Maidenhead & Windsor

New timetable proposals for Maidenhead First Great Western rail services used by Maidenhead Royal Borough residents will be put under the microscope by council officers and members to meet an "unfortunately short" consultation deadline imposed by government – and Cllr Mary Rose Gliksten, council leader, has asked for the matter to be put on the agenda for next Thursday's cabinet meeting (February 23).

Richard Rowlands, general manager Thames Valley Trains, has been invited to make a presentation about the proposals and Maidenhead Cllr Gliksten said she encouraged all councillors to take the opportunity for "instant feedback".

She said: "This is an unfortunately short consultation period and we need to work quickly to meet the March 3 deadline. We have been told by First Group that working people who depend on early trains will be affected by the proposed changes and we need to send a strong message about our opposition to any proposals which adversely affect the local community.

"By inviting Mr Rowlands to the February cabinet and encouraging all councillors to come and hear his presentation, we will be able to give instant feedback. We will, of course, be making a considered response to meet the deadline but the meeting will enable an open dialogue between the train operator and local councillors representing the interests of their residents."

Cllr Gliksten, Maidenhead council chief executive David Lunn and other councillors and officers met yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) with high-ranking representatives of the First Group, including Moir Lockhead, group chief executive, to discuss rail and bus services in the borough.

Maidenhead Cllr Gliksten added: "This meeting was arranged prior to the new timetable information and we took the opportunity to have an initial discussion, which resulted in Mr Rowland being invited to the cabinet meeting. We feel that, given the tight timescale, this is a productive way forward."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead