 Shape the future of borough’s transport network
Everyone who travels around the borough can now comment on our vision to make this healthier, safer and more environmentally friendly for years to come.
We’re consulting on our revised Local Transport Plan, a “big picture” strategy that sets out how we want to improve everything from footpaths and cycleways to roads, bus services and more.
It aims to make it easier for you to walk, cycle or take public transport and will help us get funding to make this happen, though it also recognises that this can’t always replace driving.
Its goals include reducing congestion, serious collisions and pollution, making public spaces more accessible and improving bus and train provision. This could be achieved by measures, subject to further consultation, like 20mph speed limits, more pedestrianised spaces, improving infrastructure and more.
The plan would support our goals of improving air quality, tackling the climate emergency, improving everyone’s physical and mental health and keeping you moving without unnecessary delays.
Please take time to share your thoughts before Friday, 23 February.
 Waste collection changes until 15 January
Changes to your bin collection days, including garden waste, continue this week and the next.
Check the revised collection schedule before putting out your waste.
Collections will resume on your usual days from Monday 15 January.
Real Christmas tree recycling
Your real Christmas tree can be recycled using our garden waste collection service.
Simply cut the tree up and place the chippings in your brown garden waste bin or bag on your collection day. You can also take them to re3 recycling centres in Reading or Bracknell. Remember to remove all tinsel and decorations and any pots or stands before recycling.
Alternatively, you can add the chippings to your compost bin or heap if you have one.
 Cold weather warning ahead of weekend
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow cold-health alert for the South East, which includes Wokingham Borough. The warning covers from 9am tomorrow (Saturday) to midday on Tuesday (9 January).
It’s expected to be very cold and means some vulnerable groups could be impacted. This includes older people 65 or older, people with pre-existing chronic medical conditions, children under five, pregnant women and people.
Storm Henk response
We’d like to thank residents for reporting hazards earlier this week due to Storm Henk.
We’d also to thank our teams and partners for a swift response to more than 60 incidents including fallen trees, flooding, fallen overhead cables and more.
Mill Lane (Earley/Sindlesham) and Sandford Lane (Woodley/Hurst) remain closed due to flooding.
Flood warnings and alerts remain in place around rivers in the borough due to recent rainfall. Check the Environment Agency map for the latest flooding information:
The Environment Agency guidance sets out what to do if you may be impacted by flooding. You can sign up for flood warnings for your area if your home or business may be at risk.
 Creating a better future for social care
How local residents access adult care services is set to improve following the launch of a series of ‘front door’ workshops. They will help make it easier for people to take their first step to getting the support they or a loved one need.
The first workshop took place in early December with more planned for the coming months. They are being run with Involve Community Services, an organisation which supports the voluntary and community sector across the borough.
People who have either used care services before or are just beginning, as well as local voluntary and community organisations, are part of the workshops.
By involving people with experience of using adult social care, the project offers a great opportunity to share their thoughts on what worked and what could have been better when they first tried to access services. The groups can also discuss ideas and opportunities to help improve the process.
If you have direct experience of health and care services and want to help find shared solutions for the wider community, email getinvolved@wokingham.gov.uk.
 Oak Tree school has successful opening term
New special school Oak Tree School is coming to the end of its first term after opening its doors to pupils in September last year.
The school, based in Winnersh, offers 150 places to children and young people from Year 1 to Year 13 with an education health and care plan (EHCP) for autism spectrum conditions and associated complex needs.
Run by Maiden Erlegh Trust, the school is a partnership between Wokingham Borough Council and Brighter Futures for Children (on behalf of Reading Borough Council), to increase the number of school spaces available to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Pupils at Oak Tree School are supported to learn in a specially designed environment with accessibility at the forefront, including accessible parking, wide corridors, ramps, lifts and changing areas.
Learning needs are met with study booths and break out spaces, small classrooms and a high number of teachers and support staff. Health and wellbeing needs are catered for through physiotherapy and sensory rooms, as well as on-site specialists such as occupational therapists and speech and language therapists.
The pupils follow different curriculum pathways that are tailored to suit their needs, from focusing on skills such as communication, problem solving and independence through to working towards formal qualifications.
If you enjoy festivals, having a takeaway, seeing live music, having a drink with friends and sporting events, don’t miss your chance to have your say on our updated licensing policy. Consultation closes on Monday (8 January).
What you might have missed
Our updates during the last few weeks since we last sent you this newsletter:
We’ll restart our full newsletter schedule next week. You can sign up for email updates on our website.
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