 West Berkshire Community Connect launched in early 2024 connecting the Northwest Downlands area of West Berkshire with Newbury. It has been a success in providing an expanded service and attracting new passengers.
Building on this, we are pleased to announce that we have launched a new operating area connecting select villages in West Berkshire with Thatcham and the A4 between Thatcham and Theale - The Thatcham Connect.
The new operating area replaces the 41 and 44 services and will operate Monday to Friday, but not on bank holidays.
- You will be able to choose where you'd like to go and when, and we'll plan a journey to suit you.
- Trips need to be pre-booked via the passenger app, by telephone on 01635 519650, or by email.
- To compliment the on-demand service there will be some timetabled bus services connecting to Thatcham Broadway and Sainsburys in Calcot.
Further information will be made available on West Berkshire Community Connect page.
This exciting extension to West Berkshire Community Connect has been made possible by funding from HM Government, given to West Berkshire Council after submission of a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
 Please join us at 6:30pm on Tuesday 19 November for the next community forum - an informative session focussing on the cost of living, flood prevention and winter preparedness in West Berkshire.
This forum is an opportunity for residents, community members, and stakeholders to come together and discuss the local challenges and opportunities that can shape the future of our neighbourhoods.
The aim of this forum is to learn more about the resources available to help you during times when you might need a bit of extra help. You will have the opportunity to find out more about current resilience plans, support that is available, local community initiatives and ask any questions you may have.
Topics that will be discussed include:
- Flood Prevention
- Cost of Living
- Welcome Spaces & Local Community Initiatives
Find out how to register your attendance, whether thats in person or online and submit your questions here.
We're proud to see the return of Newbury Football Club to Faraday Road for their first home game this Saturday!
Over the past 18 months we have been committed to returning football to Faraday Road. The pitch first reopened in November 2023 with games between teams from AFC Newbury Boys and Girls FC and CSA 07 FC.
New portable changing facilities for teams and officials, alongside a portable Clubhouse and toilet facilities have been installed along with new dugouts and floodlights have been secured for evening training sessions.
The game will kick off at 2pm and Newbury FC will be playing Abingdon Abbotts FC.
In our latest video, you can listen to Cllr Nigel Foot and Paul Hendry discuss the work we have undertaken to get the pitch ready for their first game.
West Berkshire Council is running a dedicated drop-in session at Newbury Library on Tuesday 19 November to help people find out if they’re eligible for the pension credit benefit, which could include winter fuel payments. The session will run from 10am until midday.
Around 10 million pensioners are set to lose their winter fuel payments under changes being brought in by the Government.
In West Berkshire alone it is estimated that around 600 pensioners have not yet claimed pension credit or applied to see if they're eligible.
Pension credit is separate from the State Pension and is worth, on average, over £3,900 a year and could provide extra cash to help with living costs to many people who need financial support.
Representatives from the Council’s Revenue and Benefits and Community Engagement teams will be on hand to help along with Age UK and Berkshire Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). Our Libraries Digital Services Officer will also be there to provide 1 to 1 support sessions if needed.
If you, or a family member or friend are aged 66 or over, you or they may be eligible for pension credit, so please spread the word about the session and come along if you can.
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