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 not aware of safety concerns from previous crossings, however these questions would need to be answered before going ahead with the project. Other concerns were the impact of closing the carriageway whilst it was painted which would need to be addressed.

Councillor Davey said this was a good idea to attract visitors, however Windsor was an attractive location for visitors regardless. He wanted to know where the budget came from for the project and if the money could be used elsewhere. He also asked if residents would be given the option to not have a themed crossing in the survey. Finally, he asked if there was a need for a specific paint that could cost equivalent to creating a new crossing.

Councillor Clark informed the Members that this was a good value concept which would be in place for approximate six months, with a view to make this a permanent or updated fixture if residents were supportive of this. The budget was approximately a few thousand pounds, and there would need to be over fifteen themed crossings to be made to equate to the cost of creating a new crossing point. He agreed that this was not an essential piece of work and may not be a good use of the Council’s money. If there was not significant support for the project, it would not go ahead.

The Vice Chairman said this was a great idea which was effective and engaging across the country. With the uptake from voluntary organisations and volunteers through COVID-19, this was a welcomed project that could bring them together to celebrate.

Councillor Clark said he would keep the Members updated on the next stages and said an email correspondence was going to come through from Highways.