Pedestrianisation Trial in Lower Peascod Street to be Permanent

A trial pedestrianisation of the bottom of Peascod Street looks like becoming permanent despite strong opposition from the West Windsor Residents' Association (WWRA). The 12-month-trial was reviewed by the Royal Borough's Conservative dominated Highways, Transport and Environment Scrutiny Panel on the 13th May.

The West Windsor Residents' Association's main concern is the effect on elderly bus travellers of moving the bus stop for West Windsor services from Paescod Street to Charles Street. The Residents' Association was supported by evidence from the First Group Bus company citing a drop-off in passenger numbers on their Route 77 service to west Windsor. First Group would be happy to discuss a reinstatement of a Peascod Street bus stop.

The cost of restoring the original layout would be £20,000 compared to £10,000 for continuing the new scheme with improvements to bus stops and shelters.

Resident's association chair, John Holdstock said: "The report seems to very clearly driven by finance. The confidence we have in the report is minimal."

Cllr Geoff Hill, cabinet member for highways praised the move at the meeting for bringing a cafe culture to Peascod Street. The final decision will officially be made at a cabinet meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday 23rd May starting at Maidenhead Town Hall, however as always, the real decisions will have been made before, behind the scenes by the Conservative Party.