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The January Brickleton News will soon be dropping through your door. For those that prefer the digital version a copy can be downloaded here: 
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Parish Council Report for December 2019
From Councillor Clive Hooker (West Berkshire Council, Downlands Ward) West Berkshire Council This month I have attended several civic events on behalf the Chairman of West Berkshire Council. Most memorable were the Shaw House Christmas Fair, where I was pleased to welcome those who came along to see and buy craft works, clothes, cards and gifts for Christmas. Outside were kitchens providing hot drinks and food, the occasion was a great success and a big thank you to those who organised the day and decked the halls and rooms of Shaw House to make it look and feel festive for the occasion. Also, to all of those who in some cases travelled long distances with their stalls to support the event. I attended the Save the Children Carol Service in St Nicolas Church in Newbury where children from John Rankin Juniors, Enborne, Theale, Shaw-Cum-Donnington, Thatcham Park, Welford and Wickham, Stockcross, St Finian’s, St Joseph’s, The Castle and Spurcroft schools all contributed to individual and mass choir singing of carols and Christmas songs. It was a most enjoyable and moving evening. I also attended the St Finian’s School carol service at the Ridgeway in Thatcham, where the Head Teacher, Mrs Jarratt, conducted the school choir in singing and re-enacting the Christmas story, again a very enjoyable evening demonstrating the talent and commitment of the pupils in performing such a wonderful evening of song and stories. I attended a Christmas carol service at St Lawrence’s Church at the invitation of Councillor Helen Simpson, Mayor of Hungerford. We were accompanied by the Hungerford Town Band under the leadership of Tim Crouch. It was a full church of enthusiastic singers who enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies following the service. I also attended the turning on of the Christmas lights in Hungerford by the well-known singer Will Young and ably assisted by the Mayor, Councillor Helen Simpson. A large number of the residents of Hungerford turned out to greet Will and see the lights dutifully turn on when he threw the switch! I had the pleasure of chairing the West Berkshire Lottery Board meeting, when the Board considered applications from deserving and qualifying local organisations. Grants were given to eleven organisations to help continue and improve the wonderful diverse services they provide to the children and residents of our district. My apologies to all of my Parish Councils that met during December as I did not manage to make any of them due to other commitments, but I hope attend those that I can in January. Reflections on 2019 Following the 2018 Local Government Boundary Commission for England review of West Berkshire wards, the district elections last May saw a reduction in council seats from 52 to 43, and changes to the number of councillors representing wards in some parts of the district. A consequence of the reduction in elected members has been to reduce the membership on some committees, and change some advisory groups and panels. These changes, alongside the necessary representation on outside bodies, mean that all members have the opportunity to be close to the delivery of WBC services. I continue to act as Chairman the Western Area Planning Committee, Vice Chairman of the District Planning Committee and sit on the Planning Advisory Group. I also sit on the Joint Consultative Panel and Development Industry Forum. Despite the run up to the Christmas and New Year break, December has been a busy period within the Council timetable, complicated by the calling of the General Election which utilised a considerable amount of Council strategic resource. 2020 looks equally demanding with a very full forward plan. As we move towards to the second year of this session of Council, many of the 2019 Conservative Manifesto pledges are being translated into strategy consultations and delivery plans. The budget for the coming year, whilst still under pressure, has been considerably less painful to build in comparison to previous years – for the first time in a long while WBC will not have to consult externally on service reductions or changes. Rather, with announcements about additional funding for Adult and Children’s Social Care, and Education, proposed changes to the budget have avoided major public facing savings. As referenced in previous reports, with a wider political representation in the Council Chamber we have seen some vibrant exchanges and debate (you are of course very welcome to attend meetings as observers)! The environment was probably the most talked about issue in 2019 and this will also be a very significant topic going in to 2020 and beyond. The Climate Conference in October was the first stage in a series of conversations relating to the Council’s response to the declaration of a climate emergency. We can expect this conversation to continue as we will all need to play our part in delivering the route to carbon zero over the coming decades. This district, like many others also has issues of the delivering the right housing