Changes to bridge over railway line in Highfield Lane discussed by Royal Borough

A petition expressing concern over the changes to a footpath in Highfield Lane was discussed by the Royal Borough’s cabinet last night.

The paper, championed by resident Gareth Jones, questions the decision to move the pedestrian walkway over the railway line from the east side of the bridge to the west and install puffin crossings at either end.

Speaking at the meeting in Maidenhead Town Hall, Mr Jones said the decision was strange and ‘arguably a flawed one.’

Ross McWilliams, who is standing in the upcoming Cox Green by-election for the Conservatives, also spoke on the issue.

The 21-year-old argued that, having used the footpath everyday when he was a pupil at Cox Green School, he believes the puffin crossings are ‘the best thing the cabinet can push for’ and would increase the level of safety for schoolchildren.

Cllr Geoffrey Hill, lead member for highways and transport, explained the changes to the bridge, which have seen it closed to traffic since July, are for the electrification of the railway in preparation for Crossrail.

He said the decision had been made by Network Rail on safety grounds, removing the temptation for people to jump from the walkway to the service bridge, as well as ensuring school children can cross safely in both directions.

Cllr Philip Love (Con, Belmont) added that the new scheme also widened the path, making it easier for people with push-chairs and wheelchairs to use.

The panel agreed to delegate authority to Cllr Hill to finalise the plans.

Updates were also given on a number of council services:

•  Cllr Hill said recovery from the winter floods had been positive and preparations for flood risk management this winter were already well underway.
•  Cllr Carwyn Cox (Con, Hurley and Walthams) announced the borough is looking to share newly introduced out of hours services with other local authorities, including Spelthorne Borough Council and Slough Borough Council.
•  Cllr Phillip Bicknell, lead member for children’s services, said the system currently in place for free school meals ‘isn’t as good as it needs to be’ and that the borough were looking at other examples of how to improve this.
•  The lead member for leisure and libraries, Cllr Eileen Quick, announced that attendances at leisure centres in the borough have increased due to improved facilities.
•  The council has surpassed its target of encouraging people to volunteer in Windsor and Maidenhead, with more than 3,000 people giving up their time, according to Cllr Bateson, lead member for community partnerships.
• The panel all thanked Steph James and the town centre management team for this year’s Maidenhead Christmas light display and switch-on event.
  
  Cllr Quick joked that the town had taken a leaf out of Windsor’s book with its impressive display and even had to pinch Basil Brush to kick it all off.