Slough resident vents frustration to councillors over controversial parking plan

The saga continues for locals on Alexandra Road, Turton Way, and Primary Way, who have been pushing back against the council for introducing new parking measures – which include double yellow lines, parking bays, and a permit scheme.

New measures were introduced to combat the expected ‘significantly increased traffic and parking pressure’ on nearby roads because the Grove Academy is expanding to nearly 2,000 students within the next few years.

Turton Way resident Waqar Younus, who has been spearheading a campaign to get the council to overturn the decision, vented his frustration to Chalvey councillors over this scheme and demanded to know why the council is doing this despite the pushback.

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Councillor Atiq Sandhu (Labour) responded to Mr Younus’ complaints, saying every house on the affected roads was sent a consultation form and a majority were in favour of the plan – hence why it went forward.

He added this is a temporary scheme and during the six-month trial, another consultation will take place for a final decision.

Independent Cllr Mohammed Sharif chipped in saying he is neither for nor against the scheme – but will go with whatever the majority of residents want.

Mr Younus told his ward councillors they have “let local residents down in every single way possible” by ignoring their concerns over this scheme.

He also asked why Slough Borough Council is targeting Turton Way residents.

The controlled parking zone in Chalvey

In an email to Mr Younus, Cllr Sharif said: “I am satisfied that the majority of the residents fully understand that I have always stood up for them and [I’m] grateful for their support and understanding.

“I am sure you can understand that it is never possible to satisfy every resident on everything. Hence our focus is to ensure majority views are taken forward and minimise the inconvenience to all the residents.

“We all operate in a democratic society and have to follow the democratic principles, I can apologies that we have not met your expectations.”

He added he doesn’t feel the council is targeting Turton Way residents.

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The independent councillor revealed he and the other Chalvey councillors had a meeting with officers and the cabinet member for highways, requesting them to adjust or reduce the yellow lines as much as possible to allow extra space for parking.

According to Cllr Sharif, the officers said they have done the yellow lines in accordance with the highway’s safety code and the maximum they can do is reduce them by five metres on Alexandra Road.