solutions for people of all ages, as well as caring for our growing elderly populations and vulnerable residents. Having said this, West Berkshire is a vibrant and economically active area within a beautiful location, with excellent transport links and very strong employment. All these things make West Berkshire a place to be proud of and we can all look forward to 2020 positively. Council MeetingAs reported last month, the next Council meetings will take place on 9 January (a special meeting to appoint honorary alderman, followed by an ordinary meeting to consider various items including the draft Minerals and Waste Local Plan (more below) and a Revised Statement of Community Involvement). Papers relating to the agenda items for the main meeting discussed further below can be found at http://decisionmaking.westberks.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=116&MId=5159&Ver=4. Honorary Alderman At the special meeting referred to above, we will be conferring the title of Honorary Alderman on some of the district’s long serving former Councillors including Paul Bryant, Keith Chopping, Adrian Edwards, Graham Jones, Anthony Stansfeld, Quentin Webb, Emma Webster and Mollie Lock. The title will also be bestowed on Pamela Bale but she is unfortunately unable to attend the meeting. Minerals and Waste Local PlanThe proposed Minerals and Waste Local Plan will be discussed at the ordinary meeting. The draft plan sets out the policies to guide minerals and waste development across the district, and includes site allocations for mineral extraction. These documents and supporting papers can be found in the Council Agenda. Plastics Recycling petitionWe will also debate a petition seeking that WBC recycles more types of plastic than currently. The background paper in the agenda pack makes interesting reading – to quote from it:
Executive meetingDue to purdah a full agenda for the Executive meeting on 19 December couldn’t be published in time for the ordinary scheduled meeting, so we had an extraordinary meeting at shorter notice (including a Part II agenda). Then an item got missed off that agenda, so we needed a second extraordinary meeting. So, we ended up having the ordinary meeting, followed by the first extraordinary meeting, then the exclusion of press and public for the Part II meeting, then everyone back for the second extraordinary meeting. All good fun! Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy At the main extraordinary Executive meeting the Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020-25 was adopted. It articulates the core priorities for the next five years with a focus on enhanced prevention and early intervention to address homelessness and rough sleeping and an increased range of housing options and even stronger partnership working (https://citizen.westberks.gov.uk/media/48320/Preventing-Homelessness-and-Rough-Sleeping-Strategy-2020-2025/pdf/Homelessness_Strategy___Delivery_Plan_v2.pdf?m=637124412041870000). Climate Change Investment Bonds We also agreed this scheme, subject to due diligence. A Community Municipal Bond (CMB) is a bond or loan mechanism issued by a Council directly to the public via a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated crowdfunding platform (WBC is considering Abundance Investment as a provider). CMBs can be used to supplement, diversify or replace sources of borrowing to fund specific infrastructure projects, or to refinance existing debt. They can also be earmarked for specific suitable projects. Although the bonds could be used to deliver a wide variety of infrastructure projects, WBC intends to prioritise projects which support its recent declaration of a climate emergency, and the Environment Strategy referred to above. Individuals (whether West Berkshire residents or not) will be able to invest from £5.00 upwards to support specific projects such as solar panels or tree planting. In return, they will receive Climate Change Bonds and a yield on their investment. This scheme has great potential and could enable the Council to take on important green projects – if our communities invest, it would provide the Council with a cheaper alternative to conventional sources of funds and reduce the overall cost of borrowing to all taxpayers across the district. Keeping the administration as simple as possible is why the Council is seeking to pilot this scheme with an outside organisation. Subject to completing due diligence on the scheme, which will be funded through the pilot by external funding, the Council hope to launch the scheme to investors in the middle of 2020. Environment Strategy consultation (from 9 January to 21 February)As reported last month, following the declaration of a climate emergency in July and the Climate Conference in the autumn, which was the next step in the public engagement process, WBC has been working on a draft Environment Strategy with input from the Environment Board and Environment Advisory Group. The draft strategy covering the period 2020-30 goes out to public consultation on 9 January and provides six weeks for responses. The consultation will be published on the Council’s website as well as being highlighted via email and through media and social media channels to those groups and individuals who are particularly engaged in the district’s