 Over the past few months, work to develop plans for Newbury, Hungerford, and Thatcham have been progressing through a new steering group. As local views are at the heart of this work, the meetings are chaired by local councillors who are collaborating with elected representatives from local communities and businesses for each town.
Local representation on the steering group assists in delivering our new Council Strategy which makes a commitment to work with partners and local communities to enhance our main towns and large villages. You can read the minutes from the meetings so far here.
Are you interested in being a local representative? You can contact Cllr Martin Colston to discuss getting involved as your input is crucial. Alternatively, you can share your ideas to develop our town centres to Cllr James Cole (Hungerford), Cllr Owen Jeffrey (Thatcham), and Andy Moore (Newbury Town Council).
 North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) have announced the official launch of their new identity, North Wessex Downs National Landscape.
Councillor Tony Vickers, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Community Engagement, said: "We congratulate our partners at North Wessex Downs National Landscape on this milestone. The new name reflects the importance of this special place, and we are eager to continue our collaborative efforts with the team based at their office in Denford, just outside Hungerford."
The geographical scope of the North Wessex Downs emphasises the need for coordinated planning to ensure its protection for future generations. This is outlined in our Council Strategy which sets as a priority the need to tackle the climate and ecological emergency. This recognises the importance of our landscapes by committing to protecting and enhancing West Berkshire's natural beauty, working collaboratively with the Government and other local authorities and organizations.
You can find more information here.
 Our partners at West Berkshire Run Together have scooped yet another award!
The free volunteer-led community running group, Run Together offer multiple run sessions for mixed abilities every week. The group has been ‘running’ for many years helping countless novice runners to get off on the right foot and collecting an impressive list of accolades along the way. They’ve now run away with the England Athletics: Runner-up in Contribution to Running Award for our lead volunteer Sue Bennet (pictured).
The weekly sessions are fun, friendly, and free of charge. Taking place in parklands and open spaces, they’re suitable for keen runners, complete beginners or anyone who’s been inactive for a while. You just need comfortable clothing and trainers to join in. It’s a great way to make new friends and enjoy the outdoors whilst improving fitness. Find out more about trying a Run Together session.
 Are you caring for a vulnerable or older person this winter? Here are some tips to help them stay well through the colder months:
- Heat rooms to 18°c if possible
- Wear multiple layers of thinner clothing
- Keep bedroom windows closed
- Keep active with regular exercise
- Check the weather forecast and the news
- Make sure you have enough food and medicine
- Take simple measures to reduce draughts at home
We're also supporting communities to come together and create welcoming spaces where people can come to stay warm and enjoy some company, a hot drink and get some advice from partner organisations on local support such as foodbanks and the Government’s Household Support Fund. You can find more information here.
In this cold weather, don’t forget to look out for anyone close to you who might struggle with the drop in temperature. You can find a list of people at higher risk here.
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