 Next phase of Wokingham to Arborfield greenway
Work is about to start on the next phase of our greenways scheme, a network of typically traffic-free paths linking key destinations across the borough.
Our contractor Volker Highways is set to resurface Coombes Lane and Coles Lane near Barkham from the week beginning 24 October. This will take about five days including a closure for some of that time, typically from 8am to 6pm, and follows the opening of the previous section at Woosehill Meadows.
Unlike much of the greenways network, this stretch will remain open to traffic as part of a wider route between Cantley Park in Wokingham town and Arborfield Cross via Woosehill Meadows and the adjoining countryside.
It will be more accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders than before and will be followed by a new, improved bridge at Coles Lane ford.
Given the financial pressures we’re all facing at the moment, and our own commitment to protecting vital services, we’d like to assure you that this scheme is mostly funded by statutory contributions from developers building new homes in the area.
This is “ring-fenced” for the purpose, meaning it can’t be spent on services or other running costs.
 Go for a Glow Walk at Dinton Pastures
Would you fancy an autumn walk around a lake under starlight?
First Days Children's Charity is organising a Glow Walk at Dinton Pastures Country Park on 26 November (Saturday) to raise fund for its work on child poverty.
From 5pm, you can walk around Black Swan Lake under the stars and take in the illuminated woodland and various light features. The last start time is 8pm.
Hot chocolate, hot dogs and mulled wine will be on sale, so you can bring something warm with you while immersing yourself in the lights.
To add in more fun, you are encouraged to put on your own accessories to make yourself glow in the dark! You may also buy some glow sticks on-site, if you wish.
To make the event accessible to as many people as possible, First Days is offering tickets at four different prices starting at £5 per adult. You can contribute based on your own circumstances and how much you can afford.
To find out more and book a ticket, visit the First Days website.
 Short film shows need for foster carers
We're part of a ground-breaking national collaboration, alongside 55 other local authorities across England, who have worked together to share ideas and create short film to raise awareness of fostering.
The film is aimed at finding more people who may be interested in becoming foster carers and providing nurturing, positive homes for children and young people across the country who need them.
The new film, simply called ‘Childhood’, highlights the impact of neglect on children, particularly brothers and sisters who may be left at times to try and care for each other.
There is a countrywide shortage of foster carers, with the latest Ofsted figures showing an 11 per cent increase in children needing foster care, whilst only a four per cent increase in foster carers.
Locally, children needing care in the borough has risen by more than a third recently, from around 100 in the past couple of years to more than 135 this year. To find out more about fostering a child, visit our fostering website.
 Huge numbers shape walking and cycling plans
We’d like to thank our residents, businesses and community groups for sharing their views on proposals to improve the borough’s walking and cycling links in the long term.
We’re analysing your comments on our draft Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, which we consulted on between 11 July and 2 October. We’re grateful for the overwhelming response to this survey, which we extended twice over the summer and publicised widely so everyone could take part.
We received almost 4,500 written comments and 7,546 responses overall, which was far higher than expected and among the largest responses we’ve ever recorded for a survey of this kind.
The plan outlines key active travel networks around the borough plus specific improvements like new cycleways, improved crossings or lower speed limits. All would be subject to further consultation and outside funding, none of which is currently allocated, while the plan itself is always open to updates.
We’re also considering your feedback on revised plans for an active travel link between Woodley town centre and Palmer Park, on the outskirts of Reading, and we’ll let you know more about this soon.
Both schemes are part of our drive to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, tackle the climate emergency and make it easier to live healthily.
What you might have missed
- Don't forget to book your Covid-19 booster vaccine for older people or if you're at risk. We have a vaccine clinic at our Shute End offices in Wokingham on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, with children's vaccines (first and second doses for children aged five to 11) only on Sundays in October
- With half-term around the corner, don't forget you can apply to the Household Support Fund for £15 per week, per eligible child, during school holidays if your child gets means-tested free school meals
- There's free electric blanket testing at Wokingham Fire Station on 2 November and Crowthorne Fire Station on 3 November. These will be carried out in partnership with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Slots must be booked in advance
|