consultation process. Comments on the strategy are welcomed from a wide range of respondents so please do highlight this consultation amongst residents. This is a significant consultation and the Council also intends to hold a short series of community conversations and focus groups in February before the consultation period closes. It is anticipated that, early in the new year, towns and parishes will be invited to send a delegate to discuss how Parish Councils and Town Councils can get involved in the delivery of the strategy and help motivate communities to play their part in the district working towards carbon-zero by 2030 (these groups will be held at Shaw House). Representatives from the district’s other interested parties such as our young people, environmental lobbyists, climate conference participants, residents and West Berkshire Council staff will also be invited to discuss the draft strategy in a variety of conversations held across the district. We also intend holding meetings with representatives from neighbouring Councils to engage in the wider conversation about how we can work together for the best results for our region. Adult Social Care Budget 2019/20Further to comments about the budget in the introduction, the ASC budget is currently predicting an underspend for 2019/20, which is hugely encouraging considering the relentless financial pressures on this demand led service. Although it is the single biggest Council service budget, the enhanced financial modelling is proving reliable and provides us with useful data to help predict the spending requirement for service users in both the immediate and mid to longer terms. Having said this, to highlight how a very small change in numbers can have a massive effect on the end result, after much argument five ASC clients are now having their needs paid for by the NHS through the Continuing Health Care system with a total saving to the ASC budget of £0.6m. To put this into perspective, £0.6m is approximate to a 0.5% increase on council tax. Housing in West BerkshireWBC’s commitment is to make sure that there are homes available in West Berkshire for all stages of our resident’s lives. The focus will continue to be on the delivery of affordable housing in the district and is carried through to the new Council Strategy 2019-23 ‘Building on Our Strengths.’ One of the six priorities for improvement in the strategy relates to housing to ‘Develop local infrastructure, including housing, to support and grow the local economy.’ Additionally, the West Berkshire Vision 2036, specifically commits to delivering a West Berkshire Housing mix with something for everyone. Items of note include:
There are a number of consultations and delivery plans coming forward in the next quarter which you may wish to respond to:
Other news London Road Industrial Estate (LRIE) Regeneration of the London Road Industrial Estate in Newbury is a long held ambition and important project for the Council which will introduce a new northern gateway into the town by delivering new amenities and improving the vicinity. Consultants, Avison Young were appointed just before the Christmas break to produce a new development brief and masterplan for the area. Subject to contracts being signed, the consultants will begin work on the masterplan in the coming weeks. In coming up with a new masterplan Avison Young will meet with key stakeholders locally to help inform their report. Proposals will seek to both make best use of the area for the town and ensure on behalf of residents to maximise the Council’s financial position as a landowner. The work will set out key details about future development including the principles for redevelopment, planning policy and how the land might be used. The masterplan will guide all development within the regeneration area and not just on land owned by West Berkshire Council. The brief and associated work will take around five months to complete in draft form. Once received, the Council will review the options and then over the next six months or so agree the type and number of partnerships the Council might wish to enter into to progress with regeneration of the area. Thirty year transport strategy consultation People and businesses in West Berkshire are being urged to have their say on a proposed thirty-year transport strategy for the South East which aims to improve journeys, boost the economy and protect the environment. The strategy outlines how, with the right investment in our region’s transport network, the South East's economy will more than double by 2050 to between £450bn and £500bn per year – creating an additional 500,000 jobs, boosting quality of life and access to opportunities for all and helping cut the South East’s carbon emissions to net-zero. It has been produced by Transport for the South East, a unique partnership bringing together local authorities, business leaders and transport organisations to speak with one voice on our region’s transport priorities. A major focus of the strategy is reducing the region’s reliance on private cars to reduce congestion, cut carbon emissions and improve air quality. Today, cars account for 70% of all journeys in the South East compared to just 4% by rail and 5% by bus. It also highlights how better transport links can support economic growth around