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 We’re pleased to announce that the Department for Transport has approved our application to trial extended pedestrianisation hours in Newbury Town Centre.
Starting on 19 May, Newbury's pedestrianisation hours along Northbrook Street, Bridge Street, Bartholomew Street (north), Mansion House Street, Wharf Street, and Market Place will be extended until later in the evening from 10am to 11pm (currently 10am - 5pm) as a trial under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).
For the first six months of the trial, we will run a formal consultation gathering feedback to assess the impact. The trial will then remain in place until a decision is made as to whether it is made permanent.
Pedestrianising the town centre will aim to:
- Boost the local economy
- Enhance the environment
- Improve safety
- Encourage active travel
Further details on the upcoming formal public consultation will be found on our Consultation and Engagement Hub from 19 May.
Stay informed and have your say by following updates on our website and social media channels.
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Don't worry if we start to look a little different... |
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 You may notice that our e-newsletters start to look a little different soon as we change providers, but don't worry, it's still us! Make sure you add noreply@info.westberks.gov.uk to your safe senders email list to ensure you carry on receiving our newsletters without interruption.
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 We've approved our ambitious 2025/26 Highway Improvement Programme (HIP) which will significantly improve the condition of our roads by resurfacing almost 65km, doubling the number of schemes compared to previous years.
This programme will invest extensively in roads, infrastructure, drainage, and sustainable transport, all funded through the Council’s Capital Programme.
Key highlights include:
- £12m investment in highway resurfacing - £4m more than 2024/25 covering major routes like the B4009 Long Lane, A4 Woolhampton, A329 south of Streatley, and A339 near Newbury.
- £1.7m for drainage and flood risk improvements, nearly doubling last year’s funding, with works at Burghfield Bridge, Paices Hill in Aldermaston, and Membury Industrial Estate.
- Increased funding for white line maintenance (£300k), footpath improvements (£400k), and pothole repairs (£400k).
- £1.6m for active travel initiatives to promote walking and cycling, and further rollout of 20mph zones, involving Town and Parish Councils.
- Investments in Theale Station (£3.5m) and bus services (£1m), alongside £1m for expanding electric vehicle charge points.
 We’re absolutely thrilled to see Paddington return to Newbury town centre, spreading smiles once again. Thank you to everyone who helped bring him home. We’ve missed you, Paddington!
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With over 1,500 members of staff corporately, plus additional members of staff working across our local schools and education settings, we're one of the largest employers in the area. There are lots of reasons to consider a career with us - from the wide range of services we provide to the training and benefits we offer.
Current vacancies include:
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Throughout the year we're out and about improving our roads.
From fixing potholes, resurfacing roads, and making sure our drains flow well, the work we do helps keep you on the move. Last month we fixed 325 potholes, cleaned 1,279 gullies and repaired 56 streetlights, 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.
 Now that Spring has 'sprung’, and the Easter Bank Holiday is upon us, many residents will be tidying up their gardens. This often leads to an increase in the number of complaints the Public Protection Partnership receives about bonfires.
Contrary to popular belief there are no laws against having a bonfire and there are no set times when burning may take place. There are, however, laws about causing a statutory nuisance, which smoke or the smell of smoke can cause.
When having a bonfire please:
- let your neighbours know before hand and be prepared to stop if they raise a concern
- consider the size of the bonfire
- only burn dry material; damp vegetation produces a lot of smoke and smoulders for a long time
- never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or anything containing plastic, foam or paint
- never use old engine oil, methylated spirits or petrol to light the fire
- avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions - smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening - if it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbours' gardens and across roads.
If you wish to report a bonfire, please use our online form below.
Head down to Northcroft Leisure Centre on 11 April for a special Ping Pong for Parkinson’s session in recognition of World Parkinson’s Day. Table tennis has been shown to help improve coordination, balance, and overall well-being.
The Ping Pong for Parkinson's will take place from 10:30 to 11:30, and will be followed by a community café from 11:30 to 12:30. Free centre tours will also be available which is a great opportunity to explore the facilities and see how the team can support you.
This event offers a great opportunity for individuals living with Parkinson’s to participate in physical activity, socialise, and learn more about the free Parkinson’s memberships offered at our leisure centres.
