Difficulty trying to access town centres

Last week’s announcement about the Nicholsons car park closure, after years of poor investment into local infrastructure, came as no surprise to many readers, I am sure.

However, there have been some unfortunate consequences of this closure.

This added pressure after closures during the pandemic is further stress for businesses in the town during this period of fragile recovery.

The impact to local businesses and the footfall in Maidenhead is certainly concerning.

How many shops will still be there by Christmas?

The impact to the quality of life for some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents is deeply troubling, such as residents who use the Shopmobility in both towns.

People to Places has done so much to help with this transition including organising trips to High Wycombe and Bracknell but this is lost custom that borough businesses can ill afford.

In Maidenhead, Shopmobility is inaccessible because disabled residents cannot walk from a bus stop close enough to its location and parking is extremely limited on Queen Street.

Windsor can be equally inaccessible due to its awkward situation so far away from public transport – whilst there is parking and taxis this is not the only barrier to get from Alexandra Gardens to town quickly.

The lift to the train station is the commonly used route and often this lift is awaiting repair.

This is further evidence of inadequate investment.

Simply going around the long way takes a more time and makes a visit to Windsor too difficult for many when other towns make parking cheaper and accessibility easier.

Currently the needs of disabled and elderly residents are not being met locally and as we look to the elections in May, I would urge readers to remember how we got into this mess.

ALISON CARPENTER the Borough first Independents