 Hundreds join for memorial woodland planting
Almost 200 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 last week. 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.
 Where to go for help with rising household bills
We’ve put together a guide on where to go for help with rising household bills, with most starting from next week.
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Water bills are due to rise at least 20 per cent by suppliers covering the borough
- Average energy costs for gas and electricity are rising nine per cent compared to the same period last year
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Council Tax is going up by 4.99 per cent, an increase of £7.65 per month on last year for an average property
Read our cost of living help newsletter for full details on local rises and where to get support.
 Mother's Day Fair this weekend
Come along and have some fun at a Mother's Day Fair at California Country Park in Finchampstead this Sunday (30 March) from 10am to 3pm.
This free event is hosted by JL Events and there will be plenty of activities on the day including:
- Family photography mini shoots
- Free mini pamper treatments
- Craft stalls
- BBQ
- Children's entertainment
Whilst you're at the country park, don't forget to take a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the lake. Jackson's Café is also open for food and drink. We look forward to seeing you at the fair and would like to wish every mum a wonderful Mother's Day.
 Work set to start on Woodley cycle and walking route
We’ve agreed to progress plans to create a new cycle link from Woodley’s town centre into Reading Borough at Palmer Park.
This will be completed in phases, connecting the precinct to Palmer Park via Woodlands Avenue, Church Road, Palmerstone Road and Culver Lane.
We're planning for work to start at Palmer Park and progress towards Woodley. Have a look at the detailed plans and a summary of the route.
We’re still finalising parts of the plans with Reading Borough Council, as the route connects into its area, and will update once these details are confirmed.
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
This will be funded by the Department for Transport via Active Travel England.
 Overnight closures as M4 improvements wrap up
There'll be overnight closures and diversions on the M4, between junctions 10 (Wokingham/Bracknell) and 12 (Theale), this weekend.
From tonight (Friday), National Highways removes lane closures after installing more emergency refuge areas. Works will take place as follows:
- Friday 28 March - 9pm to 6am, westbound (towards Wales) closure
- Saturday 29 March - 9pm to 6am, eastbound (towards London) closure
- Sunday 30 March - 9pm to 6am, westbound (towards Wales) closure
- Monday 31 March - 9pm to 6am, eastbound (towards London) closure
You can see the westbound and eastbound diversion routes on a map.
Once traffic management is removed, all four lanes will be running and temporary speed limits will be lifted. All new emergency areas will be available immediately.
More than 150 emergency areas are being added to motorways across the country following the findings of a Government report. Check National Highways’ road closure report to keep up with roadworks and closures on the M4, England’s motorways and other major A roads.
What you might have missed
Here’s all our email newsletters for residents from the last week:
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