 Plans submitted for new post-16 SEND hub
The hub will be the first of its kind in the borough and will support up to 40 young people aged 16 to 25 years old who:
- have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- are moving into Year 12 and may have faced additional barriers to education (e.g. difficult life experiences, learning needs or mental health challenges)
- need extra support to build their skills and reach their potential and to prepare for adulthood
The hub plans to offer two routes for young people who have SEND: an employability route and vocational route. Pastoral support is also available.
Improvements will be made to the building to make it more energy efficient and the interior will be redesigned to include teaching and office space, a small gym, an independent working area, a catering area and vocational subject classrooms.
A decision on planning will come later this year, with initial works on site, which are not subject to planning permission, due to start in February. If planning is approved, the new hub is expected to open in September 2026.
 Roundabout project enters new phase
Traffic can now travel in both directions under the railway bridge on Finchampstead Road in Wokingham.
We've moved to the next phase of our roundabout upgrade at the junction of Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road.
The current closure point is between Molly Millars Lane and Tangley Drive and this will be in place until mid-March.
As well as restoring access into the town centre and towards Tesco, there are new pedestrian crossings.
When the current stage of work is completed, there will be about two weeks of overnight closures to carry out the final surfacing and road marking.
 Two local students elected to represent young people
Two Year 11 students have been elected as Wokingham Borough’s new Members of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP), following a lively debate and vote earlier this month.
Jasmine Dix from The Holt School in Wokingham and Laima Dhimitri from Maiden Erlegh School in Earley were chosen by their peers and will serve for the next two years, starting in April.
The election took place in the Council Chamber at Shute End on 19 January, with candidates speaking about the issues that matter to young people.
Jasmine spoke about the need for more affordable public transport, better mental health support and more opportunities for young people.
Laima highlighted life skills in schools, accessible sustainability schemes and increased funding for youth activities.
Several other students also took part in the debate, representing schools across the borough and showcasing a range of ideas and concerns.
Jasmine and Laima are expected to spend between one and five hours a week on Youth Parliament duties. They will also lead the borough’s Youth Council, which meets monthly.
 Volunteering opportunity for 15 and 16 year olds
The Public Protection Partnership (PPP) is inviting young people to join its underage sales test purchasing programme.
The programme helps protect children and young people by checking that local businesses are following the law when selling age-restricted items such as alcohol, tobacco, vapes, knives and fireworks.
Volunteering can support college, apprenticeship or job applications and may count towards community service requirements for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and similar schemes. References can also be provided.
Test purchasing involves a young person attempting to buy an age-restricted product while supervised by trained PPP officers. Sessions take place outside school hours, are fully risk assessed and volunteers are supported at all times. Full training is provided, and participation is completely voluntary.
To find out more or apply, email the PPP or call 01635 519930.
 Doing our part to reduce road flooding
We'll be carrying out drainage improvement works at six locations next week, which will require temporary two-way traffic signals.
These works will take place on:
We get a lot of queries about flooding on roads in the winter, and much of our network depends on roadside ditches and other watercourses being properly maintained.
We do carry out targeted work at flood-prone locations, using CCTV to identify where repairs and maintenance are needed, at various points in the year.
However, we aren't responsible for every stream, ditch or other channel. Most in the borough are on private land and it's the landowner's duty to keep them clear.
It's easy to get stuck in flood water, as a driver in Charvil found out last week, so don't risk driving through it - look for an alternative route.
What you might have missed
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