During the preparation of the Plan, a number of aspirations were identified by the community for the improvement of our area. These are now documented in the Plan as projects which, although they do not carry planning weight, are included in this section to provide a focus for community action.
It is proposed that these projects be driven forward by the Parish Councils, action groups and other stakeholders to deliver the stated objectives.
REASONED JUSTIFICATION
The Questionnaire survey revealed that the majority of respondents were ‘dissatisfied’ with the current traffic calming measures (54%).
Comments were mainly against the road ramps or cushions which they complained were (unlike full width humps) not effective in slowing down vehicles – particularly large commercial vehicles and those using our villages as a cut-through. Most felt there was evidence that the cushions damaged cars as they go over them in an uneven manner. A sizeable number, 190, commented on traffic calming, and only 8 had a positive comment on road cushions/ramps.
Comments suggested speeding was still a problem, highlighting Station Road coming from the railway bridge to the village centre and methods other than speed cushions should be investigated.
SatNav showing traffic build up |
There is strong being used as a cut- M25 and the M4. many heavy goods roads causing |
Welley Rd traffic |
evidence that both villages are through for traffic between the Of particular concern are the vehicles through our village congestion and air pollution |
The idea to promote cycle lanes where possible around the parishes got a 66% positive response. Certainly the dangerous road into Staines-upon-Thames could be improved for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Both Horton and Wraysbury Parish Councils recognise the issues of motorists using the villages as a cut-through for avoidance of M25 and M4 congestion and will seek traffic management measures to deter traffic in these instances.
TM1 – TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT INCLUDING PEDESTRIANS & CYCLISTS
The Parish Councils along with the local community and action groups will pursue improvements to road safety for all road users, specifically:
PARKING
REASONED JUSTIFICATION
The survey also revealed concerns over the inadequacy of the High Street car park thereby forcing shoppers to park haphazardly on the High Street footways.
TM2 – PARKING
The Parish Councils with the support of local community and action groups will actively seek more parking spaces in the village centres and to mitigate pavement parking without affecting trade to our local high street shops.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
REASONED JUSTIFICATION
The survey revealed that 75% of respondents wanted improvements to the bus system, especially a direct service to Windsor while 30% wished for more coverage for Horton. A service to Maidenhead saw a 20% interest.
More frequency of buses and trains (70%) and subsidised fares to improve services (52%) were highlighted, with comments that not all parts of our villages are covered and suggestions that a hopper service could connect the villages with Datchet surgery and Windsor.
Train services from our stations are well used – 56% saying they ‘occasionally’ travel by rail with 25% ‘often’.
Improvement to bus services in our community is important with regard to reducing car use to be environmentally friendly and for the increase in our elderly population.
The issue of transport to Datchet Surgery for the elderly and those without cars came under the ‘Health in the Community’ question – but it is understood this is being partially solved by the Wraysbury Voluntary Care service operated by our Community Pharmacist.
TM3 – PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The Parish Councils with the support of local community and action groups will seek to:
COMMUNITY ISSUES
REASONED JUSTIFICATION
Further results from our survey indicated the community wishes that the following key facilities be maintained and improved, as appropriate.
KF1 – COMMUNITY FACILITIES
The Parish Councils with the support of local community and action groups will lobby appropriate organisations to maintain the Post Office in Wraysbury and the convenience store in Horton as well as all organisations that offer recreational and social facilities to both village communities.
KF2 – COMMUNITY HEALTH
The Parish Councils with the support of local community and action groups will seek to retain the Community Pharmacy for both Horton and Wraysbury and encourage, through discussions with the Clinical Commissioning Groups, the reintroduction of a village-based medical facility.
KF3 – PUBLIC FOOTPATHS & RIGHTS OF WAY
The Parish Councils will work alongside the National Trust, Natural England, the Colne Valley Regional Park and local community / action groups to retain existing and identify new walking routes and public footpaths for the benefit of the residents in both villages, for example through:
Opportunities to enhance public accessibility through designation of new rights of way or permitted paths will be sought where appropriate including through the River Thames Scheme and existing gravel pits through negotiation.
KF4 – EDUCATION
The Parish Councils with the support of local community and action groups will seek to widen the choice and opportunities for secondary schooling.
KF5 – ASSETS OF VALUE TO THE COMMUNITY
The Parish Councils will nominate the following buildings as an Asset of Community Value:
For more detailed maps see Appendices section (b)
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