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 Recycling your household batteries just got a whole lot easier! Starting this week, we’ll be collecting household batteries right from your kerbside for recycling. Just follow these simple steps:
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Batteries: We’ll collect the most common household batteries, including D, C, AA, AAA, AAAA (1.5-volt), A23 (12-volt), PP3 (9-volt), CR2032 (3-volt), and LR44 (1.5-volt).
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How to recycle: Place your used batteries in a clear bag, like a freezer or sandwich bag, and simply place it on top of your black wheelie bin on collection day. Our new waste collection vehicles have special compartments designed just for these batteries, ensuring they’re safely recycled.
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Safety first: Please remember, batteries should never be placed inside your wheelie bin. Doing so can cause them to ignite during the waste compaction process, posing a significant fire hazard.
Exceptions: While we’ll gladly collect most household batteries, there are some exceptions: Car/moped batteries, lithium-ion (Li) power tool batteries, and vapes, should continue to be taken to our household recycling centres at Newtown Road, Newbury, or Padworth. To schedule a visit, book an appointment online here.
To find your next collection day click here. For more information, please visit our website.
*Please note: This service is not available to residents that have a communal bin store.
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New Social, Emotional and Mental Health facility now open |
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 L-R: Mrs Ellie Reynard (Lead Teacher - SEMH Autism Unit) and Ms Deirdre Devine (Headteacher - Kennet Valley Primary School)
A fantastic project at Kennet Valley Primary School site in Calcot to create a special facility for primary school children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and/or a diagnosis of Autism is now complete, and the first pupils are already enjoying their new learning space.
We invested almost £3 million in the purpose-built space which will eventually provide places for twelve children, starting with the first six this month.
Over 17% of children and young people in West Berkshire schools have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and West Berkshire has seen a 52% rise in the total number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) over the last 5 years.
Currently, almost 5% of children and young people in West Berkshire have an EHCP. This is slightly higher than the national average and highlights our need for additional capacity to meet SEND needs.
The brilliant facility at Kennet Valley will give a much-needed boost in making sure that more of our children get the special educational support they need.
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 Buses are an environmentally friendly way to get out and about. To show our support for World Car Free Day this year, we have again partnered with local bus operators to offer free bus travel across the district for the day (Reading Buses Jetblack, 15, 16, 26 and 33, Stagecoach 32, Thames Travel X34).
In addition to the usual Sunday bus services, we also have a Special one-off service on the X34 between Newbury and Didcot (Newbury Show Buses are not included in this event).
Why not leave the car at home, and visit friends and family by bus, or a day out in Basingstoke, Didcot, or Reading.
This free bus travel offer has been made possible by funding from HM Government, given to West Berkshire Council after our successful submission of a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) in October 2021.
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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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 Throughout the year we're out and about improving local roads. From fixing potholes, resurfacing roads and making sure our drains flow well, we're working to help keep you on the move.
Last month we repaired 209 potholes, cleaned 1,723 gullies and repaired 25 streetlights. We also resurfaced part of Bartholomew Street in Newbury with block paving.
We want to deliver services to be proud of - and you can help. If you spot a pothole or something else which needs fixing, you can use our online Report A Problem service.
Emergencies like floods, fires, and power outages can happen suddenly. Are you aware of the risks in your area and where to get updates?
By understanding and preparing for risks you might encounter, you can significantly enhance your ability to respond quickly and recover.
As winter approaches, be sure to check if your property is at risk of flooding and check for flood alerts. You can find out more on our website on how to prepare for flooding.
Getting reliable information during an emergency is crucial for making informed decisions and staying safe.
Here's what you can do to be emergency ready and prepare your home:
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Important contacts:
- Emergency Services: 999
- Police (non-emergency): 101
- NHS: 111
- Power Cuts: 105
- Floodline: 0345 988 1188
- Gas Emergency: 0800 111 999
- Thames Water: 0800 316 9800
Other useful resources include:
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National Highways will need to close parts of the M4 junction 12 roundabout in a project that is expected to last several months and completed over two phases, with some slip road closures onto and off the M4. You can find details about these phases here.
The closures are needed because the joints along the bridges are leaking water, the safety barriers appear to be substandard, and there is no kerb drainage or gully installed over the deck causing water to build up along the verges which is damaging the substructure. Dealing with these issues now ensures the roads (the roundabout and on the M4 below) will be safer for all users as we head into the winter weather.
All enquiries should be directed to:
- Volker Laser on: 0800 022 3292
- National Highways on: 0300 123 5000
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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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 Families are invited to a free open day at the Lambourn Centre this Saturday (14 September) where there will be a range of free sports and fitness activities ready to take part in.
Open to all ages, interests and abilities, the fun-filled event will offer a variety of taster classes – including seated exercise and walking football. For children there will also be an Active Antz bouncy castle and junior gym sessions.
There will also be a community café, raffle prizes up for grabs, and information booths to learn more about local services and organisations.
The event will take place from 9am until 12.45pm. Those wanting to attend can simply turn up on the day, but pre-booking is advised.
 One of the best ways to protect children from getting seriously ill from preventable diseases, like whooping cough and measles, is to make sure they're up to date with all their routine vaccinations. Not sure? Check their Red Book or contact your GP practice.
 Ancient Egyptian art is instantly recognisable and a famous characteristic of this enthralling civilisation. This talk by Beth Asbury is an overview of 2D and 3D art, tomb, temple, and domestic architecture.
Come along to West Berkshire Museum on Wednesday 18 September at 7pm to find out more about a statue that influenced Henry Moore and the second largest religious complex in the world. Learn to tell the difference between a naophorous and a stelophorous statue, as well as raised and sunken relief and where to find it.
Book your place for £5 here.
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If your children enjoyed taking part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, they may like to become a library star!
Younger readers can choose from one of our five character bookmarks when they borrow a book from any West Berkshire library. Collect a 'star' for your bookmark with every book you return to the library and a certificate when you have collected ten stars. Audiobooks count too. It’s a great way to encourage reading and the joy of sharing books with family and friends. Please ask in your local library for more details.
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And finally...
- Anyone can catch mpox (previously known as monkeypox), so if you have recently travelled to an affected country, be aware of the symptoms of mpox. If you think you might have the infection, self-isolate at home and call 111 for further advice.
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