To receive the above report.

Paul Roach, Windsor and Eton Town Manager, gave a presentation on town management to the forum.

On car and coach parking, the use of car parking in 2021/22 was seen to be looking a lot more favourable since September 2021 compared to 2019/20 figures. As such, while figures had improved, it was not at the desirable level compared to the previous year.

On footfall rates, there was an increase in footfall from September 2020, surpassing 2019 figures. Paul Roach mentioned that the Economic Development Team had promoted Windsor through social media and website channels. As such, Paul Roach stated footfall was significantly better than expected compared to last year. 5.7 million people were seen to visit Windsor for the year to date, 29.5% higher than in 2020.

In terms of vacancy rates, Windsor Town Centre had a vacancy rate of 10.4%, which was better than the national average of 14.5%. Clewer, Dedworth and Ascot had also performed very well with little-to-no vacancy rates. He also noted that January and February 2022 would be key months for the vacancy rate as it would show which businesses had survived after the Christmas period.

Regarding businesses, recently vacated business units within the last 3 months included Revital Health Food Store, Royal House of Windsor, and War Hammer. Stores recently opened in the last 3 months included Love Brownies Windsor, MooBoo, Gregory and Taping and Leo Mancini. New upcoming business in Windsor included Five Guys, Bovingdons Estate Agents and Estetica dental clinic.

Paul Roach then discussed the festive events that occurred during the Christmas period. He stated that there had been significant attendance across all Christmas events in the borough, with a rough 20% uplift compared to normal figures. These events included the Christmas Lights Switch On, the Reindeer Parade, Living Advent Calendar and Windsor on Ice. These were all very popular with up to 8,000 people attending the Windsor Christmas Lights Switch On, 2,000 attending the Eton Lights Switch On, 6,000 attending the Reindeer Parade, over 2,000 visits to the Living Advent Calendar and around 49,000 visitors to Windsor on Ice. Paul Roach wanted to put on record his thanks to the volunteers who aided in running all of the events across the town centre without which they would not have taken place.

Paul Roach moved on to discuss what was planned for the upcoming Platinum Jubilee with the various events scheduled to take place throughout 2022 starting from 6^th February with the Accession Day Service at St. George’s Chapel. An Officers Working Group had also been set up to address any issues that needed rectifying such as things needing a touch of paint or supporting people in obtaining hanging baskets. The colour theme being endorsed was purple and white.

The Chairman asked for an update on the business premises that were currently vacant, specifically in Windsor Dials and the one on Victoria Street. Paul Roach said that InterContinental Hotels were taking up Windsor Dials with the building being handed over shortly. As for Victoria Street Thames Court development, InterSystems had gone into that development. Paul Roach believed they had not moved their whole office because they own offices on Francis Road and Eton High Street at the current time. He also believed that they were not planning to close the Eton office but suspected they will close the Windsor one to relocate to the Victoria Street unit. Paul Roach added that he was led to believe that the whole building would be moved.

The Chairman added that there was a period about 2 to 4 times a year whereby commercial businesses had to pay their rent to the premise leaseholders, with February being one of those periods. He speculated that this would influence business decisions.

Councillor Davies asked what was being done about the selling of bird food due to some concerns from residents regarding Windsor’s swans.

Paul Roach replied that there was a declaration of avian bird-flu in Windsor with a 3-kilometre exclusion zone covering Windsor, Datchet, Eton, Dorney and the Long Walk. Businesses which sell bird food had been informed to stop selling bird food and to inform the public about this. Signs had also been placed to further inform the public regarding bird food as well as keeping dogs on leads. The primary aim was to prevent birds from flocking together. Paul Roach also stated after a confirmed death of a bird that there had to be 21 days with no new deaths in order for the exclusion zone to be lifted.

Councillor Tisi asked what support there was for struggling businesses and whether the Council could provide more support, as well as what factors were attributing to the increase in vacancy rates. Secondly, Councillor Tisi requested that Clewer and Dedworth had their own Living Advent Calendar events, to ensure all of Windsor was covered. And finally, Councillor Tisi asked if streets were able to come together as neighbours and request hanging baskets for their streets.

Paul Roach replied that there was an announcement of grants of up to £6,000 for business. In addition, businesses could apply for the retail hardship grant which allowed a reduction in business rates. Support through social media was also provided, including training programs and free seminars to support businesses and individuals.

With regards to the Living Advent Calendar event, Paul Roach stated he had sent out an invitation to businesses to act as hosts for a similar event in Dedworth.

On hanging baskets, Paul Roach mentioned that he would need to ask about whether non-business orders would be accepted, he speculated it would be accepted for local residents to make their own purchases. He also added that the Darling Buds of May were offering a Platinum Jubilee themed basket.

Councillor Tisi asked a follow-up question regarding any rules on where hanging baskets could be attached, such as on lampposts. Paul Roach replied by saying that it was fine if lampposts already had their own bracket, but he advised against residents placing their own brackets on lampposts due to weight and wind resistance. He said that he would raise this with his officers’ group.

Councillor Rayner announced that shops and stores were satisfied with the turnout of visitors in Windsor in December 2021. In relation to business support, Councillor Rayner confirmed the success of business grants as well as continued use of the advantage card discount and business training courses.

Councillor Davey asked about the time frame of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Paul Roach replied that the celebrations would take place throughout the year, starting with the Accession Day Service taking place at St. George’s Chapel on 6^th February with other events taking place all the way through to December 2022.

Councillor Hilton confirmed the business rate discount from July 2021 to April 2022 mentioned by Paul Roach. Councillor Hilton also added that there were more discretionary grants to further support businesses, including support for the advantage card and encouraging more businesses to adopt it as well as giving grants of £10-25,000 to help businesses with training and digital transition.

The Chairman concluded by stating that everyone needed to be mindful of the security coverage and implications surrounding major events, namely those relating to Platinum Jubilee events as well as the Changing of the Guard.

The Chairman then discussed misinformation regarding a no-fly zone over Windsor promoted on social media and various news organisations. The truth was that no aircraft was to fly below 2,500 feet above mean sea level within a circle radius of 1.25 nautical miles. This did not apply to any aircraft approaching or departing from Heathrow Airport whilst under the control of London Terminal Control. In other words, commercial aircraft to and from Heathrow would continue as normal.

Paul Roach added that in regards to safety and security, major events would go through a review with the Council safety advisory group.