We've saved £25k in 100 days - claims council chairman

Former Henley parish and district councillor George Matheou said in a letter to the Herald this week that the claims of such a saving was "an economic impossibility". See Thursday's Herald for Mr Matheou's letter in full.

Cllr Leech explained that the saving had been achieved by appointing a new parish clerk, who is due to start in her position soon, as well as sending back a photocopier that was on a monthly contract and had barely, if ever, been used.

Additionally, since May, the established council website has been updated and made more informative, and the parish council’s crest has been changed.

The council also aims to look after the voluntary library, further improve the town’s Christmas lights, and would also like to include Walkers Are Welcome on the town boundaries signs, as well as move those signs to the correct positions at the official boundaries.

Additionally there are hopes to make the joint parish council a town council.

Henley Together is made up of six ladies and six men whose ages range from 25 to 73. They all have a vast range of experience with sound business backgrounds.

The party has now served its purpose and will be closed down. In future, all councillors will operate as independents.

At the council meeting that coincided with the 100 days landmark on 17th August, 38 residents joined the councillors to discuss their concerns about traffic around the town and the challenges presented by parking.

Concerns included parking overflowing into Prince Harry Road, blocking drives and creating problems for deliveries to residents in Prince Harry Road, as well as access being restricted for emergency vehicles, particularly as Prince Harry Road was the only entrance to the medical centre.

Other issues include parking outside shops causing difficulties for residents living in Alne Close and Beaudesert Lane, parking on the narrow bend by the station in Brook End Drive by railway passengers, as well as railway users parking all day in the medical centre car park.

Another suggestion was made about asking the golf club about using their car park, as well as carrying out a survey to identify additional sites for parking in the town.

A consistent approach throughout the day towards parking was also suggested, as well as the prospect of installing barriers along the High Street outside the shops, while another suggested using CCTV.

Cllr Leech himself suggested that if in the future the fire station was to be closed, the land would make a perfect site for a multi-storey car park.

Additionally, other residents asked for the sequences of traffic lights in the town to be reviewed.

The comments made by the residents will be considered by the parish council’s traffic and parking working party, who aim to report back to the council around Christmas time.