Agenda item

The Committee considered an update on Outcome 3 of the Five Year Plan: “Slough will be an attractive place where people choose to love, work and visit.”  The key actions for the outcome included work to understand resident’s perceptions of Slough; promote the town as a safe and vibrant place; enhance cohesion; and to be a place of opportunities for all.

The progress made on each of the key actions was summarised and highlights included research showing that Slough was amongst the best places in the country to live and work and in terms of productivity; the opening of award winning community facilities such as The Curve and Arbour Park; and a range of improvements and activities to town’s parks.  There was a discussion about conducting a ‘Place Survey’ during 2018 to improve understanding of residents perceptions.

The Committee expressed concerns about the High Street and the impact on the attractiveness of the town.  Whilst the longer term plans for major development of the town centre were noted, Members emphasised the importance of taking more short term actions to encourage people to visit.  It was noted that a number of initiatives were planned such as setting up ‘pop up’ shops in empty units.  It was suggested that charges for events be reviewed to encourage more activity.  The potential to establish a Business Improvement District was raised and it was agreed that further information on the proposal be sent to members of the Committee.

Members recognised the scale of the task in improving the attractiveness of the town given the wide range of factors involved and the fact that it involved many different partners and external influences.  Perceptions of crime was raised in relation to a number of incidents in Salt Hill Park and the Committee was informed a range of activities to address this issue and improve the attractiveness of Slough’s parks more generally.  The Council was working with Thames Valley Police and other partners on the Safer Slough Partnership to address concerns about anti-social behaviours, drugs and littering.  The outcome also included work to protect children and vulnerable people from exploitation and trafficking and Members asked about being done to tackle it.  It was requested and agreed that further information on the measures taken to address issues of child protection at licensed hotels within the Borough be sent to the Committee.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the update was noted.

Resolved –

(a)  That a residents survey and community / business engagement, especially around the perception of attractiveness and safety in Slough and to identify improvements, be endorsed.

(b)  That the ongoing work for a clean, safe and vibrant Slough town centre be endorsed.

(c)  That the Committee actively support and promote the future proposals for Outcome 3.