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Since the first lockdown in March 2020, more visitors than ever have been using West Berkshire's parks, town centres, and other open spaces for recreation. This is a good thing - but it has led to an increase in the amount of waste being left behind.
We've launched a new campaign to encourage everyone to enjoy our open spaces, respect other users, and take their rubbish home rather than leave it by an overflowing bin. Help to protect crops and wildlife by not crossing farm land. Stick to the public pathways and follow the Countryside Code.
We're regularly emptying the bins in our parks and open spaces - but with more people outside enjoying the warm weather, the bins fill up rapidly. We are asking people to take their rubbish home with them rather than pile it up around already full bins.
The same goes for dog poo. If there aren’t any dog waste bins or if they are full, please bag it and either put it in a litter bin or take it home and bin it. Watch our fun video for more information.
You'll see more about this campaign on our Facebook and Twitter channels. Also keep a lookout for the colourful banners coming soon to parks and playgrounds near you.
 We've allocated £140,000 from our Capital Budget to upgrade storage for cycles at some of our schools.
The Willink, The Downs, Denefield, Kennet, Little Heath, Westwood Farm, Calcot, and Hungerford will all benefit from the new secure and covered cycle storage units. We'll be approaching more schools shortly to roll out this offer to as many as possible.
Cycling is a great way to start the day, boosts wellbeing and helps the environment too. We hope the new storage will make this active travel choice easier.
All upgrades are expected to be completed by September 2021 in time for the new school term.
 Our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for West Berkshire has now been approved, following public consultations. Our overall aim is to improve facilities and opportunities for active travel and increase the amount of people walking and cycling as part of their daily routine.
This plan will provide a long term, strategic approach to identifying cycling and walking improvements for the district.
We thank all members of the public who took part in the consultations; their local knowledge provided us with valuable feedback to enhance the plan.
West Berkshire residents are savvy switchers when it comes to energy tariffs new research shows. Energy UK has published a report which shows West Berkshire is in the top-10 local authorities for residents switching tariffs. It can take just a few minutes to shop around and find the right deal, and can save hundreds of pounds a year on energy bills.
In West Berkshire it’s even easier to get a good deal through the West Berkshire Collective Energy Switch. It’s already saved residents £690,000 since it launched in 2016 – and it’s not too late to take part.
The scheme runs in partnership with Big Community Switch and offers a no-obligation collective energy switching scheme giving people the opportunity to group together and pay less for their energy. All energy will be 100% renewable and will be available for both electric and dual fuel tariffs.
You have until 6th July to register and/or accept your personal offer.
We have recently handed over 153 decommissioned laptops to Green Machine Computers to be repaired, refurbished, upgraded and donated to schools and charities in the district where a need has been identified. Our laptops are usually disposed of via WEEE Recycling once they have been replaced.
So far, 82 of the computers have been sorted and had data processed, and now Green Machine Computers is currently building up the machines to be donated.
Cllr Steve Ardagh-Walter (Executive Member for Environment) said:
“The Council is committed to recycling our IT equipment and this is a great way to repurpose it. Giving the laptops a second life by donating them to local schools or to a charity has saved the environment 12300KG in CO2 emissions.”
To find out more and to see if you can donate too, check out Green Machine’s website here.
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We’re delighted that our Community Municipal Investment, the UK’s first ever local government green bond, has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards after offering residents and community groups a unique way to invest directly in a greener future for the district.
We’re shortlisted for the Public Finance Awards and the Room 151 Impact Awards and keeping our fingers crossed for the winners announcements!
For at least 35 years, our Handybus community transport has been an important local transport option for people who live in West Berkshire. It can be used by residents who are unable to use conventional public transport to go to medical appointments, on shopping trips and often provides vital social opportunities. It is generally considered a low cost transport solution as well as being environmentally friendly by saving car journeys.
More information on this important milestone can be found here. The Chairman of West Berkshire Council and our residents have also given their views on Community Transport.
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You know summer is really here when the Lido opens at Northcroft Leisure Centre in Newbury!
At an impressive 72 metres, it’s Berkshire’s largest heated open air pool and a fabulous day out for all the family, plus it's open rain or shine.
All sessions must be pre-booked so that shared areas don’t become too crowded and people can enjoy their swim safely. For further information please call Northcroft Leisure Centre on tel. 01635 31199.
We are trialling four new recycling banks to increase the collection of plastic pots, tubs and trays at:
- Padworth and Newbury Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). (Residents will need to book an appointment online as usual before visiting the sites and carry their HWRC permit)
- Station Road car park in Hungerford
- Kingsland Centre car park in Thatcham
Residents can recycle a wider range of plastics in the new recycling banks including: yoghurt pots, margarine/butter tubs, biscuit trays, chocolate/sweet tubs, ice cream tubs, fruit punnets, meat trays and cosmetic pots.
The plastic recycling banks are initially being installed on a trial basis to help the Council assess how well the public engage with this scheme as well as its suitability going forward. Visit our FAQ page here.
If you have the space, home composting is the most eco-friendly way to dispose of kitchen and garden waste. It produces excellent nutrient-rich compost which helps reduce the need for fertilisers, as well as helping you save money. You can read more about the benefits here as well as home composters here.
If you can't compost your food waste, request your free green bin here which you can put out for kerbside waste collection.
 Bikeability Family Summer holidays - book now!
The last few remaining places are available on our Bikeability family summer training. This course provides a tailored training package to help people living in the same household cycle together with a 1:6 maximum ratio (minimum 2 riders).
There is no minimum age for participating riders, provided each rider is able to cycle i.e. set off, pedal, slow down and stop. At least one adult householder must be present at all times.
For the courses you will need the following:
- Road worthy bike (including 2 working brakes)
- Suitable bicycle (please ensure the correct size for the rider)
- Cycle helmet that fits (NOT full face helmets)
- Appropriate footwear (like trainers – no sandals/ flip flops)
- Appropriate clothing including coats if needed due to inclement weather
- We cannot provide refreshments so please bring a bottle of water
Contact activetravel@westberks.gov.uk for more information
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Pedal Power – Join a fun bike group
Avanti Freewheelers Community Club West Berkshire is for juniors (aged 10-14) who want to learn to ride, improve their cycling skills or just to join a fun group and get out on their bike.
Under the guidance of our qualified coaches, instructors and guides, they can meet new friends, explore new areas and have fantastic cycling adventures. There are also great bike events for 7-11 year olds and for families too.
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