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 We know that finding good, affordable childcare is one of the biggest challenges facing parents and carers. Now, primary school children will be able to access more term time childcare help following our successful bid to the government’s Wraparound Care Fund.
More than 80% of schools are now able to offer Breakfast and After School Clubs from 8am to 6pm with a further 15% offering slightly shorter times.
Whilst most schools provide on-site Wraparound Care, in order to meet individual requirements for both children and parents, there are also a number of childminders working locally which may work as an alternative for some families.
The extra money will also allow some schools that don’t currently offer Wraparound Care or wish to offer more places to do so, if enough parents want it.
Find out about Wraparound Care near you, tax free and Universal Credit childcare, MOD childcare vouchers and much more by clicking the button below.
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Council approves 2025/26 budget |
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Our budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year was officially approved at a meeting of Council last week.
The budget allocates £187 million for delivering essential services and £73 million for capital projects aimed at enhancing the district's infrastructure.
Among the projects being funded next year are:
- £18.6 million investment in a new solar farm at Grazeley
- £12 million for highway improvements; and
- £2.3 million to replace outdated classrooms at Falkland Primary School.
The council consulted with residents, receiving 1,717 responses and leading to adjustments such as keeping Downland Sports Centre open and dimming streetlights instead of turning them off completely.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Councillor Jeff Brooks, Leader of West Berkshire Council, noted that the budget balances service improvements with financial resilience, ensuring it addresses growing demands in children and adult care while investing in the local economy. You can hear more from Cllr Brooks in this YouTube video and stream the budget-focused Council meeting here.
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 We’re teaming up with Veolia once again for a free soil conditioner giveaway! Head to Padworth Integrated Waste Management Facility (RG7 4JF) on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March, 10am - 4pm, to collect some nutrient-rich soil conditioner for your garden.
No need to book – just turn up! Simply bring proof of address (such as an ID card or a recent utility bill) to show you're a West Berkshire resident, and don’t forget to bring your own bags, boxes, or containers. The soil conditioner will be provided loose, so you’ll need something to carry it in. For safety reasons, all soil conditioner will need to be in containers/bags in vehicles. If you wish to visit the nearby household waste recycling centre you must still book an appointment.
This is a free event, and we expect it to be popular. There may be queues during busy times, so we appreciate your patience. We’ll be restocking throughout the day, so there’s no need to rush - there will be plenty to go around. To ensure as many residents as possible can benefit, please take a reasonable amount and be mindful of others to allow everyone a chance to enjoy this fantastic offer.
Restrictions will be in place for certain vehicles that will be able to access the site. No commercial vehicles will be allowed as this event is strictly for householders. Please check our Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) user guide (see page 12) for more details.
Safety first! You’re responsible for safely carrying and loading the soil conditioner into your vehicle. The event organisers cannot accept liability for any injuries or damage while loading materials.
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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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 World Book Day takes place tomorrow (Thursday 6 March) this year, encouraging children and young people to read for pleasure.
World Book Day events in our libraries:
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Burghfield Common – World Book Day Rhymetime, 6 March 10:30-11am
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Hungerford – World Book Day Rhymetimes, 5 March 10-10:30am and 11-11:30am
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Lambourn – World Book Day Rhymetime, 7 March 11:30am-12pm
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Newbury – World Book Day Storytime, 6 March 4-4:30pm
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Pangbourne – World Book Day Storytime/Rhymetime, 6 March 10-10:30am
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Thatcham – World Book Day Storytime, 6 March 4-4:30pm
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Theale – World Book Day Storytime, 6 March 3:45-5pm
Many children receive book tokens at school which enable them to buy any of the special World Book Day titles from participating retailers, but if your child has missed out on this for any reason, we have tokens available in libraries too. Book tokens are valid until 23 March.
Check out the World Book Day website to find online stories and songs, free audiobooks and activities to try at home.
West Berkshire Council’s 2025–26 Budget Proposals, including the discontinuation of the mobile library service from 1 April 2025, were approved at the Full Council meeting on 27 February.
To support affected customers, we are expanding the At Home Service and exploring additional venues for pop-up libraries, such as the one that has been successfully running in Compton for several months.
The At Home Service provides assistance to library members unable to visit a library due to age, disability, or other special circumstances. Friendly volunteers visit members at home on a three-weekly basis. For more information, please call 01635 519827 or email library@westberks.gov.uk.
The pop-up library will be at Compton Village Hall this month on Thursday, 13 March, and Thursday, 27 March, from 10am to 12pm. Come along to browse a selection of books, and new library members are especially welcome.
