Wokingham Borough Connect
 A borough where everyone belongs
We are updating our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, which aims to make Wokingham Borough a fair, safe place where everyone feels they belong.
We have spoken to communities and our workforce to identify priorities and the key areas we should focus on and used this to draft a policy, setting out what we will do for our communities and our workforce.
Have your say
We want to make sure that it reflects our diverse local communities and are asking you for feedback.
The survey is open from 17 March to 14 April.
 Community Governance Review
We are seeking feedback on the current arrangements for the towns and parishes in our borough to ensure people are represented as effectively as possible.
The Community Governance Review is carried out every ten to 15 years and reviews things such as ward boundaries and the number of councillors that represent an area.
Using local knowledge, we will review recommendations and determine if there are any changes that could be made to benefit communities.
Our initial consultation will run until Friday 25 April.
 How do you use the internet?
As you know, reliable broadband and mobile connectivity are essential for both work and everyday life.
A short survey has been launched to gather feedback on broadband, mobile coverage, online access and barriers to digital across Berkshire. Your input will help shape future improvements.
Your voice can make a real difference. Together, we can help improve digital connectivity and access for everyone.
The survey is open until 12 midnight on Wednesday 16 April.
You said, we did...
 Bus service investments
We’re set to invest £1.9million into the borough’s bus services. Most of the money will be spent on making services run more often and for longer, with the rest spent on measures like improving bus stops.
These projects are being supported following feedback from hundreds of residents through Social Care Futures, talking with young people and our Local Transport Plan consultations.
There’s a host of measures being supported over the next few years, based on the feedback. This includes funding support for Winnersh Triangle Park and Ride, as well as services for Woodley, Earley and Lower Earley.
 Woodley to Reading active travel route
We’ve agreed to progress plans to create a new cycle link from Woodley’s town centre into Reading Borough at Palmer Park.
We've consulted residents several times and removed less popular aspects of the original proposals, like making part of Woodlands Avenue one-way.
Changes for the final designs include:
- Widening the road on Woodlands Avenue, between Howth Drive and Crockhamwell Road, to 5.5m
- Keeping the Woodlands Avenue laybys next to the park and green space
- The shared use path on Woodlands Avenue, between the leisure centre and Church Road, will not change as residents told us it works well
- Shared use under the railway bridge to Palmer Park entrance on Culver Lane
Have a look at the detailed plans and a summary of the route, which includes how residents views have shaped the plans through consultation.
 Covid Memorial Woodland planting days
Around 170 people took part in community planting sessions at the Covid Memorial Woodland in Finchampstead, helping to create a lasting tribute to those lost during the pandemic.
Assisted by members of our Countryside Services team, residents attended eight sessions from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 March.
They helped to plant about 1,000 trees over the four days and the woodland will have around 6,700 trees overall. There will be 17 different species, including hazel, English oak and wild cherry, with the aim of replicating existing species nearby and to help biodiversity flourish.
The 7.7-hectare plot is to the north of California Country Park and we will continue to plant the remaining trees and improve access to the site ahead of an official public opening later this year, with a view to having dedicated footpaths and signage.
Other chances to have your say
Consultations that are not run by Wokingham Borough Council but may be of interest to residents:
Loddon Garden Village
The University of Reading wants feedback on Loddon Garden Village, a strategic development location that could deliver at least 2,700 homes by 2040.
Your ideas and feedback will be important as the university evolves the proposals in preparation for outline planning applications, which will be submitted later this year.
In addition to the in-person events below, you can also submit your comments online.
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