Maidenhead & Windsor

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 7 February - 13 February 2010
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

7th February in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:30 pm
Chopin Bicentenary Celebration Concert
* 7:30 pm
Russell Kane - Fakespeare
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

8th February in Maidenhead

No events planned

9th February in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Sherlock Holmes (12a)
* 8:00 pm
Sherlock Holmes (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

10th February in Maidenhead

* Film
* 10:30 am
Sherlock Holmes (12a)
* 2:30 pm
Sherlock Holmes (12a)
* 8:00 pm
Sherlock Holmes (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb
* 7:00 pm
Book Club

11th February in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
It's Complicated (15)
* 8:00 pm
It's Complicated (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Watercolours
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

12th February in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
It's Complicated (15)
* 8:00 pm
It's Complicated (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Beginners I & II
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced I & II
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

13th February in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Reflections of India
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb
* 10:30 am
Drawing Workshop: Heads, Hands and Feet

New mums can now get back into pre-baby shape at a discounted rate, thanks to a special scheme being introduced at Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough leisure centres on Monday 1 February.

The Windsor and Maidenhead First Steps scheme offers peak BodyZone membership at 50% off the regular price to new mothers for a full year. And if Dad's the one who wants to work out, the deal can be transferred to the father.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for adult and community services, said: "We are delighted to make this offer to new mums who can now enjoy all the benefits of keeping fit at an incredibly low cost.

"Regular exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle but with all the demands of an addition to the family keeping fit can drop to the bottom of the list. Visiting a leisure centre for a gym session or a swim is also a great opportunity to socialise or just enjoy some time to yourself.

"Where mums don't have a family member or friend to look after their baby while they exercise, the First Steps discount could help towards child care costs."

The scheme is part of the council's commitment to delivering the best possible services to residents at the lowest possible cost to council taxpayers.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Dudley added: "With approximately 1,000 babies born in the borough each year, this could prove a welcome boost to many mothers looking to kick-start their exercise regime."

First Steps costs £23.25 a month when paying by direct debit, compared with the regular peak membership price of £46.50 a month. First Steps membership can be taken out at any time within the first year after the birth of the child and lasts for 12 months.

Anyone looking for further information can log on to http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/leisure_culture.htm or visit or call:
• Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead, 01628 685330
• BodyZone Braywick, Braywick Road, Maidenhead, 01628 685318
• Windsor Leisure Centre, Clewer Mead, Stovell Road, Windsor, 01753 778566
• Charters Leisure Centre, Charters School, Charters Road, Sunningdale, 01344 628686.

To join First Steps, applicants should take along bank details and the baby's birth certificate to any of the above leisures centres.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Residents in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough will be better off in the next financial year, thanks to the first-ever proposed cut in council tax - by 4% - likely to be one of the biggest reductions in the country.

The 'money in your pocket' Windsor and Maidenhead budget means that the Band D council tax rate will fall by more than £41, giving local people a much needed cash boost. The news is particularly good for people on low incomes, including pensioners for whom council tax is often their largest bill.

Cllr Richard Kellaway, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: "Our aim is to provide better services for less money and we have been able to achieve this unprecedented reduction by careful financial management. There is no magic wand - just meticulous scrutiny of our resources and making every penny work.

"Front line services are being protected but we have carried out a far-reaching restructure to make sure our back room support is as efficient as it can be. We are aiming to create a lean organisation that is fighting fit and able to maintain and improve the services our residents depend on every day of their lives."

Cllr David Burbage, Windsor and Maidenhead council leader, said: "The council will not waver from our commitment to putting residents first. We promised quality services and value for money - and there is no better way of delivering on that promise than this first ever cut in council tax that leaves local people better off. At a time when the country is struggling out of recession and everyone is feeling the pinch, I am delighted that we can announce this good news."

Cllr Burbage said the success of the Windsor and Maidenhead council's financial strategy also depended on flexible staff who were willing to adapt to changing demands in their jobs.

He said: "Regrettably we had to face the fact that, in common with local authorities across the country, we could not manage the council effectively in the current economic climate without an impact on jobs. However, we have worked hard to keep redundancies to the absolute minimum and residents should be reassured that services will be maintained - and in many cases improved - using more efficient ways of working and equipping people with new skills."

