Plenty achieved over the past three years

I’d like to respond to last week’s letter from an ex-councillor stating that ‘during the past three years Dedworth councillors have said a lot but achieved little’.

It made me reflect on what I have achieved:

■ Hemwood Dell – One of my first tasks was to reassure residents that buyers could do nothing with the plots of land they bought. This was done with the invaluable support of officers.

■ CIPFA – I asked about overspends on budgets and contributed to CIPFA being brought in to review processes in relation to the Clewer and Dedworth Neighbourhood Improvements capital scheme.

■ Dog agility – On inspecting the dog agility course in Victoria Park I noticed huge ruts running the full length of the field. I spoke to officers and had them all filled in.

■ Sutherland Grange – The recycling bins were always spilling over and it looked and smelt awful. This took an extra year to improve and residents' money was wasted because of the objections of a few.

■ Dedworth Christmas Fair – I brought the committee together, which saw thousands of local residents turn out for an excellent community event.

■ DECOs and wardens – I championed the wardens while pushing back on the District Environmental Crime Officers and this will see further changes next year.

■ Dedworth Library – We highlighted the good work of the libraries which saw funding found for the hours needed in the budget.

■ Low traffic neighbourhood – The prospect of Dedworth becoming one big

LTN was challenged. I led the way and we won that battle with the support of residents.

■ Garden centres – The inclusion of them in the Borough Local Plan meant Squires was sold but I did try to help Wyevale survive.

■ AL21 – I am having proactive discussions with Wates regarding CIL monies to ensure they are maximised for the benefit of residents.

■ Free Christmas parking – I championed this and the net effect has been a rather paltry one hour free offering in car parks locals don’t use but hey, small win.

■ Ecologocial survey – An ecological survey was conducted which gives officers greater insight into the natural environment around West Windsor.

■ The Swan and Windsor Cycle Hub – I was able to direct council funding to the Swan via the councillor local allowance scheme and also, with the help of Abri, helped set up the Windsor Cycle Hub.

■ COVID – I set up a Facebook group to share information with community groups. I laid the foundations for what has become the West Windsor Hub. I joined Tesco as my business stalled and found it rewarding being able to boost the confidence of residents struggling to make sense of things. Through Rotary we also bought a 3D printer for The Boys’ School, who made masks for local businesses.

■ As well as helping residents with their own unique issues.

I’ll let readers decide if that’s a ‘little’ or a fair shout for a new independent councillor.

Cllr JON DAVEY Independent, Clewer & Dedworth West