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A Localism Commission has been launched "to uncover what is needed to reinvigorate local democracy and empower communities". An organisation called 'Locality', in association with 'Power to Change', have established a new Commission to gather evidence on the ‘Future of Localism’. The first round of  work by Locality led to the empowerment of Neighbourhood Plans. Click through to the locality.org.uk website to find out more and to respond to their questionnaire.

Parking enforcement in South Bucks District Council car parks is changing from Tuesday 4 April, bringing it in line with other districts in Bucks. Penalties issued to drivers who infringe car park regulations from that date will be issued under the Traffic Management Act 2004, and will be a civil debt. Previously, in South Bucks enforcement has come under the Road Traffic Act 1984, which comes under criminal law.

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that Buckinghamshire County Council spent over £300,000 in developing the proposals for the A4 cycleway along the A4 in Taplow. The proposals were strongly rejected by the public consultation. The proposals are presently withdrawn for re-appraisal but not cancelled.

Taplow Parish Council has started to distribute a questionnaire in preparation for the production of a neighbourhood plan for Taplow Parish. A Neighbourhood Plan – when completed and approved – becomes part of the formal planning process that South Bucks District Council has to conform to when considering local planning applications and it will therefore affect all developments within Taplow. A paper copy is being posted through residents letter boxes this week. Alternatively, Click Here for an online version.

If you've been enjoying the beautiful spring weather this week, or want to get involved in an awesome community project, why not come along to the Old Priory Garden's working party this Sunday, 9.30am - 12 noon. Old Priory Gardens was formerly the grounds of a stately home in Taplow Village. As time passed, the mansion was replaced by more modern housing and the gardens fell into ruin and wilderness. Over the last few years this charming secret garden has been reclaimed by the community. Enjoyed by community groups and youth groups as well as a myriad of dog walkers and locals looking for a bit of peace and tranquility. It can be reached via the footpath to the side of the old red phone box in Taplow Village. The…

Taplow Court, a mid 19th century mansion set high above the Thames near Maidenhead, is the home of SGI-UK, a lay Buddhist society. Previously home to notable historical figures such as the Earl and Countess of Orkney and William Henry Grenfell, Taplow Court has a rich and colourful past. The Centre is a busy working H.Q. for Soka Gakkai International for much of the year but, as an organisation that values society, it likes to open its doors to the visiting public on a number of occasions throughout the year. Visitors are welcomed free of charge and may enjoy a guided tour of this prestigious building. You can bring your own picnic or enjoy a cream tea in the SGI-UK cafeteria. SGI-UK also organise a number of community minded public events…

A resident of Marsh Lane, Id Williams, has set up a new online social media network for Taplow called, "Nextdoor". It already has 176 members and is proving to be very popular. He told us: "My wife, Margi, and I have lived in Taplow for 15 years but, like many people, we've mostly travelled out for work, entertainment and social life. Consequently, apart from our very close neighbours in the street, we've not connected much with the local community. We both now work at home and are keen to make more connections within the Taplow community. I came by Nextdoor by accident. I'd never heard of it until, in December, I met someone from Dorney Reach, who mentioned a social networking site for local neighbourhoods to share community information. By email…

A modernising program of improvements has been approved for Lent Rise Post Office at 3 Eastfield Road, Burnham. This will upgrade the category of service to a 'main post office'. We are told the improvements will include: "Refurbishment of premises, a wide variety of services including car tax and wider selection of travel money, longer opening hours and selected post office services at the retail counter" While works are carried out the Lent Rise Post Office will be closed between Thursday 3 March and Monday 20 March. Alternative services are available at either Burnham or Maidenhead High St. For full details please download the letter from Post Office Area Manager, Sue Whittall. Published on 7 February, 2017 by Zoe Hatch

Cllr George Sandy has announced his intention to stand down from his position as Chairman of the Parish Council at the AGM in May. He will retain his roles as Parish Councillor and District Councillor on South Bucks District Council. He said that "5 years is long enough for anyone" as Chairman. A new chairman will be elected from the current team of Councillors at the AGM in May. More details of council business are available at taplowpc.org.uk. Published on 5 February, 2016 by Zoe Hatch  

Councillor John Bamberg and Councillor John Kennedy have announced their intention to stand down from Taplow Parish Council in May. Cllr John Bamberg has had an interest in politics all his life and has contributed much to civic life in Taplow and surrounding area. He was a founding director of the Beacon Housing Association; a Tax Commissioner; a consultant for the Prince's Youth Business Trust.  John was elected to the TPC in 2003 when he became Chairman of Finance. Cllr Bamberg said "I have enjoyed serving the community in a variety of ways over the last 27 years. I have had particular satisfaction from my role as Chairman of Finance for the Taplow Parish Council for the last 14 years. However, the passage of time, together with the fact that I…