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 More than 200 thrilled visitors gathered at Goldwell Park in Newbury on Saturday to witness the grand reopening of our brand-new pump track!
The day was packed with adrenaline as BMX demos by the United Wheels Foundation and pro BMXer Jak Tones wowed the crowd with their skills and tricks, as well as people of all ages and abilities trying out the new track.
This isn't just any pump track; it's a state-of-the-art gem designed in a continuous circuit designed for wheeled sports like BMX and mountain biking. Riders use a unique "pumping" motion to maintain momentum as they navigate a thrilling sequence of rollers and swoopy, banked turns, built to withstand all weather conditions. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just looking for outdoor fun, there's something for everyone.
Thanks to a £112,000 investment by West Berkshire Council and collaboration with the United Wheels Foundation, this dream has become a reality! Read more about it here.
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Welcome to your West Berkshire Green Hub! |
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Are you ready to get more involved in climate action and energy savings? Ever wondered what's happening in your local area or how local businesses are going green? Intrigued by the Council's green initiatives? We've launched a new West Berkshire Green Hub, your one-stop destination for all things eco-conscious.
This is the first step of a new project to unite everyone who is passionate about climate and sustainability to make a difference. Councillor Adrian Abbs, our Executive Member for Climate Action, Recycling, and Biodiversity, has championed this as a central hub to exchange ideas, share best practices, and keep you in the loop about exciting projects and events that you, as a resident or business owner, can be a part of.
The Green Hub is your gateway to a greener, more sustainable world. Come on in, explore, share your ideas, and join us on this thrilling journey towards a brighter, eco-friendlier future.
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 Our draft Parking Strategy for 2024-2034 is now live and we want your views.
We're evolving to meet the changing needs of our community, addressing traffic shifts and sustainability. Your voice matters - tell us your thoughts on how we run our car parks, on-street parking, charges, permits, enforcement, and electric vehicle charging.
The consultation is open until 12 November 2023 here. It will take around 10 minutes to complete, but will ensure that we are taking on board local views to adapt our parking policies.
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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:
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Bartholomew Street in Newbury will be closed from 9 to 13 October along the northbound one-way section from Market Street up to Mansion House Street so that Thames Water can install a new service connection.
The alternative routes for vehicles affected will be via Market Street, Cheap Street, Bear Lane and the A339. Road users should expect the Sainsbury’s and Robin Hood roundabouts to be busier than usual and may wish to consider walking or cycling for short journeys across town. Access to the Kennet Centre car park will remain unaffected. Residential access will be maintained throughout, and any diversion will be signed on site.
All enquiries should be directed to Network Plus on 07778 114 567 or Thames Water on 0800 316 9800. More details on the location of the closure can be found here.
Why not see if walking or cycling could be an easier option by planning your journey using our walking and cycling maps.
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 Book in to our taster event at Thatcham Park School on 12 October where you can learn more about being a Teaching Assistant and see it in action within a school setting.
You will get to hear from our Therapeutic Thinking Team about how we support children in West Berkshire and from a headteacher about how valuable this role is in schools. You'll also hear from the West Berkshire Maths Adviser on how we support children in mathematics.
Click here to book and you can email TARecruitment@westberks.gov.uk for more information.
Every success story has a starting point, and Sarah's journey is proof of that. Start your own story of financial success with Multiply.
If you are aged 19 and over and don’t have maths GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent), you can access free numeracy courses through Multiply to build your confidence with numbers and gain a qualification.
There are courses for beginners to more advanced courses, such as GCSE Maths, Functional Skills Qualifications or equivalent, so you will be able to learn at a pace that suits you.
Discover how on our website and make today your day one.
The West Berkshire Learner Achievement Awards 2023 (LAA) are now open for nominations.
These annual awards celebrate the success of adult learning in West Berkshire covering apprenticeships, professional, academic, and vocational courses and learning programmes that support families, communities and health and wellbeing. All award winners will be invited, with a guest, to the presentation ceremony at Shaw House, Newbury on Friday, 10th November at 5.30pm.
Please note to qualify for an award the nominee must have been engaged in learning since September 2022, be aged over 19 years at the start of their course and live, work or volunteer in West Berkshire. You can make a nomination here. The deadline for all nominations is Friday, 27 October 2023 at 5pm.
For further information please contact the community learning team on 01635 519060 or email aclteam@westberks.gov.uk
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We value your views on the decisions we take. There are several areas we are currently holding consultations on, including:
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A lane closure in Hungerford High Street is set to remain in place for some time.
The closure has been in place since December 2022 after a building was left in an unsafe condition when it was struck by a car. On the advice of structural engineers, one lane has been closed and two-way traffic lights have been in place to keep pedestrians and motorists safe pending repairs.
We understand the insurance companies involved have been actively working to appoint a builder to complete the works but have found this difficult due to the nature and location of the work. We are assured that all efforts are being made to bring this to a conclusion as quickly as possible.
This situation is out of the Council’s control and until the work can be arranged it is not possible to say how long the lane closure will be in place. In the meantime, we would like to thank residents for their continued patience until this situation is resolved.
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 Meet Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking in a storytelling performance by Sophie Miller at Newbury Library on Sunday 29 October, 11:30am-12:15pm.
Nine-year-old Pippi is strong, brave and fearless when she comes to live in her new home with her monkey and horse, but with no parents and no rules, she brings mischief, chaos and confusion to the folk of this ordinary and traditional town.
Watch the story come to life in this exciting new show which is suitable for children aged 4-10 and their families. Younger children are also welcome to attend with tickets. This event also includes an optional post-show craft activity.
Advance booking is essential, adults: £10 and children: £7. For further information and to book please contact Newbury Library on 01635 519900 / library@westberks.gov.uk.
Expect much mischief, laughter and audience interaction!
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When you stop smoking, good things start to happen! |
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Stoptober is back, calling on over 5 million smokers in England to commit to quit for the month of October, and join the 2.5 million others who have made a quit attempt with the campaign since it launched in 2012.
Smoking remains the biggest behavioural cause of preventable illness and death, with 64,000 deaths a year. Quitting is one of the best things a smoker can do for their health. Quit smoking for 28 days and you’re five times more likely to quit for good, and when you stop smoking good things start to happen - you to start to move and breathe more easily, and have more money to spend or save.
Stoptober offers a range of free quitting tools. Just search ‘Stoptober’ for more information, visit the Better Health Quit Smoking website or for our free local Berkshire service, visit the Solutions4Health website.
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And finally...
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