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Vision for Slough
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Slough Chamber of Commerce
Introduction
This document is produced annually by the Slough Chamber of Commerce, part of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group. It sets out the key local issues of concern to members. The Chamber believes in partnership. We are keen to work with all sections of the community to bring about the achievement of our plan.
We have had detailed discussions with Slough Business Community Partnership (SBCP) and have agreed to work closely together to avoid overlap and achieve shared objectives.
Key Local Business Issues
The Chamber has identified the following key priorities for our members. They are not the only areas for development but they will form the focus of our work with Slough Borough Council and other organisations during the next 1-2 years.
- Heart of Slough
- Transport
- Planning
- Business Security
- People
- Post Service
Heart of Slough
The image of Slough is vitally important to business. We want to be able to attract good people who want to work in a modern, vibrant 21st century town. It is essential that the Heart of Slough project meets the needs of local business and that it reflects the cultural diversity of the town in a positive manner.
The Chamber will: -
Support Heart of Slough development activity
- Support the Town Image Group of Slough Business Community Partnership (SBCP)
- Lobby Council to improve cleanliness/appearance of town
- Review opportunity for Business Improvement Districts (BIDS)
Transport
The Chamber supports an integrated transport strategy which afford viability to all forms of transport. In order to encourage business to change transport choices appropriate alternatives must be available. We are keen to see improved public transport, road and rail. Chamber will establish contact with appropriate organisations including Slough Borough Council, Thames Valley Economic Partnership and South East England Development Agency. Transport infrastructure must be implemented before new building development commences.
The Chamber will:
- Work with Slough Borough Council on a local transport plan
- Support an improved transport system to all business areas, including Slough Estates
- Lobby for improved public transport to substitute for lost car parking spaces
- Lobby for signage to industrial and retail areas to be improved
- Lobby for improved access to retail area
- Lobby for improved public transport
- Lobby for modernised railway station
- Lobby for park and ride at Junction 6 and other sites
- Lobby for introduction of bus lanes to support park and ride
- Support development of freight terminal Langley/Colnbrook
- Oppose workplace parking charges
- Oppose road tolls
- Support a 3rd Runway at Heathrow
Planning
The Chamber believes that planning regulations should support business to provide jobs, employment and wealth. Decisions should be made quickly, efficiently and with due consideration of their impact on business and the economic wellbeing of the area.
The Chamber will:
- Support the development of Heathrow Terminal 5
- Lobby Slough Borough Council to identify further areas for business development
- Lobby for affordable, flexible business accommodation between 1000-5000sqft
- Lobby for planning regulations to support affordable housing
Business Security & Crime
The Chamber believes that while business has the prime responsibility
to protect its own staff and property, the Thames Valley Police should
support this activity by regarding business security as a prime objective.
The Chamber will:
- Lobby Slough Borough Council to remove burnt out and abandoned cars within 24 hours of detection
- Support extension of CCTV throughout the town
- Support Police action to develop Business Watch areas
- Lobby Police to patrol Slough business area more frequently
- Support Police resources for civilian, officer and special constables
- Support other organisations, including Slough Business Community Partnership (SBCP)
- Lobby the police service to identify business crime priorities
People
People are this areas greatest asset. Business has a duty to support and train staff to the highest standards. Government support organisations such as the Small Business Service and the Learning and Skill Councils alongside schools, colleges and universities have a key role to play in training and educating our workforce.
The Chamber will:
- Support Slough Lifelong Learning Partnership
- Support Slough Business Community Partnership's Education Plan
- Lobby the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to delivery specific training
for specific local skill requirements
Postal Service
- Lobby Post Office to improve postal service for business and the community
Summary
The Chamber is keen to maintain the successful development of Slough for the benefit of our members, staff and residents. We will work with appropriate organisations to deliver our vision. This document does not attempt to identify all the issues affecting the area but merely sets out the priorities for the Chamber and our members at this time.
Transport must be improved if the area is not to become grid-locked. Planning regulations must be implemented with sensitivity towards the economic needs of the area. Business security should be a higher priority for our police service, skill shortages needs to be tackled locally.
This is intended as a "living document" and will be amended from time-to-time, as aspects of the vision are delivered and new issues become points for the Chamber to take positive action.
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