|
 A new Leader and Executive have been confirmed following the Council's annual meeting on 9 May.
Councillor Jeff Brooks has been elected Leader of West Berkshire Council and will be joined by nine other councillors on the Executive.
The Executive is the main decision-making body of the Council. They make the key decisions - those that affect two or more wards or where decisions will have a significant impact on the Council's budget. Each member of the Executive has responsibility for a specific area (or portfolio) as outlined below.
The Executive Members for 2024/25 are as follows:
|
|
New Chairman of West Berkshire Council |
|
Councillor Billy Drummond will be Chairman of West Berkshire Council for the coming year.
The Chairman is the formal representative of West Berkshire Council and as well as presiding over Council meetings, the Chairman also officiates at civic functions and welcomes distinguished visitors of national and international significance on behalf of the district.
Councillor Drummond replaces the outgoing Chairman, Councillor Jeremy Cottam. He will be supported in the role by Councillor Tony Vickers who has been elected Vice Chairman.
|
|
|
 Dive into the ultimate pool party experience at Northcroft Lido's Swim Disco on Saturday 25 May!
Enjoy flumes, a live DJ, splash pad, pool inflatables, and electrifying live music. Get ready for an evening of aquatic fun and entertainment!
The event, which runs from 5:30 to 9:30pm, is available to book via the Everyone Active app or online.
 Click image to read magazine
 As living costs continue to rise, we're still helping people through our Household Support Fund until autumn 2024.
The Household Support Fund is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You don't have to be receiving benefits to get help.
This could help if you’re struggling to afford things like:
- energy and water bills
- food
- essential items
We also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
We strongly encourage residents not to suffer in silence but to reach out for assistance if they need it.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Last month, we fixed 407 potholes and resurfaced 3.3km of our road network, as well as undertaking other maintenance.
We want to deliver services to be proud of - and you can help. If you spot a pothole, or see something else which needs fixing, you can tell us online here.
West Berkshire Council’s Public Protection Partnership (PPP) and Citizens Advice West Berkshire (CAWB) have joined forces to launch a new campaign to help consumers buying a used car. Their advice is to stop and take time to do some simple checks to reduce your chances of buying a car that’s being sold illegally or has had major repairs.
- Check the car’s details with the DVLA
- Check the MOT on GOV.UK
- Get a private history check
- Inspect the car and take a test drive
If you’re under pressure to buy a car, it’s okay to step away.
For advice
You can also come and speak to us by visiting the PPP stall at the Newbury Town Council Family Fun Day on Sunday 19 May in Victoria Park.
|
No Mow May encourages us all to leave the lawnmower in the shed and let gardens flourish throughout the month of May. By joining in, you're not just letting your grass grow; you're nurturing a haven for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
We're onboard too and have adjusted our cutting regime during May and early June, to support biodiversity across the district. Certain verges will be left uncut, allowing wildflowers like dandelions, daisies, and clover to bloom and attract early pollinators. Road junctions and some residential roads will need to be cut for safety reasons for sight lines for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
This effort supports our collaborative projects with Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), the local wildlife trust, which aims to preserve and enhance key rural countryside verges teeming with precious wildflower species.
So, let's raise awareness on the importance of supporting biodiversity and inspire others to take simple steps to watch our gardens burst into life! We’d love to see your ‘No Mow May’ pictures so make sure you tag us on social media.
|
|
|
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:
|
|
 Our foster carers do an incredible and rewarding job making a difference for children and young people in West Berkshire. To celebrate Foster Care Fortnight, we’re celebrating the moments that define fostering journeys big and small that built confidence, made young people feel safe and created memories.
Our fostering team have plenty going on over the next week to celebrate our foster carers and promote the benefits of fostering such as a twilight walk on Friday 17 May, and a special information session at the Council Offices, Market Street on Friday 24 May. You can find out more online.
Here are some Fostering Moments shared by our amazing Foster Carers.
 Regular physical health is known to improve mental health, quality of life and wellbeing.
Movement is the theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week (which runs until Sunday). Our Shaw House Community Garden is just one of the many ways you can stay active - particularly if you enjoy gardening or want to learn more about it.
We spoke with volunteers at our the Community Garden to hear how gardening positively impacts their wellbeing.
 In the last year, we've seen an impressive 10% increase in the number of new memberships. That means a whopping 6,220 members have enjoyed the brilliant benefits on offer at our libraries. That’s the biggest membership boost since 2011!
The good news doesn’t stop there. Visits to our libraries are up by 12%, that’s over 311,000 visits. Loans and renewals are also on the up by just over 9% to almost 726,000. Listen to what Council Leader Jeff Brooks had to say.
Show your library some love, join today.
 Did you know that one in three people in the UK living with dementia don't have a diagnosis?
More than 90% affected by dementia say there are benefits to getting a diagnosis. To mark dementia awareness week, we're teaming up with other organisations to provide events and activities across West Berkshire and Reading to raise awareness of dementia and to provide help and support.
The events include:
- Thursday 16 May, 10am-3pm at Reading Football Club: Walk the pitch (10am - 12pm), enjoy activities and refreshments and browse dementia-friendly stalls
- Friday 17 May, 9.30am-12.30pm, Thatcham: Pop down to Jubilee Sensory Gardens for free art and mindfulness workshops and dementia talks, with live music and refreshments.
To find out more, call Age UK Berkshire on 01189 594242 or visit their website.
|
|
Our new community wellbeing service offers free NHS Health Checks across the district including Hungerford, Calcot, Newbury, Thatcham and Lambourn. The service is part of a wider NHS funded pilot across the whole of Berkshire.
Eligible residents in the age range 30-74 will be contacted by their GPs to let them know that Solutions4Health will be inviting them for a free NHS Health Check. You will not be eligible for a check if you have had one within the last 5 years, or are already diagnosed with, or are being treated for, some cardiovascular health conditions. If you are not eligible for a full check you will be offered a mini-check and advice.
The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health. It can tell you whether you are at higher risk of getting certain health conditions, such as:
- heart disease
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- stroke
There will be mobile clinics across the district and you can just drop in for a check-up. You can can also book your Health Check by phoning 0118 449 2985 or 0800 772 0056, or by sending an email to WestBerkshire.CWOS@nhs.net
|
And finally...
-
How lucky were we to see the Northern Lights in West Berkshire this weekend! Did you manage to catch them? Please do share your images from across the district in the comments section of our Facebook post, we'd love to see them.
|
|
|
|
|
