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 New state-of-the-art thermal sensors have been installed on lamp posts across the district. Placed along our gritting routes and on gritting vehicles, the data from the new sensors will help us make better decisions on when roads should be treated.
Not only will these sensors help us to be more efficient, it means we can be greener too.
The target is to reduce the number of treatments across Berkshire by 40% by 2027, minimising the use of salt and resulting in a CO2e reduction of approx. 26 tonnes per annum.
The sensors have already been installed and data collection has begun showing road surface temperatures on all treated roads in West Berkshire.
We're delighted to be working with VolkerHighways to lead on this Berkshire-wide initiative.
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Local List of Heritage Assets consultation |
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West Berkshire is home to a vast collection of local heritage assets such as buildings, monuments, areas, and landscape because of historic interest. We hold a Local List of Heritage Assets within the district which have been considered by the public, and the Council, as having special local architectural, archaeological or historic interest that are not statutory listed.
We're considering the following nominations for inclusion on the local list and we want to hear your views:
- 6 Northbrook Street, Newbury, RG14 1DJ
- Crabtree Community Centre, Faircross, Hermitage, Thatcham, RG18 9TL
- The Village Pump, Compton Road, East Ilsley, Newbury
- White Lodge, Donnington Grove, Donnington, Newbury, RG14 2LA
- Post Box, Welford, Newbury
- Water Pump, School Lane, Burghfield Common, Reading
- Well House, The Wells Recreation Ground, Bunces Lane, Burghfield Common, Reading
- Marlston Stile, Brockhurst School, Marlston, Hermitage, Thatcham
To take part and help celebrate the rich variety of features that give West Berkshire its different and unique local characters, please complete our survey by midnight on Sunday, 12 May.
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 Northcroft Lido has now reopened to the public for its first full season!
We've had some very enthusiastic visitors already over the last week bracing the chill and starting the day with a swim in our Olympic size pool.
Due to extreme weather this winter, we are opening the facility gradually, starting with lane swimming. We can’t wait to fully reopen the site with slides and splash pad once the groundwater levels at the Lido have dropped.
Please remember to book your place for lane swimming in advance here.
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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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 Do you want to manage your energy bills, keep your home warm and lower your carbon footprint?
You may be eligible for free Government-funded grants through the Home Upgrade Grant scheme if your home is:
- not heated by mains gas
- hard to heat
You may also qualify if you:
- have a household income of less than £31,000
- are receiving income-related benefits
- live in an Index of Multiple Deprivation area.
You can find more information and check if you are eligible here.
 Running your engine unnecessarily while your vehicle is stationary (idling) pollutes the environment and is against the law on a public highway. Avoiding idling can save fuel, reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of your vehicle.
You may have seen some of these signs near schools or in your local neighbourhood. Idling often occurs outside schools at drop off and pick up times. Avoiding idling outside schools is especially important as it can damage children’s health.
You can help by turning off your engine whilst waiting anywhere you know you will be stationary for more than 30 seconds such as outside a school, supermarket, rail crossing, canal crossing.
You can read more about the Public Protection Partnership's campaign, which has been funded through a successful bid to DEFRA, here.
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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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 An exhibition displaying works by local artist Marjorie Heather (1905-1989) is coming to West Berkshire Museum for a year from 10 April.
Heather was a painter of semi-caricature figure groups in oil and watercolour who was born and lived in Newbury. For over 30 years her work has been regularly selected for display locally and abroad.
The Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm. Entry is free but donations are most welcomed.
 The Easter festivities continue next weekend with a bunny trail around Shaw House on 13 April, 11am - 1pm.
Explore Shaw House and follow the clues to find all the bunnies hidden around the historic rooms. Themed crafts will also be available in our Activity Room. You will be able to purchase treats and refreshments from our Café on the day.
The suggested donation is £1 per child.
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World Autism Acceptance Week |
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And finally...
- GWR rail services will be affected by strike action on Saturday (6 April). Many parts of our network will have no service whatsoever, and where services run, they will start late and finish much earlier than usual. Customers that do travel should check before doing so at via the GWR website. There may also be alterations to our services on the evening of Friday 5 April and on Sunday 7 April.
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