Our Initiatives

We are lobbying for improvements to the town’s streets and pavements, particularly in relation to the uncleanliness of the area. We have met with an SODC Councillor and the Waste Team Leader to discuss the challenges and have been invited to propose potential changes to any revised waste contract. The Society would also like to see HTC, via the Town Centre Manager, encouraging businesses to take responsibility for keeping the pavement in front of their building clean, as a matter of civic pride – a practice that has declined in recent years. The recently published Henley Town Council Strategic Plan 2024-29  gives hope for improvement in this area.

Other Issues

The condition of the Marsh Lock Horsebridge, closed since May 2022, is another concern, with any likelihood of reopening very unclear. This river crossing is a part of the important Thames Path, which, now that Culden Faw Estates have withdrawn permission to divert over their land,  means that the Thames Path route now takes you through Harpsden Woods and down Woodlands Road to cross the busy Henley/Reading Road near the War Memorial. We have written to the Environment Agency, under Freedom of Information protocols, requesting clarification of the current situation, and for sight of the three most recent bridge inspections which cost around £50,000 we understand. We will update the website when a formal response is received.

On the Planning front one of the documents that we refer to regularly is the Shop Front Guide which is due for revision by the Henley Town Council who will then make recommendations to the Planning Authority (SODC). Along with many other County organizations, we made contributions to the current document and hope to be a part of discussions on the revision.

Street Cleaning – we continue to work with both SODC and Henley Town Council to ensure that our streets and pavements are kept as clean as possible. Last year we sponsored the Henley Town Council initiative ‘The Great Henley Sack Race’ a concentrated 2-hour litter pick around the town which attracted over 200 residents who, armed with hi-viz jackets, pickers and sacks cleaned up the town. We will sponsor the 2026 event scheduled for Sunday 22nd March.

The possible closure of Henley Fire Station seems a very likely possibility. This is an essential part of the town’s safety and the closure must be stopped. We will be working with Town Councillors and others to ensure that this does not happen.