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On behalf of everyone at West Berkshire Council, we'd like to wish you a very Happy New Year.
2023 was a busy and eventful year and we want to thank you for being a part of all we achieved. We look forward to sharing what's in store across the district in 2024.
The gorgeous photo above was captured by Dave Leigh, one of our fabulous Customer Service advisors, at Welford Park back in November.
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Budget Consultation online drop in session |
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Many thanks to those who have already responded to the consultations on our budget proposals. To give you another opportunity to find out more about these, we'll be hosting an online drop in session to provide an overview on our financial position, the proposals we are consulting on and a chance to ask questions.
The session will take place next Monday, 8 January at 5:30pm live on Youtube. Councillor Lee Dillon, Leader of West Berkshire Council and Councillor Iain Cottingham, Executive Member for Finance, will be there to answer any questions you may have about the proposals. You can find the consultations online.
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Storm Henk hit West Berkshire yesterday with the Met Office issuing an Amber Wind Warning for gusts of up to 70mph. As a result, we are seeing further impacts to the Thames and Kennet which are expected to increase throughout the week.
The Environment Agency (EA) have issued 36 Flood Alerts across the Thames Valley and the following Flood Warnings in West Berkshire:
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River Pang from East Ilsley to Pangbourne and Sulham Brook
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River Kennet from Thatcham down to Reading
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River Thames and its tributaries from Days Lock to above Pangbourne
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River Thames from Pangbourne to Purley
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River Thames from Mapledurham to Sonning
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River Kennett from Mildenhall to just above Hungerford
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River Kennett from Denford down to Marsh Benham
Planning is underway for potential groundwater pumping in Great Shefford, possibly in the next week, which would require some temporary road closures.
SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Network) are expecting power outages (up to 30 high voltage faults) across the network and are scaling up resources in preparation.
Be prepared and if in doubt, the check list below can help on what you can do to prepare:
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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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 Exciting proposals are progressing as we continue working on plans to revitalise some of our town centres.
One of our main visions is the Newbury Town Centre Masterplan which looks to broaden the leisure, community, and cultural experience to help the town centre transform into a space for social interaction, economic growth, public engagement and community activities.
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A planning application has been submitted by our partner, Adams & Sutherland, for phase 1 of the Newbury Wharf redevelopment. This will see improvements to the public access along the waterfront and a peace garden created. Both projects are set to improve and transform the current space into a more inviting and welcoming place.
The submitted planning application can be found on our planning portal using application reference number: 23/02875/REG.
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 We’ll be starting major refurbishment works on Aldermaston Wharf Lifting Bridge, on Monday, 8 January. Running until 15 March, the work will cause the closure of the A340.
The canal will be closed from 8 to 14 January to allow the removal of the bascule and then again, from 26 February to 15 March to allow the bascule to be reinstalled.
Alternative routes have been identified and will be clearly signposted to facilitate the movement of vehicles and pedestrians during the closure period. You can find more information on the closure online.
Volker Highways, have had a very busy year working across our district! As our highways services provider, they have been working with us to help repair and improve our infrastructure. This includes:
- 8,824 defects fixed, including 926 emergency call-outs
- 2,059 tonnes of salt spread on our roads to ensure safe driving conditions in the cold weather
- 75,540m² of road were conventionally resurfaced, 74208m² of roads had surface dressing and 15784m² were machine patched
- 700 street light faults were repaired, with 200 LEDs being installed
- And finally there were 70 Independent Connection Provider(ICP) electrical connections made
Thank you Volker Highways for all your hard work in 2023!
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Anyone can 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 issues such as planning, waste services and schools.
Upcoming public meetings include:
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It was part of our winter Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which ran all across the district over the past couple of weeks. We'd like to thank everyone involved for all their support. You can find out more about our HAF programme here.
 In West Berkshire, there are currently two active School Streets Schemes at Calcot Infant and Junior School and Francis Baily School in Thatcham.
During specific times, such as morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods, designated streets around these schools are temporarily closed or have restricted access to vehicular traffic. This measure aims to enhance student safety by encouraging walking or cycling, thereby reducing accident risks, and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
The implementation of School Streets Schemes involves the use of Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs), permitting us, the local highway authority, the power to enforce "moving traffic offences" for those disregarding road restrictions.
Cameras installed along the restricted roads and near the schools monitors traffic, issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), or a £70 fine, to those violating the restrictions. To assist drivers in understanding School Streets signs and to those issued a PCN, opt for the online educational course, which reduces the fine.
More information can be found on our website.
 What happens during the first 1001 days of a baby's life lays the foundation for every child’s future health, wellbeing, learning and earnings potential. Our Family Hubs are on hand to offer a range of services to support families, parents and carers, especially during this period.
Maria loves the Family Hubs and attends with her son Frankie, who is nearly one. She said, "He's really benefitted from coming here. It's a really good place for them to learn and develop, especially their social skills."
You can find out more about what our Family Hubs can offer during your baby's first 1001 days on our website.
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Shaw House Community Kitchen Garden |
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It’s a New Year and Spring isn’t too far away so it’s time to start thinking about this year’s plan for the Shaw House Community Kitchen Garden. We would like to welcome as many West Berkshire residents as possible to get involved.
Would you like to spend more time outside in nature? Would you like to learn some new skills or perhaps you’d like to share some skills? Maybe you’d like to meet new people?
We’d like to welcome as many West Berkshire residents as possible to take part, so why not email Amy, our Nature for Health Project Support Officer, to find out about the Nature for Health project and to see how you can get involved. You can also call Amy on 07553810133.
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And finally...
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Are you worried about your own or someone else’s alcohol or drug use? v-i-a offer free, non-judgmental, and confidential support to family members, friends and carers of people who use their service. If you would like some help and advice, get in touch with v-i-a's expert team. For adults aged 18 and over, contact 0300 303 4554 or email: west.berkshire@viaorg.uk. For those aged 18 and under who live or study in West Berkshire, contact The Edge on 01635 582002 or email: theedge@viaorg.uk.
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