Please contact Northcroft Leisure Centre on 01635 31199 for more information.
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 Explore Shaw House to find the hidden mouse on Saturday 12 April, 11am – 2pm.
Begin by creating a mouse headband of your own in the Great Hall, with additional themed crafts available in the Activity Room, then enjoy following the trail around the House.
Treats and refreshments will be available to purchase from the café. The event costs £2 per child and will be pay on the day.
Also don't forget to head to the Love Local Artisan Fair at Shaw House on Sunday 13 April, 11am – 3pm!
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We value your views on the decisions we take. There are several areas we are currently holding consultations on, including:
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 Head down to our libraries this Easter holidays for some fun activities:
- From 5 to 22 April- Easter egg picture hunt at Newbury Library throughout opening hours
- From 7 to 19 April - Picture hunt at Theale Library throughout opening hours, with Easter prizes for everyone who completes the hunt
- From 7 to 22 April - Easter treasure hunt at Pangbourne Library throughout opening hours, with prizes for every successful find
- Tuesday 15 April, 2-3pm - Easter craft activities at Pangbourne Library
- 15 and 22 April, 2-4pm - Easter LEGO fun at Thatcham Library
- From 9 to 16 April - Easter craft activities at Theale Library throughout opening hours
- Friday 11 April, 10.30am-11.30am - Spring craft activities at Lambourn Library
- Friday 11 April, 10.30am-12pm - Treasure hunt workshop for children 7-11 years, run by Explore Learning at Newbury Library. Places must be booked in advance.
- Friday 11 April, 11am-12pm, and Thursday 17 April, 2.30-3.30pm - Easter crafts at Thatcham Library
- Friday 11 April, 11am-12pm - Easter crafts at Pangbourne Library
- Wednesday 16 April, 2-3pm - The Very Hungry Caterpillar storytime and crafts at Newbury Library
 Want to lift your motorbike handling skills to the next level? Then Be a Better Biker is the perfect course for you.
Be a Better Biker assessments allow all bikers who hold a full licence to take their skills to a level that helps improve safety and enjoyment.
The day covers the principles of advanced riding including:
- manoeuvring
- overtaking
- cornering techniques
- on-road assessment with observers, approximately two hours
- a review of the on-road sessions, discussing lessons learnt
At the end of the session each candidate will receive personal feedback from an advanced rider to help improve their riding and the opportunity to join the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
Be a Better Biker is delivered by IAM motorcycle groups within the Thames Valley area. The Thames Valley courses are brought to you by West Berkshire Council in partnership with Thames Valley Advanced Motorists (TVAM) and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
There are up to 12 places available each day. Registration starts at 9.30am for a prompt start at 10am. The day will finish by 2.30pm. The cost is £25 per biker.
 One of the earliest Newbury Road Club activities in Northbrook Street in June 1899.
Have you or any of your family ever been a member of Newbury Road Club or any local cycling club during the last 100 years or so?
Newbury Road Club are looking for any photos, film or video showing cycling in the Newbury area any time since 1925 - or even earlier.
They've documented their history on this special website, but some movie clips would really bring it to life and could be part of media coverage of their upcoming Festival of Cycling in Newbury on 14 June.
They’ll take great care of your clips and will arrange any copying or conversion and won't publish or share without your permission. If you'd like to take part, please email 100.newburyroadclub@gmail.com
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The Safe Sex Berkshire website has now closed. However, local sexual health services are still being offered as normal for adults and under 18s.
From now on, if you need to book an appointment, order a home STI test kit or to get information on sexual health issues, visit the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust website. All information on this site is kept up to date and is easily accessible. The sexual health team provides help and advice on contraception, sexually transmitted infections and any other sexual health problems. You can also order a home STI test kit here.
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And finally...
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Starting this month, Pangbourne Library will stay open on Saturdays until 2pm, with thanks to the generous support of Pangbourne Parish Council which has provided funding for these additional hours. Visit the library during the new hours and make full use of the facilities.
- Want to visit one of our pop-up libraries? The team will be at Compton Village Hall on Thursday 10 April, 10am to 12pm and Upper Basildon, St Stephens Church on Monday 14 April, 10am to 12pm.
A new Pop-up Library will also run at Leckhampstead Village Hall on the first Wednesday in each month, starting 7 May.
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