Ray Mill Island closing for five weeks for improvements

24th October 2011

A greener, child-friendlier Ray Mill Island will be reopened to the public in time for Christmas after a range of works are carried out on the popular Boulters Lock park.

The island will be closed from Monday 31 October – after the school half term – for five weeks for essential maintenance to the access bridge. The closure also allows for a range of additions and replacements.

Cllr Simon Dudley, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: “If Maidenhead is the jewel of the Thames then Ray Mill Island is one of its greatest treasures.

“As well as carrying out essential maintenance work – in particular replacing the worn footbridge surface – we are further enhancing the appeal to visitors of all ages.”

The improvements, which are being implemented following a public consultation, include:

• replacement of the deteriorating surface of the footbridge leading to the island
• installation of children’s play equipment in the open grassland area behind the kiosk
• a new fountain in the stream fronting the kiosk
• planting of more shrubs
• extension to paved duck feeding area
• clearance of overgrown shrubs overhanging the stream
• relining of parts of the stream to re-establish water height around the Maiden with Swans statue.

The £69,000 works are being funded by Section 106 developer contributions.