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Health and Wellbeing Annual Conference

If you have an interest in health and wellbeing in West Berkshire, our annual Health and Wellbeing Conference is for you.

Taking place on 31 January, from 2pm to 5pm (in person at our Market Street Office in Newbury or via zoom), this year’s conference will focus on our local response to the challenges posed by the rising cost of living.

We’ll be running sessions covering a wide range of key health issues with presentations from partners and other organisations who are working with local people and Q&A sessions. In addition there will be a ‘marketplace’ where voluntary sector organisations and service providers will be on hand to chat.

This is a great opportunity for people to come together and discuss health issues  so do come along and give your thoughts so we can make things better together.

Get Around For £2 on Your Bus Journeys

We're pleased to announce that bus journeys across West Berkshire are capped at £2 for a single journey and £4 for a return journey until 31 March 2023.

You may have heard the Government's announcement that a three month fare cap has been introduced across most bus services in England. The intention is to provide affordable bus travel for passengers travelling any time of the day. The scheme forms part of the Government’s Help for Households campaign, as the new cap can deliver real savings for those most affected by the rising cost of living.

So, why not use the bus to get to work, go shopping, or to an appointment, go for a bite to eat in local eateries, take in some outstanding scenery, or meet friends and family.

Read more about how to pay less to travel by bus on our website.

Thatcham Flood Alleviation Schemes

Following the devastating floods of 2007 when around 1,200 homes in and around were flooded, we've been working in partnership with a number of agencies, local stakeholders and businesses to ensure that Thatcham is better protected from possible future flooding.

So far, construction work has been completed at Cold Ash Hill, Tull Way, Floral Way and South East Thatcham, protecting 913 properties from the impact flooding via our Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The next phase of the scheme will involve the construction of three flood attenuation ponds at Bowling Green Road, Heath Lane and East Thatcham. Initial works for these three areas are set to start later this month (January 2023) and will involve vegetation clearance and the construction of entrances into each site.

The main construction project is scheduled to start in late March 2023. Once completed, this will protect another 107 properties from the impact of surface water flooding.

Read more about the scheme on our website.

Local Community Comes Together to Plant Fruit Orchard

A huge thank you to everyone who came out on a cold frosty Saturday morning to help plant the fruit trees for the community orchard at Poplar Place/Almond Avenue.

We were really pleased to see so many people come along and support the community orchard project. It was especially wonderful to see the next generation getting involved who will see the fruits of their labour blossom in years to come!

New Lido is Underway

Exciting changes are afoot at the Northcroft Lido. Work is progressing well towards delivering a fantastic new facility this summer.

We have create a video to update you all on how the lido is coming along and cannot wait for you to see the final product. 

Comment on our Facebook with any pictures you have of past summers at the lido!

With over 1,500 members of staff corporately, plus additional members of staff working across our local schools and education settings, we're one of the largest employers in the area. There are lots of reasons to consider a career with us - from the wide range of services we provide to the training and benefits we offer.

Current vacancies include:

• Manager-Newbury Library

• Principal Planning Enforcement Officer

COVID Vaccination Centre

It’s never too late to get your COVID booster.

A pop-up COVID vaccination clinic is running on select Mondays throughout January, February and March at Hungerford Hub and Library.

The vaccination team will be visiting on these Mondays: 30 Jan, 13 & 20 Feb, 6 & 20 March.

Check availability and book your appointment on the national booking system.

We value your views on the decisions we take. There are several areas we are currently holding consultations on, including:

• Local Plan Review 2020-2037

• Digital Inclusion Survey January 2023

Have Your Say on Our New Council Strategy

Residents, businesses and other local stakeholders are invited to have their say on the priority areas and outcomes for West Berkshire Council over the next four years.

A new Council Strategy is set to be adopted in May 2023. It sets out what we want to prioritise and improve - whether that's a statutory service, e.g. emptying bins, fixing potholes or safeguarding vulnerable children, or a new area of focus such as reaching zero net carbon. It also explains how we propose to achieve our priorities and work with our communities and partner organisations to deliver the strategy.

The proposed priority areas for the next four years are:

• Providing opportunities for all and more help when you need it
• Protecting and enhancing our environment
• Stronger communities
• Great place to live, learn and do business
• Building public services for the future

The draft Council Strategy 2023-27 is open for consultation to residents before a final Strategy is submitted to Council for approval in May. You can read the draft Council Strategy for 2023-27 on our website and have your say by Sunday 26 February.

New Urgent Care Centre in Reading

Reading now has an Urgent Care Centre in Broad Street Mall if you need urgent medical attention (unless it is life threatening). Open from 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively you can go online to 111.nhs.uk to be assessed and directed to the most appropriate service near to you. Find out when to visit an urgent treatment centre online.  West Berkshire Hospital has a Minor Injuries Unit which can help with minor injuries and conditions. You should book an appointment via NHS 111 before visiting this unit. For life threatening illness or injury call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. Find A&E locations online.

And finally...

• We’ll be marking Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January.

  Please join us outside our offices in Market Street, Newbury at 11.30am to reflect, light a memorial candle and listen to a song from the St Nicolas School Choir.

  We will also hear reflections on ‘Lessons from Auschwitz’ and a prayer from Rabbi Zvi Solomans.

• A reminder there is a full road closure around the junction of Kings Road, Boundary Road and Hambridge Road in Newbury due to a gas leak.  

  Please follow the diversion signs and use the A4 and the A339 during this time and seek alternative routes when possible. Read more about it on our website.