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 Image of Holybrook, Calcot flooding taken by Dave Smith
Our teams have been busy dealing with the aftermath of Storm Henk and the subsequent flooding. We have been working with our partners to organise road closures, revised pick-ups for waste, and transport for carers to ensure the most vulnerable in our communities are protected. In short, we're making sure that where people need to do things, they're able to.
We've also been working collaboratively with our neighbouring councils, Environment Agency, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue, Thames Valley Police, NHS, UK Health Security Agency and Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs to coordinate a multi agency response to the floods.
The heavy rain has left many local roads and footpaths flooded and has caused road closures all across the district. If you must travel, check your route before you go and travel with care. If you see a 'Road Closed' sign, please don't remove it or attempt to drive through that area as any bow waves created can flood properties and there is a risk that your car will lose traction. Remember, just 30 cm of fast moving water can move your car.
There has also been major disruption to local railway services. Check with your provider before you travel as many services from local stations have been impacted.
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We also ask that you please avoid walking down canal paths or flooded towpaths as even shallow moving water can knock you off your feet. Floodwater can may contain heavy debris, sharp objects, open manhole covers, sewage and chemicals therefore you should keep your family and pets away from this. Please wash your hands if you’ve been in contact with flood water which may contain toxic substances.
We've been receiving lots of questions about sandbags. We don't usually provide these to individual properties. For more information please see our sandbag policy.
You can learn more about how to prepare for and deal with flooding here. You can also check for flood alerts online and sign up to receive flood warnings for your area. Finally, please report any problems for our teams to address here.
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Clearing up after flooding |
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A key part of the recovery phase following a flood includes cleaning and drying your home or property to check for any health harms as a result.
Floodwater can contain hidden dangers and health hazards which are harmful to both humans and animals. When cleaning up a home affected by floodwater, we advise you wear protective or waterproof clothing to avoid exposure to floodwater.
If you're starting to clear up after the floods, our Public Health team have made this leaflet filled with advice for keeping safe and well.
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 The temperature has started to drop so please be mindful of icy conditions when out and about, especially with excess surface water around due to flooding.
Our gritters have been out and will continue to be over this cold snap as they consistently keep an eye on the forecast and check the ground temperatures. We are asking residents to be very careful due to the impact of flooding and the potential of black ice on the ground.
Our Public Health team have created a 'Stay Well in Winter' page filled with cold weather advice for yourself and those around you.
The following are also good sources of information and advice during cold weather
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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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We are upgrading our phone system on 16 January.
On the day of the change, there may be some disruption to normal service on all our external lines that could last up to two hours. This will happen at some point between 10am and 1pm. If you cannot contact us on the usual number, please try our temporary number on 03339965560. For any flood related enquiries, please use 03339965561.
The new telephone system is essential to ensure we can serve the residents of West Berkshire as efficiently and effectively as possible. We would like to thank you all for your cooperation.
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L-R District Councillor Janine Lewis, Executive Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Culture, Leisure, Sport and Countryside, June Felix of Koolplay Ltd, Parish Councillor Theresa Downes, Vice Chairman of Tilehurst Parish Council and project lead, and Parish Councillor Clive Taylor, Chairman of Tilehurst Parish Council
A new fitness and social area has opened at the Cotswold recreation ground in Tilehurst. It was opened last month by Tilehurst Parish Council, and jointly funded by the Parish Council together with a grant from West Berkshire Council.
The new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) includes outdoor gym equipment, children’s cycling and leisure areas. The new area has been installed in response to a survey of young people conducted by the Parish Council in 2021. A popular suggestion was that outdoor gym equipment be installed at recreation grounds and, on consideration, the Parish Council felt this would be a good way to repurpose the existing, run-down tarmacked base at Cotswold recreation ground.
Following the official opening, a larger event to mark the opening will be held later this year.
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 We're supporting the Department for Education's national campaign to improve attendance across education settings. The spring term is a great opportunity for a fresh start to encourage children who have been struggling to attend school.
As well as the link between attendance and academic attainment, regular school attendance can facilitate positive peer relationships, which is a protective factor
for mental health and wellbeing. For more information click here.
 The Pang Valley Flood Protection Exhibition will be taking place on Saturday 20 January, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm at the Hampstead Norreys Village Hall, RG18 0TR.
The exhibition will bring together an impressive collection of organisations dedicated to tackling flood-related concerns in the Pang Valley area. It's absolutely FREE to attend, and no booking is required.
Here's what's in store for you at this informative exhibition:
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Discover Local Projects: Get first-hand information on the latest local flood protection initiatives and learn how they're safeguarding your community.
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Meet the Experts: Engage in conversations with key organisations, including the Pang Valley Flood Forum, West Berkshire Council, Project Groundwater, Environment Agency, Thames Water, and more. They're here to listen and answer your questions, provide advice and support, and share valuable insights about flood preparedness.
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Hands-On Experience: Witness innovative flood protection devices in action and explore the incredible 'Floodmobile', a flood house on wheels equipped with around 50 different property flood protection measures. It's your chance to see directly how to make your home more flood resilient.
You can also enjoy some refreshments as you mingle with our knowledgeable stall holders. Join us and take the first step towards a safer, flood-ready future. Click here for more information.
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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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 What would you like to do to improve your health and wellbeing this year? Our wellbeing bags are packed full of activities and ideas for you, including colouring sheets, card games and suggestions for learning a new skill. Library members can borrow a bag for three weeks, free of charge.
Reserve a bag online and collect it from your local library. (You can collect your reservations from our Mobile Library too.) We are sure you will find something of interest inside!
 We're holding a digital collection day at West Berkshire Museum on Wednesday 17 January from 10am-2pm as part of the Their Finest Hour project.
Their Finest Hour is a new initiative working to create a comprehensive digital archive of the incredible wealth of history and knowledge of the Second World War that lots of us hold either in our heads or our lofts.
Our Culture and Libraries team are looking for people to bring stories about their family’s wartime experience – and associated objects such as diaries, letters, medals, journals and ration books.
Come along to the digital collection day in Newbury and share your Second World War stories and objects ready to be recorded, digitised, and then uploaded to the Their Finest Hour online archive, which will be free-to-use and launch in June 2024.
 If your New Year’s resolutions included volunteering, we may have an opportunity for you.
We have a wide range of interesting and valuable volunteer roles across Culture and Libraries and our friendly team is always looking for new members. Please ring Gemma Taylor, Culture and Libraries Volunteer Officer, on 01635 519533 if you would like to find out more about volunteering with us, or email cultureandlibrariesvolunteers@westberks.gov.uk.
Alternatively, complete a short form on the West Berkshire Council website and we will get back to you.
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Flu and COVID-19 vaccines |
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Flu and COVID-19 cases are expected to continue to rise over the next few weeks following increased travel and socialising that occurred over the festive period. All eligible groups are urged to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 which will help reduce spread to vulnerable friends and family, ensuring communities across the UK make the healthiest start to 2024.
Eligible groups can book their vaccine by contacting their local GP surgery or pharmacy to make an appointment. Vaccinations against COVID-19 are being offered until 31 January, while flu vaccinations are available until 31 March.
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And finally...
- Our budget consultation closes at midnight tomorrow (Thursday 11 January), so please do submit any views you may have before then here.
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We’ve had such a good response to our libraries' tuition offer for adults of all ages seeking further help with IT that these sessions are already fully booked! If you would like to volunteer to share your computer knowledge in these IT sessions, please call 01635 519533 for more information, or you can apply online.
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