Efficiency savings have been identified throughout the Windsor and Maidenhead organisation to help bring about the cut in council tax, including:

• Creating an admin centre £1,053,000
• Centralising printing and posting £150.000
• Re-tendering the school transport contract £207,000
• Using wholesalers for buying equipment £100,000
• Renegotiating the waste and recycling contract £100,000
• Relocating staff from rented offices to the Town Hall £75,000
• Using lean management in the planning department £73,000
• Introducing smart metering to help save energy £70,000.

The proposed Windsor and Maidenhead budget also means continuing investment in council services, including:

• A further increase in the number of community wardens - from 10 to 14
• New day services for people with learning difficulties and those with dementia
• A new leisure centre at Cox Green
• A new borough museum in the Guildhall, Windsor
• More than £1m for road resurfacing
• An additional £75,000 to fix potholes after the severe weather
• £300,000 contribution towards the Windsor and Eton Relief Road improvements.

If the Windsor and Maidenhead budget proposals get council go-ahead, the Royal Borough's new Band D council tax rate for 2010/11 will be £995.73 - a decrease of 4% (£41.48) over 2009/10. The borough is already £154 below the 2009/10 average Band D rate for unitary councils in England and the gap is likely to widen in the year ahead.

Budget proposals will be discussed by the various overview and scrutiny panels over the next few weeks before going to cabinet on Thursday 11 February. The final decision will be made by full council on Tuesday 23 February.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a robbery at a shop in Windsor.

At about 10am on Saturday (23/1), two men went into Berkshire Food and Wine in St. Leonards Road, Windsor. One of them distracted a member of staff while the other demanded money and stole cash from the till and cigarettes. They ran off in the direction of King Edward VII Hospital.

Both of the men are white. One is aged between 20 and 25, about 6ft or taller and has dark hair. He was scruffy and wore a hooded jumper. The other man is about 23 or 24, approximately 5ft 5ins and of medium build. He has black hair and was wearing a blue and white striped towel wrapped around his face and head and a blue striped long-sleeve shirt.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Windsor Det Con Jonathan Groenen in Maidenhead CID via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Windsor

Help stamp out scams - that's the message from the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's trading standards officers who have joined forces with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to support the nationwide 'Scamnesty' campaign.

The Windsor and Maidenhead campaign, which runs throughout February (Monday 1 to Friday 26), encourages residents to drop any potential scam mailings they have recently received into designated Scamnesty bins at the Town Hall in Maidenhead, York House in Windsor, local libraries and other public areas across the borough. The bins will be easy to spot with their distinctive red 'drop in and drop them in it' logo.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead public protection, said: "Some of the lottery and prize draw notifications that people receive can look very genuine and it is very tempting to respond to them, especially during the credit crunch. However the truth is that if you have not entered a draw or lottery you will not have won it. These mailings are simply an attempt to con people out of their money, and we are urging people to help stamp them out by taking the time and trouble to take them to the special Scamnesty bins.

"Each year, just over three million people fall victim to mass market scams such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and sweepstakes, fake psychics and miracle health cures. Many come by post, as well as by email or over the phone, with the elderly and vulnerable being those most often targeted."

Heather Clayton, OFT senior director, said: "Scamnesty 2010 promises to reveal a marked increase in scale and range of mass marketed scam mailings in the UK. Every day, people are at risk from unscrupulous fraudsters who want to con them out of their cash. By dropping your scam mailing into your local Scamnesty bin, you will help provide crucial intelligence to support us in stopping scams bringing misery to millions of people every year."

Scamnesty bins will be found at:

* Council offices in York House, Windsor and the Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead
* Maidenhead Library, St Ives Road, Maidenhead
* Woodlands Park Village Centre, Manifold Way, Maidenhead
* Cox Green Leisure/Community Centre, Highfield Lane, Maidenhead
* Four Marlow Road Leisure Centre, 4 Marlow Road, Maidenhead
* Ellington Community Centre, Ellington Primary School, Donnington Gardens, Maidenhead
* Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead
* Elizabeth House Day Centre, Station Hill, Cookham
* Windsor Library, Bachelors Acre, Windsor
* Age Concern, Spencer Denny Centre, Park Corner (off Clewer Hill Road), Windsor
* New Windsor Community Centre, Hanover Way, Windsor
* Royal Windsor Information Centre, The Old Booking Hall, Windsor Royal Shopping
* Windsor Leisure Centre, Clewer Mead, Stovell Road, Windsor
* King George VI Club, 95 Clarence Road, Windsor
* Windsor Youth & Community Centre, 65 Alma Road, Windsor
* Old Windsor Day Centre, 27b Straight Road, Old Windsor
* Eton Wick Community Centre, The Village Hall, Eton Wick
* Charters Leisure Centre, Sunningdale
* Ascot Day Centre, Chandler Centre, Bagshot Road, Sunninghill.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 31 January - 6 February 2010
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

