To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Hilton. Councillor Story was attending as substitute.

To declare any Declarations of Interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

Councillor Knowles proposed that actions from previous minutes should be reviewed offline and which actions should be brought forward, with the impact of COVID-19 on the actions in mind. 

Councillor Price said the Windsor Neighbourhood Plan was approved, and should have started to progress to the referendum, but was delayed due to COVID-19. Councillor Price wanted this to be progressed to referendum. The Panel were informed by David Scott, Head of Communities, that under the current legislations, referendums could not be held until May 2021, but other work could continue in the interim in connection with developing the plan and preparing for a local referendum.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2020 be approved subject to the amendment: Councillor Tisi’s attendance to be changed to present.

To receive the Chairman’s opening remarks and confirm the actions arising from the previous meeting, and to include:

The Chairman updated the Panel Members on the previous actions arising from previous minutes.

Hostile Vehicle Mitigations updates were no longer required as the temporary measure have been removed, and the permeant integrated measures now installed.

To receive an update from Thames Valley Police.

Inspector 3330 Tracey Croucher introduced the item and said she had been appointed in her role in the last month. She was briefed by Insp Warbrick who had previously attended the forum, but was happy to continue to provide updates, to the Forum, as needed. She explained that based on previous report she could confirm the following as key updates:

·         Cycle theft was prevalent in Windsor, with one individual arrested and charged of cycle theft. Several stolen cycles were found at their address, and these cycles were returned to owner’s.

·         Ascot had a significant rise in theft of motor vehicles with one individual charged and in custody.

·         Thames Valley Police (TVP) area like all others had been affected by COVID-19 and therefore the crime figures were skewed compared pre COVID-19 periods. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions for the last 3 to 4 months, real crime went down as everyone was at home and off the roads. There was now a rise in crime, particularly violent crimes, due to reducing restrictions.

Tracey Croucher said Jeff Pick’s worked on the crime prevention through the Thames Valley alert, which was an online system that explained how crime could be prevented and information about the area. This included topics such as fraud prevention, particularly for vulnerable people in society.

Councillor Price asked if Tracey Croucher had replaced Louise Warbrick, and Members were informed that Louise changed her role to Problem Solving & Safeguarding Inspector, and Tracey took over Louise’s role.

Councillor Price asked if there were quicker response times when residents called 101, and Members were informed that there was still a message on 101 to use other contacts during COVID-19. Tracey felt the web form on the TVP website was and easier way of contact TVP instead of 101.

Councillor Knowles asked that as things returned to normal, how was TVP going to manage COVID-19 regulations compliance. Paul Roach, Windsor and Eton Town Centre Manager, said a working group was established in May 2020, and premises that did not comply to regulations were dealt with on an individual basis. Visits to premises by a joint team including the Licensing team and Tracey Croucher’s team have been and continue to be undertaken.

Councillor Knowles asked how non-compliance to regulations in shops and private properties was going to be monitored. The Members were informed that fixed penalty notices could not be enforced in private property’s but could be in public places and retail outlets. Engagement with the public was preferred, with education and encouragement, then enforcement as the last resort.

Councillor Knowles said there were perennial issues with anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the night-time economy (NTE). The Members were informed that TVP was working closely with the Borough, with an ever-evolving plan in place with more establishments such as pubs and restaurants opening across Windsor. With pubs and clubs being closed, young people needed to get out in places such as The Brocas and Cock Marsh.  Dispersal orders and other actions were put into place  ...  view the full minutes text for item 132.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the order of business as detailed in the agenda be varied.

To receive a written update from Ben Smith, Head of Commissioning - Infrastructure.

Christopher Wheeler, Service Improvement Manager - Commissioning and Communities, introduced the item and said the report was requested by the Members in January and was due to be presented in the March meeting, but the meeting was cancelled due to COVID-19.

The paper was a review of the resurfacing programme in general and a focus on surface dressing which was part of asset management. The report covered the asset management approach for highways and how this fitted in with investment modelling. Department for Transport level of recommendation of highway and customer satisfaction was explored in the paper. The report ended with several roads that were surfaced dressed in 2019-20 that had failed. This was due to the surface dressing being laid in September 2019, which was not the best time of year for this work but was the slot allocated by the contractor. The roads were dealt with in May 2020.

Councillor Price said there were failed road dressings that needed to be re-surfaced in the west of Windsor that were not listed in the report. The Members were informed that any known failed road dressings should be reported to the highways mailbox so that they can be investigated.

Councillor Davies said footway in Clewer Park were resurfaced but were uneven, and the Members were informed that the quickest way to report road defects, repairs and fly tipping was through the website.

Councillor Cannon asked what the surface level agreement was for when residents should expect matters to be addressed, such as vegetation over the road. The Members were informed that the regulations had different timeframes depending on the work. For instance, there was a contractual service level agreement for urgent potholes to be dealt with within 24 hours. Overhanging vegetation was particularly pertinent during the growth season. The Borough was limited by the regulations within the Highway Act, as a notice had to be served to the landowner giving them up to 14 days, with up to 21 days for the landowner to appeal. If no action was taken by the landowner, the Borough could then cut back the vegetation and issue the cost to the landowner. The team used social media as a tool to encourage people to take responsibility to cut back vegetation and allow safe footways. A leaflet campaign was due to be launched on a similar basis.

Councillor Cannon asked what the timeframe was if the overgrown hedgerows were the Borough’s ownership. The Members were informed that the Borough was responsible for clearing the footway from overgrown hedgerows. With 600km of highway, it was difficult to maintain the vegetation, particularly during the growing season, where the vegetation could grow back between highway inspections. There was an annual flailing programme where the team reviewed rural roads to clear vegetation. Residents were encouraged to report any overgrown vegetations online using the report it forms. The online forms had been updated to increase clarity in private and highway overhanging vegetation, which is then actioned by the contractors.

(Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 134.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the order of business as detailed in the agenda be varied.

Although the report had not been included on the Agenda at time of publication, the Chairman agreed to consider it as an urgent item, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972 because it was included in the Town recovery plan, and was a positive communication to Windsor residents.

Councillor Clark, Lead Member Transport and Infrastructure, introduced the item which was a proposal to introduce two themed pedestrian crossings in Maidenhead and Windsor. The crossing points would have a message or design painted on the carriageway, which would be inclusive and celebrated residents and the community. Work was underway to identify potential locations as well as minimising the impact of traffic management while the carriageways was closed to paint.

Consultation was due to take place online and would include businesses and the public and aimed to highlight themes that could be celebrated. Celebratory themes could include the towns’ diversity, heritage, volunteers, good causes, charities, societies, the NHS, emergency services, unsung heroes and heroes. This was a way to show appreciation for groups and people in the town.

There may be difference causes and messages illustrated on the pedestrian crossing. Councillor Clark encouraged for concepts to be brought to the consultation, which would be appreciated by both residents and visitors. Whilst the project was in its early stages, it was good value for money and was yet to go to the consultation period.

Councillor Tisi asked if the rainbow coloured crossing to celebrate pride month that was shared on Twitter by Councillor Reynolds was the envisioned plan. Councillor Clark agreed this was the idea, to celebrate communities that the residents want to communicate. As the crossing was limited to two sites, there was a need of selectivity.

Councillor Tisi was supportive of asking residents for ideas and asked if a selection of good quality choices would be given, as there was a risk of being inundated with ideas. Councillor Clark said the first stage was to ask the public for ideas, with the next stage to propose the most supported ideas for the residents to finalise.

Councillor Knowles supported the project and proposed the most visible crossing at the high street. If this was executed well, the crossing could become a road landmark like Abbey Road in London, where visitors travel to have a picture taken. He was supportive of the LGBTQ+ community being celebrated at the crossing point and said it would be good marketing for the wedding business in the Guildhall. It would be representative of same sex couples and civil partnerships, who could post photographs on the rainbow crossing.

Councillor Clark informed the Members that the themed crossing would be good for the local economy particularly after COVID-19 and encourage visitors back to the Windsor town centre.

Councillor Price said this was an exciting idea and asked if there was any information on any incidences that have taken place at themed crossings with distracted drivers. Councillor Clark informed the Members that he was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 136.

To receive an update from Paul Roach, Windsor Town Manager.

Although the report had not been included on the Agenda at time of publication, the Chairman agreed to consider it as an urgent item, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972 because it was included in the Town recovery plan, and was a positive communication to Windsor residents.

Councillor Clark, Lead Member Transport and Infrastructure, introduced the item which was a proposal to introduce two themed pedestrian crossings in Maidenhead and Windsor. The crossing points would have a message or design painted on the carriageway, which would be inclusive and celebrated residents and the community. Work was underway to identify potential locations as well as minimising the impact of traffic management while the carriageways was closed to paint.

Consultation was due to take place online and would include businesses and the public and aimed to highlight themes that could be celebrated. Celebratory themes could include the towns’ diversity, heritage, volunteers, good causes, charities, societies, the NHS, emergency services, unsung heroes and heroes. This was a way to show appreciation for groups and people in the town.

There may be difference causes and messages illustrated on the pedestrian crossing. Councillor Clark encouraged for concepts to be brought to the consultation, which would be appreciated by both residents and visitors. Whilst the project was in its early stages, it was good value for money and was yet to go to the consultation period.

Councillor Tisi asked if the rainbow coloured crossing to celebrate pride month that was shared on Twitter by Councillor Reynolds was the envisioned plan. Councillor Clark agreed this was the idea, to celebrate communities that the residents want to communicate. As the crossing was limited to two sites, there was a need of selectivity.

Councillor Tisi was supportive of asking residents for ideas and asked if a selection of good quality choices would be given, as there was a risk of being inundated with ideas. Councillor Clark said the first stage was to ask the public for ideas, with the next stage to propose the most supported ideas for the residents to finalise.

Councillor Knowles supported the project and proposed the most visible crossing at the high street. If this was executed well, the crossing could become a road landmark like Abbey Road in London, where visitors travel to have a picture taken. He was supportive of the LGBTQ+ community being celebrated at the crossing point and said it would be good marketing for the wedding business in the Guildhall. It would be representative of same sex couples and civil partnerships, who could post photographs on the rainbow crossing.

Councillor Clark informed the Members that the themed crossing would be good for the local economy particularly after COVID-19 and encourage visitors back to the Windsor town centre.

Councillor Price said this was an exciting idea and asked if there was any information on any incidences that have taken place at themed crossings with distracted drivers. Councillor Clark informed the Members that he was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 137.

To receive an update from Cllr Price on the Radian Employability Project for Dedworth and Clewer.

Councillor Price introduced the item to Members and said Radian was the largest social housing provider in Windsor. Radian successfully won a bid for European money and created a project to improve the employability prospect for residents, particularly in Clewer and Dedworth. The project could be extended to residents within Windsor if the project was not completely taken up by residents. The project was due to start in March 2020 but was set back due to COVID-19 and was redesigned so it could be delivered at distance. The eligibility for the remaining seminars was to be over 16 years old and unemployed.

There were four seminars as part of the project, which included:

-          Residents would be equipped with employability skills, such as how to develop a professional curriculum vitae, job search, create a job application, and perform at an interview.

-          One-to-one employment advice and guidance would be given to individuals.

-          A wellness series would focus on both physical and mental wellbeing and how residents could be digitally up to date

-          How residents who were self-employed could improve their prospect. Eligibility for this part of the project was to either be in work or be running a business and wanted help to improve.

Councillor Price said this service was for residents and not exclusively for Radian customers and further details could be sought by calling 0800 432 0570. Councillor Price was involved in this project by promoting and understanding how residents could benefit from the project.

Councillor Knowles said this was a tribute to Councillor Price’s engagement with Radian, which was an achievement and it was beneficial for Radian to attach to projects like this going forward.

To receive an update from Cllr Price on the RBWM Community Asset Project.

Councillor Price introduced the item and said she would provide a brief introduction as the individuals who were involved in the project could not attend the meeting. Councillor Price asked if they would be invited to the next meeting, and the Chairman informed the Members thar this would be considered.

Some good had come out of the COVID-19, as several people stepped forward to support the community in the pandemic. The project was led by officers to identify what communities would look like in the future and how they would be supported. The project looked to bring together all existing community support groups to meet the needs of residents. Whilst the project was across the whole Borough, the project would be trialled in Windsor. The Borough commissioned Community Learning and Skills Service (CLASS) based in Slough to start the project, which started by interviewing Windsor councillors. This included asking questions on what Councillors thought the need of the community was, what community groups exist and if there were any other organisations that should be spoken to. The next stage would be to consult residents and ask what the support mechanisms should be and then a funded model that could be rolled out. She said most Councillors had been approached to interview for the project.

The Chairman said he had not received an invite.

The Vice Chairman said she attended a meeting where she received an update on the project. She said the project came out of COVID-19 and from the Health and Adult Social Service Department in the Royal Borough. The project attempted to identify the needs of the community and trial the project in Clewer and Dedworth. The project board would be made up of charities, GPs and service providers, social workers and housing officers to help coordinate the projects as the needs arose.

The project was a learning curve and would be tested for 8-9 months. The next step for the project was for a meeting between Radian, the youth engagement service and Slough’s learning supports group to find out more about the project. She felt the number of volunteers that came forward as a result of COVID-19 was phenomenal and this opened to opportunity to help residents and deliver tailored to need.

Councillor Davey said he had an interview and had provided suggestions. He felt this was a good project, but Radian should consider supporting residents in social housing in the first instance. Councillor Davey said the project needed greater business focus, as volunteers historically had a strong business background and then came into volunteering.

He suggested CLASS to liaise with Paul Roach who could bring other people forward as part of the process. He feared that once the furlough scheme was terminated, there would be many people who would need financial help and it would be difficult to expect those who have lost their jobs to volunteer. Whilst GPs and police were salaried individuals who worked in the community were not volunteers, so it was necessary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 139.

To consider the Forum’s work programme.

The Chairman introduced the Work Programme (WP) for the Forum. He addressed the future agenda items in the previous minutes as followed:

The Chairman invited Members to bring forward items that they would like on the agenda in the meeting or on email.

Councillor Davies said resident Mr Thomas Wigley asked by email for an update on the progress towards ‘no idling’ signs to help improve air quality in the Borough. The Chairman said this will be updated in the Forum. 

Councillor Knowles said he wanted to understand how risk was defined for the Military Risk Assessments agenda item. He wanted to understand the difference between the new and old barriers and the difference between them. The Chairman said the barriers information could be shared on a need to know basis. The Members were informed by David Scott that this update could be given, with the possibility of a Part I and Part II meeting.

Councillor Knowles said he received commitment from the Families Officers from the Coldstream Guards and the Welsh Guards to attend forthcoming meetings for an update.

Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 140.