The move up to secondary school is a milestone for both children and parents, and we know that getting a preferred school is a huge consideration.
We always try very hard to offer as many children as possible their preferred school and would like to wish everyone the best of luck as they take their next educational step.
 This year marks five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic - a time that changed all our lives in ways we could never have imagined. This Sunday, 9 March, marks the national COVID-19 Day of Reflection across the UK, a time for us all to pause, remember, and reflect. We continue to honour and remember those affected and we invite residents, businesses, and community groups across West Berkshire to come together in reflection and remembrance.
The COVID-19 Day of Reflection is an opportunity to:
- Remember and honour those we lost
- Reflect on the sacrifices made and the lasting impact of the pandemic
- Pay tribute to the dedication of health and social care staff, key frontline workers, researchers, community groups, and the hundreds of other people who contributed to keep going
- Appreciate the kindness of volunteers and neighbours who supported others in difficult times
Everyone is encouraged to mark the day in a way that feels personal and meaningful - whether through quiet reflection, gathering with loved ones, or joining local events.
As a lasting tribute, our ‘Blossom into Spring’ project at Goldwell Park features 113 cherry trees, chosen for their spring blossoms as a symbol of hope and remembrance. These trees bloom around the same time as the first lockdown, serving as a poignant reminder of the compassion, resilience, and unity that helped us through.
National events will be taking place across the UK and there are lots of ways to get involved, both at home and in your community. Find out how you can take part in the day.
If you or your community group are planning any activities or events, we would like to hear how you are marking the day by tagging us in your social media posts. If you plan to host a Day of Reflection event, you can submit it to be featured on the national interactive map.
We know that for some, this day may also stir up difficult memories and feelings. If you or a loved one needs support, you can find a range of organisations and resources on the Day of Reflection page.
Let’s come together to reflect, remember, and support one another.
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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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 Norovirus, which you might know as the 'winter vomiting bug', is spreading at higher levels this year.
The main symptoms of norovirus are:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- being sick (vomiting)
You may also have:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- aching arms and legs
Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds to avoid catching or passing it on. You remain infectious for 48 hours after symptoms stop and should stay home at this time.
Residents are being warned to be on their guard against criminals phoning them claiming to be from the police about a cloned bank card or investigating fraud on their account. They claim that they have someone in custody with a cloned bank card and ask the victim to call them back. When the victim puts the phone down and calls back, the scammers are in fact still on the line.
These scams can be extremely convincing and scammers are often able confirm some easily obtainable information about you such as your full name and address, date of birth or even the first eight digits of your bank account number.
If you receive this type of call
- Hang up the phone and use a different phone line to call Action Fraud, your bank or the police or wait ten minutes until you hear a dial tone before calling back.
- If you don’t have access to a different phone line try calling a family member or friend first to make sure the scammer is no longer on the line.
- Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed about being defrauded, it can and does happen to anyone.
If you think you or someone you know has been defrauded, you can report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
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The smoke alarms we have in our homes can often be overlooked. That’s why, as part of the Fire Kills campaign, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is encouraging people to make testing them a part of their regular routine.
Buying and installing smoke alarms:
- Make sure you have enough smoke alarms – there should be one installed on every level of your home.
- The best places to fit them are at the bottom of the stairs and on each stair landing.
- The ideal position is on the ceiling, as near as possible to the centre of the room, hallway or landing.
- Avoid placing smoke alarms in kitchens and bathrooms – small amounts of smoke or steam could accidentally set them off!
Looking after your smoke alarms:
- Once a week – test the batteries.
- Twice a year – gently vacuum around it to remove excess dust.
- Once a year – change the batteries (unless it is a ten-year alarm or a mains-wired alarm).
- Every ten years – replace the entire smoke alarm.
For more information on smoke alarms, please see the safety advice on the RBFRS website.
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Paddington statue vandalism |
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We are deeply disappointed and saddened by the senseless destruction of the Paddington Bear statue in Newbury.
Paddington has become a much-loved part of our town, bringing joy to residents and visitors alike. We’re grateful to Newbury BID and Thames Valley Police for their swift work in identifying those responsible. We're working with Newbury BID to get Paddington back to the place he's called home since October.
Newbury takes great pride in its public spaces and the cherished landmarks that make our town special. We know how much Paddington means to so many, and we will continue to do all we can to protect and celebrate the things that bring us together.
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And finally...
- Ever thought about fostering but not sure where to start? Join our Virtual LGBTQ+ Fostering Information Event as part of LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week this Thursday, 6 March at 6pm. Register for free here.
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