Advertiser review of the year 2025: February

At the beginning of February, residents drew a collective sigh of relief after the Government put its foot down on RBWM’s bid to raise council tax by an eye-watering 25 per cent.

Instead, it had to settle for 8.99 per cent – and was none too happy about it. Conservatives, by contrast, praised the Government decision, calling the proposed 25 per cent hike ‘ludicrous.’

RBWM was then approved £103million in ‘exceptional financial support’ – effectively a loan from Government, which was basically just kicking the can down the road, RBWM thought.

Hard times were being felt more broadly; a long-standing mental health hospital, Cardinal Clinic, went into administration due to economic pressures and closed its doors after 48 years.

Meanwhile, another four-decade-old institution took a different route - Thames Valley Adventure Playground.

The beloved ‘kaleidoscope of opportunity’ for people with additional needs sought to expand with an ‘information hub’ so parents of neurodiverse children could get support while their loved ones enjoy the thrilling play area.

Also bringing excitement to the town was the Lunar New Year lion dance parade, which returned to Maidenhead for a bigger-than-ever event in St Ives Road.

The sound of Chinese firecrackers engulfed the air, as well as thunder drumming from the parade of twirling dragons.

More celebrations were to be had at the annual primary school dancing festival, which saw 800 children take part for its 20th anniversary this year.

A less welcome splash of colour came in the form of a splurge of red-paint vandalism splashed liberally over the exterior of an empty shop in Queen Street, leaving businesses ‘shocked’.

Meanwhile, a key planning decision was not exactly a shock – but one that opponents had been dreading for years.

The plan for 1,500 homes on Maidenhead Golf Course was finally voted through by RBWM.

Campaigners sitting in the public gallery of the Town Hall chamber shouted cries of outrage after the decision – and even the panel complained that they didn’t really want to have to do it.