31st January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:45 am
Mozart Birthday Concert
* 7:00 pm
Charvil Girls' Choir: Sing, Sing, Sing!
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

1st February in Maidenhead

No events planned

2nd February in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Das weisse Band (The White Ribbon) (15)
* 8:00 pm
Das weisse Band (The White Ribbon) (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

3rd February in Maidenhead

* Film
* 10:30 am
Das weisse Band (The White Ribbon) (15)
* 2:30 pm
Das weisse Band (The White Ribbon) (15)
* 8:00 pm
Das weisse Band (The White Ribbon) (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

4th February in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Tulpan (12A)
* 8:00 pm
Tulpan (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Watercolours
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

5th February in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Seraphine (PG)
* 8:00 pm
Seraphine (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced I & II
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

6th February in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Kyla Brox Band
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Tightrope Writing
* 10:00 am
Beadylicious: Jewellery Design - Make Beautiful Jewellery
* 10:00 am
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb
* 2:30 pm
Alexander Technique

A man has been jailed after pleading guilty to stealing from a motor vehicle in Maidenhead.

John Wakelin, aged 22, of Desborough Crescent, Maidenhead, pleaded guilty at Slough Magistrates’ Court yesterday (20/1) and was jailed for four weeks.

Wakelin was also sentenced to a further 16 weeks in connection with two suspended sentences he had previously been given for separate offences – one of handling stolen goods and the other for interfering with a vehicle.

In total, Wakelin was jailed for 20 weeks.

At court yesterday on 20/1, Wakelin admitted breaking into a Vauxhall Astra parked in York Road, Maidenhead, on 2 December.

At around 10.30am, Wakelin was seen by a member of the public to smash the car’s window and steal a sat nav. The witness chased Wakelin across the road. He was joined by a second passer-by who tried to trip Wakelin up but only managed to make him stumble.

The first witness caught up with Wakelin in a car park on York Road. However, Wakelin managed to slip out of his jacket, dropping the sat nav before running off. This was witnessed by a third member of the public who was parking her car nearby.

At the same time, an off-duty Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) was driving down York Road, Maidenhead when he saw two men involved in an altercation near the library. The PCSO recognised one of the men as Wakelin and later formally identified him through a video identification parade electronic recording (VIPER) procedure.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough fears that lives of people using the River Thames could be put at risk by vandals who are removing life-saving equipment along the river banks at Windsor.

The warning comes after all seven of the lifebuoys - the buoyancy aids which can be thrown to someone in difficulties in the water - between Windsor Leisure Centre and Eton Bridge were removed between 10am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday and thrown into the river.

Four of the Windsor and Maidenhead lifebuoys were fished from the river on Sunday morning by council contractors ISS Waterers during their daily routine inspections. The remaining three were recovered by the lock-keeper at Romney Lock and all seven were immediately reinstated.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: "This is a particularly senseless act of vandalism which could potentially have very serious repercussions.

"The council provides these lifebuoys along the river to be used in cases of emergency when someone gets into difficulties - and removing them in such a thoughtless way could put people's lives at risk.

"Even during the winter months the river at Windsor is a busy place and we need to be able to guarantee that life-saving equipment is available if it is needed.

"We are asking people using the river and towpaths to be vigilant and report any incidents of lifebuoy vandalism immediately."

If anyone sees lifebuoys being taken they are asked to contact the council's outdoor facilities on 01628 796075.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Residents and organisations who want to be part of the plan to rejuvenate Maidenhead town centre are invited to a workshop in the Town Hall's Desborough Suite at 6.30pm on Tuesday 2 February.

Consultation on the new Maidenhead town centre draft masterplan - the Area Action Plan - is now under way and the workshop will give everyone the opportunity to discuss the preferred options for the future.

Bob Dulson, independent chairman of PRoM (Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead), stressed the importance of getting involved. He said: "This plan is a significant milestone on the way to making our town centre a vibrant heart of the community. It is the result of a huge amount of research and consultation.

