Building the Homes we need

Slough Labour is committed to increasing housing of all tenures in Slough. Just over two years ago we built the first council homes Slough had seen in a generation and we have followed that up by building 264 new council homes in the last 2 years, well exceeding our manifesto pledge of 200.

New family houses and a new school being built at Castleview

Housing continues to be a major issue in Slough. Slough Labour has already delivered a local lettings policy ensuring Slough people get priority for social housing and have reduced the town's housing waiting list.

In the past year we have seen new homes built in Upton and in Britwell & Northborough and we have just started the construction of new family homes at Ledgers Road in Chalvey.

New homes at Wentworth Avenue

Councillor James Swindlehurst said: "Slough is an area of high housing need and we have been working to supply more housing across all tenures to tackle this. To build over 260 new council homes is a great example of the difference a Labour council can make to the lives of people living in Slough."

Bringing Slough Town back home - Arbour Park

Slough Labour has delivered on a long held promise to bring Slough Town back to Slough, it what will be a boost for the football and the town as a whole.

Artist impression the new ground

Slough Town will play their home fixtures from next season at Arbour Park our new £8.5 million Community Sports Facility.  It will hold almost 2,000 fans and be built over 2 phases with phase one already well under way, which will deliver a 3G pitch, covered stand for 250 spectators and a car park, which will be ready in the Autumn of 2016.

“I think it’s fantastic. We’re looking at the start of facilities for the next generation”

— Cllr Martin Carter

By offering this multi-purpose facility we will be able to provide new and innovative leisure pursuits, whilst also delivering on our promise of bringing Slough Town home. The facility will sit in an area of Slough with high inactivity levels and low levels of participation in sport and physical activity.

The project will also see us deliver much needed playing fields and sports facilities at St Josephs School.

Cllr Martin Carter said:

I think it’s fantastic. We’re looking at the start of facilities for the next generation. It’s exciting, the kids are excited, the school’s excited, the local authority are excited and the football club excited. As we see this progress it’s going to be extraordinary"

Supporting the Voluntary Sector

Slough Labour have ensured the voluntary sector in Slough has received a financial boost by agreeing a 3 year contract worth over £2.5 million with SPACE (Slough Prevention Alliance Community Engagement) to deliver vital services to our vulnerable residents to ensure they have services which benefit them across each aspect of their lives

SPACE will provide residents with advice and help in accessing information about local care and support services which will allow them to stay in their homes and communities for longer and reduce the need for formal care.

“Our aim is to support vulnerable adults by awarding contracts that have the maximum impact at ground level”

— Cllr Sabia Hussain (Commissioner for Health and Welbeing)

The Cabinet adopted a policy of providing an outcomes based approach to working with the voluntary sector so we can ensure that residents have access to support that boosts their wellbeing across the board with the aim of helping people stay healthier and independent for longer.

Councillor Sabia Hussain said:

“The new approach to voluntary sector funding has enabled us to fund organisations using a stringent evaluation process and we are delighted with the scope and quality of the proposed model of care created by the preferred bidder. We will now work with SPACE to ensure the changes are carefully managed.

“As is the case with any tendering exercise, there will be some organisations that are disappointed with the outcome but we are committed to funding services that link to the council’s key priorities and meet the needs of local people. Our aim is to support vulnerable adults by awarding contracts that have the maximum impact at ground level, and I am confident we have achieved this.

“We remain committed to all voluntary sector organisations in Slough, and are appreciative of the work they do.”

Baylis Park Pond

Cllrs Parmar, Nazir and Matloob with happy residents

Slough Labour committed over £1.5 million in our 2015 manifesto to make major improvements at Baylis, Kennedy and Goldophin Parks, and it is yet another promise that has been kept.

The latest piece of work completed is the major pond restoration in Baylis Park. The pond was drained and cleared of rubbish and new islands and banks created along with the planting of new tress – all with the intention of creating a haven for wildlife.

“These improvements will restore the historic nature of park”

— Cllr Fiza Matloob (Baylis and Stoke)

 Cllr Satpal Parmar, who turned on the tap to start filling the pond said:

“ We’re very lucky to have so many wonderful parks and open spaces in our otherwise built-up town and we must do everything we can to protect them for future generations. Baylis pond has gone from being a muddy, smelly eyesore into a beautiful clean lake that visitors and wildlife will be able to enjoy for many years to come, and I thank everyone involved for making it happen.”

Ward Councillor Fiza Matloob said:

“Its great to see so many residents turn up to see the pond refilled, they are clearly as excited as we are about keeping our promises to them. These improvements will restore the historic character of Baylis Park and make it even more welcoming for residents.”

Other works planned or completed at Baylis Park include: repairing and resurfacing the parks footpaths, improving the war memorial, cleaning up the lido, landscaping and improving the walled rose garden, new CCTV cameras and lights and an outdoor gym. These will be fully completed by the Spring of 2016 ready for residents to enjoy over the summer.