We have listened to everyone's views and support for the delivery of the Housing Strategy, which has shaped the approved strategy to meet the needs of our residents.
The Housing Strategy sets out our strategic housing priorities and the range of actions that we intend to take in partnership with relevant partners and stakeholders. This includes our plans to influence and intervene with the local housing market for the benefit of West Berkshire residents.
The strategy details how we intend to deliver the Council's vision through two priorities:
- Priority 1 - Enable every resident to have access to a home that meets their needs
- Priority 2 - Reduce homelessness
The Housing Strategy will be delivered through a robust Housing Strategy Delivery Plan.
We have published our Environment Strategy draft Delivery Plan to support the implementation of our Environment Strategy 2020-2030.
We would value your feedback on our draft Delivery Plan by Monday, 26 April, 11.59pm.
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You have until Friday, 23 April to comment on our West Berks Active Streets and Calcot School Streets proposed schemes to make streets safer for more walking and cycling.
Also, if you have any specific walking and cycling proposals of your own, please use the West Berkshire Active Travel Heat Map in our engagement platform to choose a location and add your suggestion in the comments. The Heat Map is open for comments until Friday, 2 July 2021.
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Last week we launched our Easter Holiday Activity and Food programme for children to learn about eating well and being healthy. Children at more than a dozen schools in West Berkshire have been eating a healthy lunch over the Easter holidays as part of this special education and activity programme.
Pupils have been going into their usual schools over the Easter break and enjoying a range of fun activities while learning about nutrition. For example, Hungerford and Whitelands Primary Schools (pictured above) served up some fun activities such as moulding fruit and veg from clay and making pizzas. The students also learned about eating a ‘rainbow’ of fruits and vegetables each day.
- On Monday 12 April, England moved into Step 2 of the Government’s Roadmap out of lockdown. This means non-essential shops and other organisations such as hairdressers, leisure centres, gyms and libraries can re-open. When visiting these places indoors, is important to wear a face covering (including if you are using a visor) where directed to do so, unless you are exempt. Finally, remember, "Hands. Face. Space. Fresh Air."
- Join us at our Facebook Live event on West Berkshire's Covid recovery on Thursday 15 April at 5pm on our Facebook page. Council Leader Lynne Doherty will be updating and answering questions about our plans for the district's recovery from the pandemic's impact.
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Rapid Covid-19 tests (lateral flow tests) are now available for all without Covid symptoms. Using this method for regular testing in the months ahead can help us all get back to normal. See how to get a rapid Covid-19 test.
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If you are aged 45 or over you can book your COVID-19 vaccination now.
- If you are not currently subscribed to receive our weekly, in-depth Covid-19 news bulletin, you are welcome to sign up for the bulletin here (select "Coronavirus updates"). Also check out our Facebook page facebook.com/westberkshire and Twitter @WestBerkshire for regular updates.
Natural England and Natural Resources Wales have launched the new, refreshed Countryside Code to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the creation of the founding booklet.
With more people enjoying the outdoors than ever before, the code has been revised to help people enjoy countryside in a safe and respectful way.
Changes include advice on creating a welcoming environment, keeping the countryside clear of litter, staying on footpaths, and not feeding livestock.
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Greenham Trust’s next Community Forum will be held on 30 April, 10 to 11.30 am. The free online event will cover mental health and wellbeing, and highlight the resources available to help everyone affected by mental health issues across West Berkshire.
The Community Forum will be presented by Laura Farris, MP for Newbury, and chaired by Chris Boulton, Chief Executive Officer of Greenham Trust. Members from our public health team and a number of local support charities and voluntary organisations will be speaking at this event. There will be an opportunity to ask any questions.
ReadiBus will soon stop running their transport services in Newbury and Thatcham. We are grateful to ReadiBus for the service they have provided.
There are alternative services available for local residents who are unable to use public transport due to poor health or mobility issues. Find out more.
Information on all community transport schemes operating in West Berkshire, and details on other local groups, can be found on our website: https://info.westberks.gov.uk/communitytransport.
Anyone with specific needs or requiring more information can contact the Council’s Transport Team by email: Transport@westberks.gov.uk or by phone: 01635 519394.
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Voluntary and community sector organisations are invited to apply for grants to run mental health support projects for local communities through the 'Surviving to Thriving' Covid-19 Mental Health Fund. Grants of £500 to £30,000 will be awarded for successful applications.
We set up the fund with Greenham Trust to enable not-for-profit organisations to carry out small, meaningful projects that can help mitigate the impacts that COVID-19 has had on mental health and wellbeing in the district.
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We are working with Greenham Trust to find charitable funders and members of the public to get behind our ‘Surviving to Thriving’ fund appeal. We are aiming to add an additional £100,000 to the £200,000 we have already donated. The funds will support vulnerable people of all ages with their mental health and wellbeing.
Although restrictions are starting to ease, West Berkshire Lottery really does need your support now more than ever.
Remember, this is no ordinary lottery - 50% of the £1 ticket goes directly to support your chosen cause, and an additional 10p goes into our good cause fund used to further support the local community.
Players can win weekly cash prizes up to the £25,000 jackpot for just £1 per ticket from the West Berkshire Lottery website: www.westberkshirelottery.co.uk.
In addition, tickets purchased by 24 April will be entered into a national prize draw for a chance to win a £1,000 Currys PC World Gift Voucher.
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To vote in the local elections on Thursday, 6 May 2021 you must be on the electoral register, with your current address listed. The deadline to register to vote is by midnight, Monday 19 April. It takes just five minutes to apply at gov.uk/register-to-vote/
If you prefer to vote by post, applications for postal votes must be received at our Market Street office in Newbury by 5pm, Tuesday 20 April. Please send your completed application form to: West Berkshire Council, Market St, Newbury RG14 5LD.
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