"PRoM has tried to involve as many people as possible along the way and now we are asking everyone to give us their views about the plan - what they like and don't like. We can then make changes where necessary and take forward a plan that represents the best of what people want for Maidenhead."

The workshop is taking place on the same evening as Maidenhead town forum. However, to allow forum members the opportunity of taking part in the workshop the scheduled agenda has been re-arranged for Wednesday 24 February in the Council Chamber, Town Hall.

The four-week consultation, which started on Monday 18 January, also features a touring exhibition as follows:

Venue Dates

1st floor Town Hall 26, 27 and 28 January
Foyer area by Sainsbury's 29 January
Nicholsons Shopping Centre 30 January
Magnet Leisure Centre 1 and 2 February

Copies of the draft Maidenhead masterplan are available in the Town Hall and borough libraries.

Views are welcome

• by email at planning.policy@rbwm.gov.uk
• online at www.rbwm.gov.uk (link from the home page)
• by post to Maidenhead AAP Consultation, Freepost RLYH-SHYR-JUXJ, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF.

Closing date for the consultation is Friday 12 February.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 24 January - 30 January 2010
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

24th January in Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Jack Widgery Exhibition

25th January in Maidenhead

No events planned

26th January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead Theatre Company presents Sweeney Todd

27th January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead Theatre Company presents Sweeney Todd
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

28th January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead Theatre Company presents Sweeney Todd
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Watercolours
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced I & II
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

29th January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead Theatre Company presents Sweeney Todd
* 8:00 pm
Tom Allen in Women!
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Beginners I & II
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

30th January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead Theatre Company presents Sweeney Todd
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Print Making Workshop
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents are being asked their views on proposed school admissions arrangements for the academic year 2011-2012.

Parents, governors, teachers and other interested Windsor and Maidenhead residents are being urged to have their say as part of the annual consultation on proposed arrangements for admission to community and voluntary controlled schools.

Included in the Windsor and Maidenhead consultation are two new arrangements for "in-year" applications (requests for school places at times other than normal transfer times such as starting school at age five or thereabouts, or when leaving primary, first, middle, infant or junior school for the next phase of education):

• until now, parents requesting school places at times other than at normal transfer times have applied directly to their preferred primary school. For places from September 2010 these applications will be made through the local authority responsible for the preferred school
• In addition, from September 2011 parents will have to apply to the local authority to whom they pay council tax - even if the school is in another authority.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "As a local authority we are required to consult on admission arrangements every year and we always encourage residents who are involved or interested in education to give us their views.

"This year the new arrangements focus on "in-year" applications which can be particularly relevant and important when families move into the area or transfer their children to another school other than at designated transfer times.

"Please do take the time to read the consultation document and let us have your views. It is important to us to hear those views to help us provide admissions arrangements which meet the needs of as many people as possible."

The Windsor and Maidenhead consultation covers a wide range of elements of school admission procedures including allocating places, late applications, changes of preference, appeals, waiting lists and "in-year" admissions.

The consultation asks for any changes to the proposals, the reasons for the suggested changes and any further comments.

The consultation closes on Saturday 27 February 2010 after which the new arrangements will be considered and decided upon at Cabinet in March. For a paper copy either email school.admissions@rbwm.gov.uk or call 01628 796779 - or view copies at any of the borough's schools.

Responses can be sent to Admissions Arrangements Consultation, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF; by email to school.admissions@rbwm.gov.uk or by calling 01628 796779.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

GCSE and A-level pupils in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough have collectively improved their grades, according to a report from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Key Stage 4 (KS4) and Key Stage 5 (KS5) performance tables - which flag up the performance of pupils and schools countrywide and are published today (Wednesday) - show the Windsor and Maidenhead borough's improvements in 2009.

Successes at KS4 include:
• The number of pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades in their GCSEs rose to 76.4% from 69.9% in 2008
• 59.7% of pupils achieved five or more A* to C grades including maths and English, up from 57.9% in 2008
• A total of 99.7% of pupils earned at least one qualification, compared to 99.3% in the previous year.

At KS5, Windsor and Maidenhead pupils have continued to do well in their A-levels. The Royal Borough's overall point score - which reflects the grades attained in the examinations - is 208.0 in 2009, up from 205.4 in 2008.

The contextual value added scores - which measure the effectiveness of a school or the progress made by individual pupils - are yet to be released.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "I am delighted to see the continued improvement in performance by our young people and would like to say to them, very well done.

