Crowthorne in Crisis: No word from Conservative councillors on "redevelopment"

7.31.09pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 10th Oct 2004

Crowthorne residents are being kept in the dark about a number of local developments. The Victorian character of central Crowthorne is being lost. Bulldozers make way for yet more unwelcome blocks of flats in the High Street and Duke's Ride, and Bracknell Forest Borough Council imposes unwanted facilities which were not even sought.

The Borough Council is ploughing ahead with plans for a new library in the High Street, removing much needed parking spaces and leaving the future of the existing site by the Morgan Recreation Ground surrounded in uncertainty. The Borough Council may approve plans for a new superstore in the High Street, and might also withhold consent for a new NHS dental practice at the Woodmancote day care centre, following the withdrawal of Council funding for respite care at the centre.

Crowthorne Parish Council appears intent on a major overhaul of the Village Hall without any public consultation. This will cost over £250,000, before interest on a 25-year Borough Council loan has been added. Council Tax will rise dramatically to cover the cost of this to the Parish Council.

Broadmoor Hospital has angered many staff living locally, by closing their social club and forcing them to move to premises which ban alcohol. Many feel the hospital management are unnecessarily pushing them aside to make way for a training facility they wish to bring in house.

Good news but no saving grace: apparently, there are currently no plans to either close or move the fire station!

Ray Earwicker, Liberal Democrat Borough Councillor, has complained vigorously about the treatment of Crowthorne residents on these issues. Tory councillors are silent, and unable to conduct meaningful consultation.

The Liberal Democrats support both local residents and groups including Crowthorne Village Action Group in opposing these measures.