Agenda item

(a)  That the process of securing funding from Thames Valley Berkshire LEP be progressed and supported.

(b)  That the terms of the offer, including the potential need for the remainder of the scheme cost to be met by local funding contributions, be noted.

(c)  That the local funding contributions required from Council capital resources be agreed in principle subject to further consideration of scheme costs.

(d)  That the design of the scheme be agreed in principle subject to a positive outcome of the public consultation.

(e)  That the tendering process be progressed in due course in line with the Council’s procurement policy.

The Cabinet considered a report seeking agreement to progress the implementation of the A332 and A355 route enhancement schemes in order to reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability.

The schemes were designed to enhance connectivity between key areas of the borough, particularly the town centre, Trading Estate and the motorways.  Members noted the funding requirements for both schemes and welcomed the significant contribution from Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  A major public consultation had been undertaken which generally supported the proposals.  Officers reported some of the concerns that had been raised such as the lowering of the speed limit between the M4 junction 6 and the Copthorne roundabout in relation to the A355 scheme and the residential access to side streets and concerns of the Slough Baptist Church for the Windsor Road scheme.

Commissioners discussed a number of issues including the funding from the LEP and Eton College (for the A355 scheme) and the anticipated benefits of the two schemes both the local residents and the town more generally and asked officers to continue to fully consider and take account of the feedback from the public consultation as the detailed designs were finalised.  At the conclusion of the discussion, the Cabinet noted the progress made and agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

Resolved –

(a)  That the process of securing funding from Thames Valley Berkshire LEP be progressed and supported.

(b)  That the terms of the offer, including the potential need for the remainder of the scheme cost to be met by local funding contributions, be noted.

(c)  That the local funding contributions required from Council capital resources be agreed in principle subject to further consideration of scheme costs.

(d)  That the design of the scheme be agreed in principle subject to a positive outcome of the public consultation.

(e)  That the tendering process be progressed in due course in line with the Council’s procurement policy.