 LAST CHANCE - ticket office closures
We’ve raised concerns over plans to close railway station ticket offices and reduce staffing hours in Wokingham Borough – and you’ve got until the end of today to have your say.
We’ve warned the Rail Delivery Group, which represents Britain’s train operators, that this could cause problems – especially for groups like older people and those with disabilities or mobility issues.
The group says fewer people use ticket offices because of smartphone apps and contactless payments, so it would be better for staff to help in other places like on the platform.
But after listening to people’s views, we say this could leave some at an unfair disadvantage and goes against our goal of promoting public transport to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.
The proposals affect Crowthorne, Earley, Reading, Twyford, Winnersh, Winnersh Triangle and Wokingham stations. Wargrave station, also located in the borough, is already unstaffed.
 A guide for your cost of living situation
Winter is well on its way. Back to school costs are kicking in. Food costs remain high and many have seen a rise in their rents or mortgages.
Last year all households got £400 off their bills from the Government via their energy suppliers, but this year there’s not any support for everyone.
Many who are getting help are having to do so for the first time in their life.
It means you might not know where to start. So we've created guides for the best cost of living help for you depending on your situation.
They set out step by step your best support options for you:
 New airport and hospital park and ride takes off
Park and ride travel has received a boost with the launch of new services to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading and Heathrow Airport.
The Reading Buses 300 now serves the hospital from Thames Valley Park and Ride, off the A3290 roundabout near Earley, while the RailAir coach from Reading to Heathrow now also stops at Thames Valley Park and Ride in both directions.
The 300, which the hospital funds, was previously a staff shuttle but there were always plans to open it to the community. A similar route now also runs from Mereoak Park and Ride, near Three Mile Cross, to central Reading via the University of Reading's Whiteknights campus.
The RailAir coach from Thames Valley runs every 30 minutes for almost 23 hours a day and must be booked online in advance. All these services are an eco-friendly alternative to driving so we urge you to consider using them to save money and reduce pollution.
Meanwhile, we’re in talks with the Department for Transport about the best ways to invest the £400,000 they’ve awarded us to improve local bus services. We hope to announce more on this soon.
 Follow free trail to see the best of the local art scene
The Wokingham Arts Trail is returning on the weekend of 16 and 17 September, providing a platform for local artists to exhibit their work to the public.
The annual event is an opportunity to get out and about and meet a range of local artists at venues across Wokingham, Crowthorne and Lower Earley.
All venues on the trail are free to visit and are open 10.30am to 5.30pm.
You can find out more about the event, the artists taking part and download a copy of the venue map on the Wokingham Arts Trail website.
 Former council chairman passes away
A former chairman of Wokingham District Council, the predecessor to the borough council, has passed away.
Jean Mayers represented Wescott ward in Wokingham for many years before retiring in 1991. She also served as chairman of the council. The role changed to Mayor in 2007 when the council achieved borough status.
She also served on the planning committee for many years. Her family said she found her time on the council fulfilling and it was a very important part of her life.
Mrs Mayers passed away aged 99 on 8 August. Her funeral will take place at 1pm on 14 September at St Sebastian’s Church, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham RG40 3AT.
Family flowers only and any donations to Alzheimer's Society c/o Funeral Directors, A B Walker, 105 London Road, Wokingham RG40 1YB.
What you might have missed
Here’s all our updates from the last week in case you missed anything:
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