Viewpoint: Taplow station parking plan is too litte, too late

Station parking plan is too little, too late

Regarding the Taplow Station parking proposals (Advertiser, October 3).

The parish council is to be applauded for its initiative although, frankly, it is far too little, far too late.

The lack of foresight by the highways and planning authorities is bitterly disappointing.

Maidenhead Civic Society, of which I'm a member, was considering the implications of the arrival of Crossrail more than 20 years ago.

We achieved amendments to the Crossrail Bill to afford protection for Brunel’s Sounding Arch bridge and Guards Club Park by appearing before a Parliamentary Select Committee in 2006.

But our representations to South Bucks planners in respect of the anticipated need for improved parking at Taplow Station fell on deaf ears.

I’m sure the thinking at the time was if there’s no designated parking people won’t come.

Let’s keep it that way.

But Taplow Station is an admirable asset, level ground, easy access, and altogether a much more pleasant experience than many local stops.

So people were bound to want to use it when the Elizabeth line dawned.

An adequate purpose-built car park was an obvious requirement and remains so.

BOB DULSON

Maidenhead

Who will benefit if we can save the planet?

Your October 10 edition had a report on the measures that our local authority is taking to hit the UK Government’s net zero target, and an article by an eminent physicist explaining the science underpinning these policies.

Coincidently, the Office for National Statistics has published figures showing that for the period since the passing of the Act in Parliament, the UK birth rate has been in steady decline and is well below replacement rate.

I suspect that next month’s budget will be calling for additional sacrifices to help ‘save the planet.’

As a Christian, I am aware of the need for atonement for sins and the need to work towards redemption.

I would be obliged if it could be explained in a subsequent edition, given the above, that should these measures be successful, who in this country will benefit?

CHARLES HOLLINGSWORTH

Maidenhead

Better living conditions for military personnel

As someone from a service family, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges faced by Armed Forces members and their loved ones.

Despite the nation’s respect for their service, the military housing system has failed many families, with issues like pests, mould, damp, flooding, and unreliable heating.

Our personnel deserve better living conditions.

Our serving men and women give so much for our country; the least they deserve is a safe, decent home.

I’m pleased the government has finally responded to the Liberal Democrat campaign to improve military housing. The new amendment to the Renters’ Rights Bill will require the Ministry of Defence to assess and report on service family housing annually, ensuring it meets the Decent Homes Standard.

It is disappointing that the previous Conservative government and, initially, the current Labour government blocked this change.

Thanks to persistent efforts by the Liberal Democrat team in Parliament – including support from Maidenhead MP Josh Reynolds – the Government has now agreed to these improvements.

This victory shows the positive impact of determined campaigning and what the Liberal Democrats can achieve for our communities.

AMY TISI

Windsor Liberal Democrats

Pint-sized solution for a reluctant shopper

Recently, I was searching through the bananas at one of our local supermarkets.

A middle-aged lady came alongside me looking at the bananas.

Her husband stood behind her and said ‘Well, what shall I do?’ in a whingeing, grumpy voice.

The lady turned to her husband and said ‘Go round and get the apples’.

‘Oh alright’, he replied and moved on.

She looked at me with a look of exasperation.

Quietly, I said to her: “Never mind, tell him there’s a pint of beer at the end of the shopping.”

She giggled and said what a good idea and we both moved on with our shopping.

About five minutes later, the same lady approached me with her husband rubbing his hands with obvious glee and said: “I’m really looking forward to that pint!”

The three of us burst out laughing and I replied: “If your wife is buying, can I join in?”

So what started as a whingeing, grumpy session ended up in laughter and good fun.

So come on chaps, where you can, give your wives/partners a hand and make life easier all round.

T D SMITH

Village Road

Dorney