Maidenhead & Windsor

The Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough has welcomed Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s announcement that Crossrail is to go ahead – but had underlined that the £16 billion project needs careful monitoring to ensure it works for the benefit of local residents.

Cllr Derek Wilson, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning and housing, said the council had already achieved important concessions on behalf of local people and would continue to work with Crossrail to protect Maidenhead’s interests.

He said: “Crossrail has the potential for being a major benefit to the Royal Borough in general and Maidenhead in particular and we welcome the government’s commitment to the scheme. However, the council needs to be closely involved in its development to gauge the implications for our community and the environment and get the best outcomes for residents and transport users.

“We must also not lose sight of Crossrail’s potential to bring about even more pressure for development in our borough, with all the attendant issues associated with infrastructure and, of course, our already threatened Green Belt.

“We are right at the beginning of a long and very complex process and it is the council’s intention to be involved at every stage, with the best interests of our community at the forefront of everything we do.”

Last year the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough mounted a successful petition to a parliamentary select committee against locally-controversial elements of Crossrail’s construction plans, gaining protection for Guards Club Park and Island and additional car parking at Maidenhead station.

Cllr Wilson added: “This success shows what can be achieved by the council, in partnership with others in the community, taking a strong stand in defence of our environment and the services needed by local people.”

The government’s backing for Crossrail, linking Maidenhead to Essex through London, means construction is likely to start in 2010 and train services running in 10 years. The government will provide a third of the money with the rest made up of borrowing against future fares and a levy on London business rates.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead