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 Thinking about fostering? Linda and Andy have been Foster Carers for 18 years and are calling for more carers, of all kinds, long and short term.
You can make a difference, even if you can offer just one day a week or month to give a child or young person the love and support they need to move forward. Find out more here.
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Preparing for bad weather |
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The weather remains unsettled at the moment with Storm Ciarán due today across the South East bringing heavy rain tonight and tomorrow (Thursday 2 November). The MET Office have issued yellow rain and wind warnings on their latest forecast.
We have all seen the flooding which has happened across the UK in recent weeks. So far, the Thames Valley area has not suffered significant widespread flooding, but with the recent heavy rain and more forecast over the coming days and weeks, now is the time to act. Be prepared and if in doubt, check the list below for help on what you can do:
As always, keep up to date on weather warnings by following your local news and weather channels. More information about preparing for emergencies and adverse weather can be found on our website.
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 The application process for postal votes has changed this week with a new online service being launched.
Applicants must now include their National Insurance Number on all future postal vote applications for verification purposes. Paper applications will still be valid, but voters must use the new version of the form.
If old versions of the application are received, these will have to be returned to applicants for the addition of a National Insurance Number, or a fresh application can be completed if preferred.
If you already have a postal vote you don’t need to do anything. Postal votes will no longer be permanent and will last for three years, with effect from 31st October. Any existing postal vote users will be asked to renew their application in 2026. Any new applications from electors can be made online or on a paper form.
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Keep up to date on road closures in your area by using the map of roadworks, including those of utility companies, on our website to plan your journeys. Click the link below for more information.
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 The Government has announced that the Single Fare Cap Scheme has now been extended to 31 December 2024. The scheme provides affordable bus travel for everyone across England, allowing passengers to travel at any time of the day for £2 (£4 return). The list of participating operators can be found here.
The following service enhancements have also been introduced:
- A new late evening service, operated by Newbury & District, between Newbury and Thatcham on Fridays and Saturdays called the 1e.
- Reading Buses Lime 2a has been extended to serve Mortimer every 2 hours on Sundays.
- Thames Travel’s X34 service now operates between Newbury and Harwell Campus/Didcot providing a link to employment and retail opportunities.
- An early bird concessionary fare ticket has been introduced, allowing those with a valid concessionary bus pass to travel for discounted rates before 0930am Monday to Friday.
- A Connect Group Day ticket is available allowing unlimited use for up to 4 people on valid routes.
Why not use the bus to get to work, go shopping, attend an appointment, go for a bite to eat in the local eateries, take in some of the outstanding scenery, or meet friends and family!
Wiltshire Connect is a new type of service that operates on pre-bookable, on-demand basis in the Pewsey Vale and Marlborough area. This service will be extending to include the Marlborough and Hungerford operating zone on Monday 30 October 2023. You will be able to pre-book a ride anywhere within this zone, including local journeys within Hungerford.
Bookings can be made via their app or by telephone on: 01225 712900.
Wiltshire Connect also operates a number of timetabled services, and from Monday 30 October 2023 the 110 service will operate between Hungerford and Marlborough via Bedwyn. Passengers may board the service without a prior booking at most locations where a time is shown on the timetable. Please check whether you should book a trip before you travel.
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Watch our Council and Committee meetings in person at our Market Street offices in Newbury and live on our YouTube channel to view the important decisions made by Councillors on services such as planning, waste and schools.
Upcoming public meetings include:
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The Childcare Choices website brings together all the existing childcare offers in one place so parents can get the help that fits their family. This could be through Tax-Free Childcare, 30 Hours Childcare, or Universal Credit Childcare. Some families might be eligible to use more than one childcare scheme.
From next year, even more help is on the way:
- From April 2024, eligible working parents in England with children aged 2 will have access to 15 hours childcare
- From September 2024, the 15 hours childcare offer will be expanded to eligible working parents in England with children between 9 and 23 months old.
- From September 2025, eligible working parents in England with children between 9 months up to school age will have access to 30 hours childcare
There will also be more support for primary school aged children. From September 2024, parents will see an expansion in the availability of childcare in their local area before and after school, between 8am and 6pm, also known as 'wraparound care'.
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 Our Transport Services team are pleased to confirm that replacement School Transport has been arranged for both John O’ Gaunt and King Alfreds schools.
- JOG/06/UM, operated by Weavaway Travel Ltd, started on Monday (30 October) and will serve Great Shefford, Inkpen and Kintbury. Emails were sent to all families last week with Bus Passes to be sent out this week.
- KAL/01/UM operated by Newbury & District Ltd started yesterday (31 October) and will serve Lambourn and Upper Lambourn. Bus Passes were issued last week.
Please contact Client.Transport@Westberks.gov.uk for more information.
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The Archaeology of the Eastern Parishes talk |
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In celebration of the Focus On the Eastern Parishes exhibition, our Heritage team are running a talk at West Berkshire Museum on Wednesday 15 November at 1pm. Attendees will meet a member of our Archaeology team (Beth Asbury) and delve deeper into the historic environment of Burghfield, Wokefield and Beech Hill parishes.
Tickets are free but must be booked online. Bookings close at 4pm on Tuesday 14 November.
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And finally...
- Fireworks season is nearing, offering plenty of opportunities for fun and enjoyment. However, as fireworks can be frightening for animals and some people, the RSPCA is calling on everyone to celebrate in a considerate way. To find out more, please click here.
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Stoptober may have come to an end, but it’s never too late to quit smoking. You will notice immediate improvements to your health, and to your food too! For more information and support visit our free local Berkshire service, Solutions4Health.
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