manager.

The Chair opened the item by discussing the imminent demolition of the car park and its implications, particularly on Shop Mobility and Blue Badge car parking. The Chair raised concerns regarding potential disruptions and the need to integrate planning for adjacent areas affected by the demolition. The Chair emphasised that it should not become a demolition site, necessitating a coordinated approach to mitigate its impact on accessibility, especially for those with disabilities.

Kiran Hunjan, Senior Project Manager for RBWM Property Company, acknowledged the broader implications of the of the demolition including Blue Badge parking but explained it was outside of her remit and it would involve coordination with the highways team. Kiran Hunjan highlighted a recent delay in the demolition was attributed to the discovery of asbestos within the structure, which promoted immediate removal actions and proactive communication with businesses and residents in the surrounding area. Detailed adjustments to the project timeline were discussed, with a phased approach to road closures at the end of May and early June aimed at minimising disruptions while ensuring public safety. Closures would between 9am and 3pm. Notable efforts were outlines such as liaising with bus companies and collaborating with retailers to mitigate potential inconveniences.

The Chair asked how the site would be left following demolition? Kiran Hunjan explained that the current approval was only for the demolition of the Broadway Car Park, with no plans confirmed for its post-demolition use, such as a surface car park. It was noted that the site would be cleared to the ramped ground level, maintaining access to an on-site substation, and be boarded, inaccessible to the public with any decisions on future land use made separately.

Dominic Manley expressed disappointment over the absence of information regarding future plans for Broadway Car Park and asked Kiran Hunjan if questions could be asked about a timetable for the future plans. Kiran Hunjan confirmed she was also looking for those answers and would provide an update upon any answers she received.

The Chair brought up that in the December meeting it was recalled that they had requested a meeting between councillors and members of the forum and that the meeting would be happening on Friday 22 March, the Chair apologised that the meeting had not taken place before this forum meeting.

Lisa Hughes said it was a shame that Councillor Hill had to leave before this item due to it being within his remit. Lisa Hughes continued that there appeared to be a lack of creative thinking regarding the loss of 31 parking spaces, comprising 14 Shop Mobility and 17 Blue Badge spaces. Lisa Hughes said that whilst it might not be feasible to replace all 31 spaces immediately, the absence of any proactive consideration or willingness to explore alternatives felt unreasonable in the context of the 21^st century.

The Chair wished to conclude the item with a quote from the People to Place Spring Newsletter ‘Accessibility is not just a privilege but a right for all.’

To discuss any other items of business.

The Chair spoke of how Sharon Bunce brought up a question about individuals with learning disabilities not being represented in the latest electoral registration campaigns. The Chair noted that this was something Channel 4 News had picked up on and ran a short film which was very good. The Chair noted that Sharon Bunce was asking what RBWM does to reach out to these individuals. The Chair also noted that Victoria Holt, Community Development Manager, said she would share this with different groups and suggested that Ellen McManus-Fry could liaise on this.

Ellen McManus-Fry wished to raise two additional matters for discussion. Firstly, a consultation had been launched by Achieving for Children regarding new provisions for children with special educational needs. This consultation, open until April 26th, focused on proposals for new facilities and could be accessed on the council website or through AfC's website. Secondly, a resident raised concerns about signage related to blue badge holders in Vicus Way, particularly regarding exemptions from parking fees. In response, new signage had been installed in the car park, but concerns remained about its clarity, prompting discussion at the Forum to gather opinions.

Ellen McManus-Fry showed the Forum the new sign, which was positioned on the pedestrian ramp exiting the car park near the Ringo sign. Its purpose was to clarify that blue badge holders parking in the car park were exempt from paying via the Ringo app. Concerns were raised about the length of the wording and clarity regarding the exemption for all blue badge holders, not just those issued by RBWM. Feedback from Forum members was sought to assess whether the signage was sufficient or required further clarification.

Lisa Hughes noted that the new sign differed in appearance from other signs indicating free parking for blue badge holders and raised concerns about its placement, as well as the readability of the font. Lisa Hughes suggested that the sign may not be easily readable and offered to provide a picture from another location with clearer signage for comparison. Ellen McManus-Fry said she would look at the sign herself and check back with parking colleagues.

Dominic Manley mentioned that about a year ago, the group gathered in Windsor for the launch of the Access Able Guide for Windsor. At that time, it was planned that the Maidenhead guide would be completed in 2023 and requested to receive an update on the progress of this guide at the next meeting.

Peter Haley suggested that having a sign near each parking payment machine may be more effective at Vicus Way carpark. He explained this would ensure that drivers are informed about the exemption from parking fees before reaching the exit point and emphasised that placing signage at the payment machines could be more proactive in communicating the information to drivers. Ellen McManus-Fry confirmed she would take the feedback to parking colleagues.

Councillor Price raised concerns about the Forum's effectiveness in translating discussions into actionable outcomes to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.