"These results are testimony to their dedication and effort, and to that of everyone who has worked so hard to motivate them, including teachers, governors, parents and council and support staff."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

That's the call to local people this week with the launch of a major new masterplan that will play a key part in making Maidenhead town centre a vibrant heart of the community.

Called the draft Area Action Plan (AAP), it will be the basis for rejuvenation of Maidenhead town. But first, residents, businesses and community groups have the opportunity to be part of it by providing their views in a four-week consultation that starts on Monday 18 January.

The masterplan charts the way ahead with the aim of making Maidenhead:

• first rate for shopping
• a town where businesses want to be and people want to work
• a great place to live
• a top class centre for entertainment and leisure
• a place with good roads and public transport.

Based on comprehensive Maidenhead research and consultation, the plan sets out some of the things people want to see in the town centre, including: more exciting buildings and streets; new shops, homes and businesses; attractive public spaces and walks; water, trees, planting and public art, and better ways of getting across town with new pedestrian routes.

Bob Dulson, independent chairman of PRoM (the Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead), said: "This is a significant point in planning for our town centre. We now have a draft plan that, once approved by the council and the planning inspectorate, will have the clout to make sure we get the sort of town centre we want and put Maidenhead back on the map."

Cllr David Burbage, Conservative leader of the Windsor and Maidenhead council and PRoM member, thanked everyone in the community for their input into the rejuvenation process so far. He said: "It's taken a huge amount of hard work to get the plan to this stage. Local people have been involved all along the line and now we want them to be part of the masterplan itself so that it truly is a plan for Maidenhead with the views of residents at its core."

Cllr Simon Werner, Windsor and Maidenhead Liberal Democrat leader and PRoM member, said: "Maidenhead has such a lot going for it already but this gives us a real focus for change and development that will help the town achieve its full potential for shopping, business and leisure. This is a key point in the rejuvenation story and it's vital that local people are involved every step of the way."

The masterplan highlights six areas as prime sites for re-development:

• Broadway Triangle - a major retail development, including offices and apartments, connecting the High Street with the station
• West Street area - homes and offices with new access to Kidwells Park making it part of the town centre
• York Road area - a town square and waterside walks in a mixed-use scheme with offices and housing, which could be the site for a concert or conference centre
• Railway station - a transport hub centred on a re-vamped station and linked to the town centre
• High Street East - homes and restaurants clustered round a widened York Stream near Chapel Arches
• Stafferton Way - commercial opportunities in new office accommodation and extra parking close to the station.

It also sets out themes for Maidenhead's rejuvenation:
• A place to enjoy and visit - new streets, a town square and public areas by the waterside
• A place to shop - more shops, better streets and a lively public piazza
• A place to live - more homes to give the town centre a living heart
• A place to work - bringing more people into the town centre and boosting rejuvenation
• A place of distinction - a vibrant, stimulating town centre that's here for the long term and 'distinctly Maidenhead'
• A place that's accessible to everyone - welcoming to residents and visitors alike and designed to help people who don't find it so easy to get around.

The consultation is open to everyone to have their say. A summary of the draft masterplan is featured in the Maidenhead Advertiser of Thursday (14 January) and the complete version is on the council's website www.rbwm.gov.uk (link from the home page). Copies are also available in the Town Hall and borough libraries.

A warm invitation is also being issued to local people to an exhibition of the draft plan taking place as follows:

1st floor Town Hall - 26, 27 and 28 January
Foyer area by Sainsbury's - 29 January
Nicholsons Shopping Centre - 30 January
Magnet Leisure Centre - 1 and 2 February

Views are welcome
• by email at planning.policy@rbwm.gov.uk
• online at www.rbwm.gov.uk
• by post to Maidenhead AAP Consultation, Freepost RLYH-SHYR- JUXJ, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF.

Closing date for the consultation is Friday 12 February.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

How Maidenhead's streets could look in the years ahead is unveiled this week and the call has gone out to local people to put their stamp on the future appearance of their town centre.

Late last year a panel showing different kinds of paving was installed in Maidenhead High Street and now specially-designed examples of street furniture - a bench, litter bin, signpost, cycle stand, bollard and information panel - are being added to complete the picture.

This signals the launch of a public consultation - Your Town Your Choice - that aims to get people's views so that when the time comes to upgrade town centre streets as part of the Maidenhead rejuvenation programme they will be enhanced with paving and furniture that local people can really call their own.

