Maidenhead Civic Society

It has around 400 members and gives effective voice to making your views known on what goes on around you in the Town. It could be litter problems. It could be lack of shopping facilities. It could be the promotion and pursuit of a new facility for the Town. In fact it could be any feature that needs changing or improving or protecting. Below is a list of activities which keep us busy:

* Campaigning to improve and protect local facilities
* Creating local amenities and attractions
* Encouraging our townsfolk to think about Maidenhead’s development
* Establishing walks and pathways
* Lobbying to influence town centre development plans
* Participating in strategic town centre planning
* Planting bulbs and trees to enhance the town’s appearance
* Preserving and protecting local heritage sites
* Renovating and maintaining local attractions
* Researching local buildings of historical importance

Since its formation in 1960 the Society, which is apolitical, has successfully lobbied for positive change in Maidenhead and has directly implemented a number of projects to enhance the character and amenity of the town and its environment. We try to reflect the interests of residents and visitors who enjoy a town which is safe, clean and attractive. What is planned today is likely to affect the Town for decades to come. It should therefore take account of long term trends towards renewable energy sources and fuel efficient transport; increased walking and cycling; an older population; more constraints on the use of private cars; erosion of traditional shopping patterns, and more houses in the surrounding area. Increased population density leads to increased demands on the infrastructure. Our Planning Group reviews large projects, longer term plans, and smaller applications where sensitive areas are concerned, such as flood risk, conservation etc. From time to time we consult with our members and others, prepare discussion papers, and carry on a constructive dialogue with Council Officials, Members of Council, and other organisations. The Group also meets regularly, one a month, to consider current planning applications in the town area which have been submitted to the Royal Borough’s planning department. A dozen or so are examined in detail each month, including site visits by Planning Group members, and where there seems reason to comment, either for or against an application, a short letter containing those comments is sent to the Council. The Society also works to encourage the preservation of buildings and places of local historical interest and importance. In a few cases we have taken the lead and undertaken detailed studies of particular aspects of Maidenhead’s history. We also actively support the promotion of the town’s history by other related organisations. As a Society, we are conscientiously apolitical, welcome consensus and regret party point-scoring at the expense of constructive involvement. As a registered charity, the Society is governed by a Board of Trustees that meets several times a year and which is responsible for the overall direction of our efforts. Day-to-day business is carried out by the Executive Committee which consists of the chairmen of the various specialist groups

The Society has influence in proportion to the number of its members. That is why YOU and others like you who care about Maidenhead should consider joining us to influence the Town’s development and make a difference. See our website for details on how to join. http://www.maidenheadcivicsoc.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=293.1356&tab=293&formaction=CMSPage