Maidenhead & Windsor

Prince Charles is to be asked to help shape the future of Maidenhead.

The prince, who in the past has been controversially out-spoken on Britain's architecture, is to be asked for his views on the town.

Andrew Jenner, president of Maidenhead Chamber of Commerce has written a letter to the prince.

Mr Jenner said: "I have just written to the prince, asking him if he has got any ideas about the future of the town."

The move comes as organisations across Maidenhead participate in a debate how the town should move forward. The debate, really a consultation exercise organised by the Maidenhead Chamber of Commerce, looks at everything from shopping facilities to tackling eyesores such as York Stream.

Mr Jenner said: "We are after all holding a consultation exercise and we want to make it as wide as possible. We are going to ask everyone including Prince Charles. Maidenhead is part of the royal borough after all. Obviously we would value his opinions."

He added: "I am going to write to him. I will be highlighting some of the problems which Maidenhead faces.

"But it won't be all doom and gloom. We have a few problems, but the town has a lot going for it."

The Maidenhead Chamber of Commerce has already outlined its vision to transform the town, including a £6million redevelopment of the dried-up channel which runs through the town centre.

The consultation exercise organised by the chamber has clearly touched a nerve with residents, and some have expressed fears that the town could become the "next Slough."

Prince Charles takes a keen interest in architecture, young people, the environment and health and believes that young people should have access to both complementary medicine as well as orthodox.

He is no stranger to controversy, when he described the National Gallery as a "monstrous carbuncle" back in 1984, and warnings about the risks of nanotechnology.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead ~ Nov 11 2005 By Paul Pickett