our key international gateways, such as Port of Southampton, which are vital to the local, regional and national economy. To read the draft transport strategy and take part in the consultation, go to tfse.org.uk/transport-strategy. The deadline for responses is Friday, 10 January 2020. The final transport strategy is due for publication in April 2020, with a strategic investment plan planned for publication in 2021. Peer Challenge Review The Challenge is overseen by the Local Government Association who bring a senior team of officers and Members together from around the country for a week. We had quite a large team come to Newbury, led by the Chief Executive of Southend on Sea Council. She was supported by the Leader of Shropshire Council and the Deputy Leader of Cornwall Council. The team was further supported by a number of other senior officers from around the country each with particular specialisms. The initial feedback has been very encouraging and we will get the full report in the New Year along with a number of recommendations. In the meantime here is a flavour of what they reported back to us before they left:
The underlying message was 'we are good and should be more proud of it.' PodA great new learning space known as the 'Pod' will create six additional places for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disabilities at the Intervention iCollege in Newbury. Children who have and an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) for Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties will benefit from these extra places. They will be able to access support more promptly and within their local area. It will also benefit children who will remain with the iCollege as it will assist with the transition between primary and secondary school. The West Berkshire Council project to create the Pod cost almost £208,000 and was funded by a Government grant. Highwood Copse School Following the collapse of builder Dawnus in to administration earlier in the year, the contract was reissued to local firm Feltham Construction. As a result of the delay caused by this, rectification work needed to restart the build due to weather damage and some defective work issues, the cost of building the new school has increased by £1.7m. The additional money is coming from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a contribution paid by local developers to deliver improvements in our communities. The build is progressing well and is planned for completion in summer 2020 and will welcome up to 30 Reception pupils, with a new intake each year and all year groups in place by 2026. Parents and children interested in attending the school will have the opportunity to visit the site and watch the building evolve; entering the completed school as founder members in September 2020. M4 junctions 3 to 12 smart motorway There are two full weekend closures of the M4 coming up early in the new year, between junctions 6 and 8/9 over the weekend of 17-20 January 2020 and between junctions 4b and 5 over the weekend of 14-17 February 2020. You can find out more in the attached bulletin, or at websites: http://www.highwaysengland.co.uk/m4j3to12 and https://m4j3to12smartmotorway.commonplace.is Royal Berkshire NHS Trust – Governor Elections The Royal Berkshire NHS Trust has announced elections for Public Governors, including two for West Berkshire & Borders, one to July 2021 and the other to July 2022. Nominations close at 17:00 on 16 January 2020 and information for prospective applicants and the nomination forms are/will be available on the Trust website - https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/open-elections.htm. I wish you all a very happy New Year and look forward to meeting with you at your various Parish Council meetings throughout the year ahead. Clive Hooker Councillor Downlands Ward West Berkshire Council Press Release West Berkshire Council - 9th January 2020
West Berkshire Council has developed a draft Environment Strategy in response to its declaration of a Climate Emergency in July 2019. The draft Strategy details the different ways the Council, with the help of the local community and businesses, can contribute towards tackling the climate crisis and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The Council will lead by ensuring it is doing all it can within its own operation, and continue the initiatives we have already committed to making a start on since last year. These initiatives will make a positive contribution to protecting and preserving our natural environment as well as assisting us to become carbon neutral by 2030. These include:
