Slough is going through a turbulent time, with issues surrounding bins, ULEZ, shopping and council tax meaning residents are left wondering what the future of the town will be like.

In March Slough Borough Council made the decision to increase the council tax for residents by 10 per cent.

This was quickly followed by a switch from weekly bin collections to biweekly collections and an increase in parking permit charges - leaving residents wondering where their money was going.

Outside of local government issues, Slough high street has been on the decline since 2018, seeing major brands leave the town.

British Land now have plans to begin knocking down Queensmere Shopping Centre in a staged re-development of the town which will see it become a mix of commercial and domestic properties.

However, since the western side of the shopping centre was closed in January, British Land have yet to begin demolition.

Outside pressures are also pushing in on the town, with ULEZ set to come up to the Slough border, yet the town is not part of the scrappage scheme for non-compliant vehicles.

Now the Observer has asked our readers "What does Slough need right now?" in the hopes of getting a picture of what issues locals find the most pressing.

Lysann Kroll was quick to say: "A new council."

Slough Borough Council saw a new cabinet voted in this May, with the labour administration being voted out and a new conservative leadership voted in.

However, the changes in council tax, permits and the like were voted in by the previous council - with any changes taking time to pass through cabinet.

Many residents responded to our question with hopes of getting the weekly bin collections back.

Since the switch to biweekly collections, a petition has been put forward signed by residents in the hope of reinstating weekly collections - this is to be discussed by the council on September 28.

Michael Crothers said he'd like to see more decent shops.

"A whole new high street with shops and restaurants," agreed Tristan Richardson.

Sandra Venturini added: "A top-end shopping centre that you feel safe walking around."

Ree Tipton said they would like to see more family-run butchers and fish suppliers, with a hope to wave goodbye to out-of-town supermarkets.

"A retail and leisure area," said Simon Curtis. "With shops, restaurants, cinema and even a nightclub. The Town has no life at all. No place for people to go. Relax and have fun."

In December 2022, the town's cinema closed abruptly, leaving residents with a commute out of town to see the latest movies.

Meanwhile, Lynda Smith would like to see better policing and more places for children to go and Ebere Okeke added that she would like to see more family-oriented events.

Kim Anne Tondeur said she would like to see money spent on play areas and parks.

"We're lucky for the green space but all play areas in Slough are so run down with many things out of use," Kim added.

Neil Greaves said it would be nice to have a local radio station.

Currently, Asian Star Radio calls Slough its home, set in the Observatory Shopping Centre, however, it isn't a local-specific station.

Barry White said: "No more takeaway shops on the Farnham Road, looking like a takeaway city now."

Others pointed out that road conditions had become an issue they would like to be fixed and that there were now too many flats in the area.

Finally Sharon Rose said: "A lot less hateful and racist people, what happened to the town where most people got along?

"Let's start there, then move on to improving our towns and their facilities."