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. We 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 ‘H’ graffiti on the side of Henley Bridge has been in place for well over a year now. Wokingham Borough Council is the authority responsible for removing it. Our Freedom of Information request brought forth the response that Planning Permission for the removal of the graffiti would be applied for shortly, but so far we have seen no evidence that this has happened. We will continue to press the various Councils involved.

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 This river crossing is a part of the important Thames Path, which, now that Culden Faw Estates have withdrawn permission to divert over their land,  means that the Thames Path route now takes you through Harpsden Woods and down Woodlands Road to cross the busy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.

There is a length of pathway on the Marlow-side of Grade 1 Listed Henley Bridge where contractors, over two years ago, removed paving slabs to insert broadband wiring. As a Health and Safety measure with the Royal Regatta approaching, the area was tarmacked. Regrettably the slabs have never been replaced and the contractors concerned have since gone out of business. Again we have sent Freedom of Information requests to Oxfordshire County Council and are assured that the work to replace the slabs has been scheduled for 2024.

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.