Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the work of the River Thames Task Group.

The Group Head of Neighbourhood Services introduced the report and provided the Committee with a detailed update on the work and achievements of the task group to date.  She informed the Committee that the Council had completed several projects including providing a jetty for boat trips to support Staines’ economy and upgraded lifesaving stations along the river. A variety of projects were ongoing with external assistance from the Thames Landscape Strategy.

In response to members questions the Group Head of Neighbourhood Services explained that the manager of the Llamas café had done a lot of work in preparation for providing electric boats for residents and visitors to enjoy and that work was due to commence to remove the unsightly raised flower beds, that had fallen into disrepair, so that electric charging points could be installed. She explained that the café manager understands the river and was very keen to deliver and was considering bringing back the crazy golf.

The Committee noted that residents has also contributed to improving the riverscape with one resident pulling trolleys from the river for the Council to collect. The Committee also noted that Councillor Gibson was in the process of arranging a joint river and land clean up and would share the details with the Committee in due course. 

The Committee thanked the Group Head of Neighbourhood Services, the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny and members of the task group for their work to date.