 After running a public consultation where we asked what type of trees you would like to see replace the Italian Poplars on Stroud Green, with over 1100 responses, the most popular answer was to replace the felled poplar trees like for like so that is what we will be doing!
We are in the process of reserving the trees ready to be planted and we aim to start planting the new poplars in Autumn/Winter 2025/26. These new trees will take 50-60 years to reach maturity.
The felling of the current poplars will begin week commencing 4 November and the work may last for three weeks. We are just as sad to see these trees go, but unfortunately the trees have reached the end of their life span.
These poplars were planted in the late 1960s and generally have a life span of about 50 to 60 years. As they get older, the trunk and stems become weaker, making them unsafe. Four of the trees have fallen in the last three years during strong winds and storms, so we need to act to keep everyone safe.
 Stakeholders seeing the recently-upgraded towpath between Aldermaston Wharf and Ufton Lane (photo: Greenham Trust)
Did you know we're working with Sustrans, Canal and River Trust and Greenham Trust to improved access to the towpath along the Kennet and Avon Canal? Together we have already delivered:
- 1.7km of upgraded, surfaced towpath between Victoria Park and Ham Bridge, Newbury
- 700 metres of improved route between Aldershot Water Bridge and Brimpton Road, east of Thatcham
- 2.4km of widened, resurfaced towpath between Aldermaston Wharf and Ufton Lane
- 1.25km of resurfaced route between Mill Road, Burghfield and Hissey's Bridge, Calcot
- 380 metres of reconstructed waterside path between Mill Road, Burghfield and the waterside near the Cunning Man pub
More waterside improvements are in the pipeline.
 We’re excited that our plans for a new multi-functional activity and fitness studio at Hungerford Leisure Centre are moving forward with building works set to start in early November.
The new studio will allow the leisure centre, which is run by our partner Everyone Active, to expand its fitness offering and increase the number of group exercise classes.
Our investment will see the design and construction of a modular building to create space for a state-of-the-art studio that will benefit the local community for years to come.
 The deadline to share your thoughts on our draft Waste Management Strategy is fast approaching! This is your chance to have your say on our plans to reduce general waste, increase recycling, improve our kerbside recycling offering, improve our street scene, and lead the way in sustainable practices across the district.
The proposals in the draft Waste Management Strategy affects you in several ways:
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Black bin collection frequency: There could be a change to how often your general waste is collected, encouraging residents to recycle more and reduce waste.
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New household waste containers: There may be a review of the types of waste containers used, which could improve how waste is sorted and collected at home.
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Expanded recycling options: Plans to expand the range of items you can recycle, including more materials collected at the kerbside, as well as dedicated recycling for textiles, and small electricals at local recycling centres.
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Boosting education: Increased focus on educating residents, especially in schools, about reducing waste, recycling, and sustainability.
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Cleaner streets: A stronger push to tackle littering and fly-tipping, making local streets and public spaces cleaner and more attractive.
Your input in this consultation could directly shape how these services are delivered, making sure they meet your needs while supporting a greener, cleaner West Berkshire.
Please do read through the draft Strategy and have your say in our survey on the proposed changes by midnight Wednesday 6 November.
Scammers always seek out opportunities to prey on people’s vulnerabilities, and current financial pressures may make us more vulnerable to these opportunists. Current scams emerging include scammers posting investment opportunities on social media that offer large profits, fraudsters using high pressure sales techniques to get consumers to invest in their schemes and an increase in scam parking charge text messages.
Something might be a scam if:
- It seems too good to be true.
- Someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly.
- You are being encouraged to respond or pay quickly.
- You’ve been asked to give away personal information.
Protect yourself by:
- Not giving any financial or bank details to anyone you don’t know or have met online.
- Researching any traders or companies before confirming any payments, especially if they seem too good to be true.
- Talking to friends and family.
- Not being rushed into making decisions.
- Call your bank immediately on a different device if you think you’ve been scammed.
If you need advice and support on scams, you can call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or visit their website.
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