Concern over 'very dangerous' racing around Winter Hill in Cookham Dean

Parish councillors have raised concerns over drivers taking part in ‘very dangerous’ races around rural roads in Cookham Dean. 

At a Cookham Parish Council meeting on Tuesday, November 4, councillors discussed what can be done to mitigate the illegal racing and speeding after being contacted by residents.

Thames Valley Police is aware of the racing and said it has continued to monitor the ‘anti-social use of cars’ and drug use on Winter Hill.

Councillor Anna-Louise Regan (Cookham) said: “We all know that there is a problem up at Winter Hill with unsafe driving.

“[The drivers] are doing it because there aren’t any cameras. A couple of weeks back they were through the village. They were racing up and down Station Hill and Maidenhead Road.

“There are real concerns about this becoming a bigger issue than just what is going on up at Winter Hill.”

Councillor Mark Howard (Cookham Dean) said he has been in contact with the police over the last couple of years about the racing and the anti-social behaviour incidents that are happening there.

“I was actually really quite astonished about the amount of times [the police] say they go down there. I think we don’t understand just how much there is going on there," Cllr Howard said.

“There are a lot of people [at Winter Hill] and it would be quiet intimidating for two [officers] to turn up down there and try to sort it out."

Councillor Bill Perry (Cookham) agreed that something needs to be done and said that frequent police visits are the only way to address the anti-social behaviour and racing.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRs) after the meeting, a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said the police are aware of the issue and are working closely with the parish council to offer a long-term solution.

Incidents at Winter Hill that have been reported to the police include drivers performing wheelies and individuals hitting golf balls from the lay-by.