Statement on national disorder and unrest
We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have unfolded across the country in recent days. This is a moment of profound grief for all of us, and we recognise the concern and sorrow that many of you are feeling.
In these challenging times, it is heartening to see that voices advocating for peace and unity are prevailing. The widespread rejection of racism in all its forms is a testament to the strength and resilience of our communities.
We want to reassure you that we are working closely with our partners at Thames Valley Police to ensure the safety and security of all our residents.
There is currently no specific intelligence indicating protests planned in our borough, please be assured that the police are fully prepared to respond swiftly if necessary.
If you see or hear anything suspicious, please contact the police by making a report online, calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
 Waste collections changing from Monday
Our waste collection changes are just days away, so put your waste out correctly to avoid it being missed on your usual collection day.
About half of you will have rubbish and food waste collected next week, then recycling and food waste the week after. The other half will have a recycling and food waste collection this week, followed by rubbish and food waste.
Your calendar leaflet lists all collection weeks until the end of July 2025 and will help you to keep track of what to put out. You can check collections on our website, including if your first week is recycling or general waste.
It’s important to remember:
- From next Monday, we'll only collect one full rubbish bin every two weeks, with no additional waste beside it. We won’t empty it if the lid isn’t fully closed
- You can avoid overfilling your bin by recycling all you can – especially food waste, which is our biggest area for improvement
- Put your waste out the night before to avoid a missed collection, as collections will take place earlier in the morning than before
- Leave your waste at your property boundary, where it meets the public pavement or road. It should be easily reachable, not blocked by walls or fences
- It’s a good idea to number your bin, or even decorate it more creatively, to ensure it finds its way back to you
Don’t make your neighbour fall for you!
Finally, be considerate when putting out your waste and make sure you aren’t blocking anyone’s way or causing a trip hazard.
Remember – some people need more space than others, like parents with children in buggies or people who use wheelchairs.
 Pre-loved uniform shop summer opening
First Days Children’s Charity’s low-cost school uniform shop is open this summer, to help anyone ahead of the new school year starting next month.
It will be open every Thursday during the school summer holidays from 10am to 6pm at 3 The Courtyard, Denmark Street, Wokingham (RG40 2AZ).
It will also be open on some Saturdays from 10am to 3pm at the same location, including tomorrow (10 August). The other Saturday openings are on 17 and 31 August.
We’re working alongside First Days to help residents access affordable school uniform across the borough. Card and cash accepted, open to all.
 Mayor welcomes new 29 citizens at ceremony
Borough Mayor Cllr Adrian Mather has welcomed 29 new residents following a citizenship ceremony at Wokingham Town Hall.
People originally from Europe, Africa and Asia attended the ceremony on Wednesday 17 July, which was conducted by registrars from Wokingham Borough Council.
Berkshire’s Deputy Lieutenant Richard Anderson presented the new residents with certificates and Cllr Mather presented each of them with the gift of a passport cover.
Since becoming Borough Mayor in May, Cllr Mather has welcomed a total of 58 new citizens.
The ceremonies welcome people accepted by the Home Office for citizenship by naturalisation or registration. They must take an oath of allegiance and pledge loyalty before they can become a British citizen.
 Art project chalks up mental health benefits
A popular community art project aimed at improving everyone's mental health is returning to Wokingham town centre from 11am until 3pm next Sunday (18 August).
Chalk About It will see participants create a group artwork on the pavement in Market Place, this time inspired by the "mandala" from Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
A mandala is a pattern of shapes that helps to focus people's attention and quieten the mind to reduce anxiety and aid meditation.
People will also have the chance to create individual artworks and discuss their mental health with professionals, as well as chatting with professional artists.
The event, now in its fourth year, is run by Wokingham Town Council in partnership with Urban Canvas and local mental health groups. There's no need to book - just turn up and take part.
What you might have missed
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