The paving sample offers a range of different stone, colours and textures. The furniture incorporates the traditional colour of 'Maidenhead blue' and has been designed with clear, clean lines to give an uncluttered look and make for easy pedestrian movement.

Bob Dulson, independent chairman of PRoM (Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead), said: "Paving and street furniture will be important elements of the future plans for Maidenhead's rejuvenation. They can make the town feel more distinctive and welcoming - and help to bring economic benefits too."

Cllr David Burbage, Conservative leader of the Windsor and Maidenhead council and PRoM member, said: "The 'look and feel' of our town in the future will depend on decisions taken at this stage of the process. It's important for local people get involved and help choose the design and materials they want - designs that will unify the town centre and make it 'distinctly Maidenhead' On their own, changing the furniture and paving won't attract new shops and businesses but, as part of the overall regeneration programme, they will be an important component."

Cllr Simon Werner, leader of the Windsor and Maidenhead opposition Liberal Democrat group and PRoM member, said: "Drawings and artists' impressions are all very well but there's nothing to beat seeing the real thing to give us a picture of how things could look in the future. This is a great initiative - a true 'ask the people' exercise in which local views really will count."

A key part of the samples project is to test which paving can best withstand the daily pounding of thousands of feet and to ensure the furniture is of durable materials that are easy to maintain or repair.

The samples of paving and street furniture are part of an overall Public Realm Strategy for Maidenhead, which aims to build on the town's identity and promote it as a safe, friendly, inviting place to be.

The sample paving panel was installed at a total cost of less than £14,000, with the prototype furniture around £40,000. The materials chosen as a result of the consultation will be used throughout the town centre as part of the regeneration programme when funds become available and/or as part of development schemes.

Leaflets explaining the consultation will be widely available across the Maidenhead area in the Town Hall, libraries, leisure centres and in the Nicholsons Shopping Centre. Information will also be on the council's website www.rbwm.gov.uk

Comments and ideas are essential and can be sent in by emailing prom@rbwm.gov.uk; by writing to Quality Streets, Freepost RLYH-SHYR-JUXJ, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF (no stamp necessary) or by calling 01628 796128

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 17 January - 23 January 2010
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

17th January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:45 am
Lunchtime Concert
* 3:00 pm
Aladin (12A)
* 7:30 pm
Aladin (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Jack Widgery Exhibition

18th January in Maidenhead

No events planned

19th January in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
The Cove (12A)
* 8:00 pm
The Cove (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Jack Widgery Exhibition

20th January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Stewart Francis 'Tour de Francis'
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga
* 2:00 pm
Jack Widgery Exhibition

21st January in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Goodbye Solo (15)
* 8:00 pm
Goodbye Solo (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Watercolours
* 2:00 pm
Jack Widgery Exhibition

22nd January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Jazz at the Farm: The Pendulum Jazz Orchestra with Peter King
* 8:00 pm
John Kirkpatrick
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Beginners I & II
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced I & II
* 2:00 pm
Jack Widgery Exhibition
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

23rd January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
The Lost Forest
* 3:00 pm
The Lost Forest
* 7:30 pm
Murder Mystery Dinner (Death in Little Venice)
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Janie Dee
* Film
* 3:00 pm
The Informant! (15)
* 8:00 pm
The Informant! (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Tightrope Writing
* 10:00 am
Jack Widgery Exhibition

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 10 January - 16 January 2010
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

10th January in Maidenhead

* Film
* 3:00 pm
Glorious 39 (12A)
* 7:30 pm
Glorious 39 (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Jack Widgery Exhibition

11th January in Maidenhead

No events planned

12th January in Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Jack Widgery Exhibition

13th January in Maidenhead

* Film
* 10:30 am
Le Premier Jour du Reste de ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) (15)
* 2:30 pm
Le Premier Jour du Reste de ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) (15)
* 8:00 pm
Le Premier Jour du Reste de ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga
* 2:00 pm
Jack Widgery Exhibition
* 7:00 pm
Book Club

14th January in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Le Premier Jour du Reste de ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) (15)
* 8:00 pm
Le Premier Jour du Reste de ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Watercolours
* 2:00 pm
Jack Widgery Exhibition

15th January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Between Two Worlds II
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Beginners I & II
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced I & II
* 2:00 pm
Jack Widgery Exhibition
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

16th January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Papa Truck
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Jack Widgery Exhibition