Steve Ardagh-Walter, Executive Member for the Environment for West Berkshire Council, said: “The Environment Strategy is a significant focus for us and while we want to lead on this important issue, we know the Council cannot deliver this strategy alone: everyone across West Berkshire has a role to play. “The changes we can make will vary in size but all are important as we work towards our shared aspiration. The publication of this strategy, we hope, will act as a catalyst to residents, businesses and interested groups that we all need to adjust our own priorities and behaviours if we are to rise to the challenge that climate change presents to us all. Please therefore read the strategy, respond to the consultation and, crucially think about what action you can take to make its aims a reality.” The climate presents us all with a challenge that we must meet to secure a safer, greener environment for the generations that follow us. We recognise the Council needs to engage more with the local community, schools, town and parish councils, local environment groups and the business community. We will be holding various focus groups and drop-in sessions across the district in local libraries during February - more information will be announced on the website soon. The consultation on the strategy will begin on Thursday 9 January 2020 and will be open for 6 weeks from this date, closing on 21 February 2020. To read the strategy and take part in the consultation, please visit our website: www.westberks.gov.uk/draftenvironmentstrategy. The Brightwalton Quizmasters invite you to challenge your general knowledge in a
wide-ranging, fun quiz. Friday, 24 January 2020 7.00pm arrive for a 7.30pm start at Brightwalton Village Hall Come as a team of eight, or come along and make up a team Everyone welcome Prizes for the winners Bring your own picnic supper Tickets: £10 per person which includes a welcome drink This event is held in aid of the Aspire project, which is working to develop the church building for greater and more varied use by the community RSVP Please reserve your place by replying to dgmsjudge@gmail.com On a cold winters evening in December, a handful of hardy souls gathered at the village hall for an evening of carol singing around the village.
Judith Orpen led the band of enthusiastic singers to Butts Furlong, Dunmore Meadow and along Ash Close to Saxon Acre and then ending up for some much-needed refreshment at the Halls Craggs, who go kindly and generously hosted us for some mulled wine and mince pies. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised over £120 on the night, split between the Two Saints Homeless Charity in Newbury and the Brightwalton Aspire Project (this portion will be match funded thanks to the generous matching grant from Greenham Trust). Our thanks to everyone that came and took part as well as everyone who kindly made such a generous donation. West Berkshire Council Press Release - 17th December 2019
Residents urged to have say on ‘transformational’ 30 year transport strategy People and businesses in West Berkshire are being urged to have their say on a proposed thirty-year transport strategy for the South East which aims to improve journeys, boost the economy and protect the environment. The strategy outlines how, with the right investment in our region’s transport network, the South East's economy will more than double by 2050 to between £450bn and £500bn per year – creating an additional 500,000 jobs, boosting quality of life and access to opportunities for all and helping cut the South East’s carbon emissions to net-zero. It has been produced by Transport for the South East, a unique partnership bringing together local authorities, business leaders and transport organisations to speak with one voice on our region’s transport priorities. A major focus of the strategy is reducing the region’s reliance on private cars to reduce congestion, cut carbon emissions and improve air quality. Today, cars account for 70% of all journeys in the South East compared to just 4% by rail and 5% by bus. It also highlights how better transport links can support economic growth around our key international gateways, such as Port of Southampton, which are vital to the local, regional and national economy. To do this, the strategy sets out a thirty-year framework to guide decisions about where, when and how money is invested in the South East’s transport network, along with a range of schemes and initiatives to make sustainable travel easier and more attractive to people and businesses. These could include better and faster rail journeys, improved links to ports and airports, a real-terms freeze on rail fares, cheaper off-peak fares and extra funding to protect and enhance vital bus services. Richard Somner, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Highways and Transport said: I’m pleased that this strategy has been created with sustainability at its heart. By putting both people and the planet to the fore and prioritising public transport, we can vastly increase the chances of reducing congestion, cutting emissions and boosting our air quality. I urge everyone to take a look and have their say on this forward thinking strategy.” Charles Eales, Co-Chairman of the Berkshire Strategic Transport Forum added, “This draft strategy advocates a vision for the South East’s transport system that creates great places – a sustainable, inclusive and accessible transport system which promotes prosperity, health and fairness for residents and commuters. This links closely to the themes outlined in our emerging Local Industrial Strategy and our current call for infrastructure bids.” The draft transport strategy identifies priorities for future investment by looking at the challenges people and businesses will face in moving around the region and the opportunities these present to support sustainable economic growth. These include a range specific schemes as well as wider policies and initiatives. For example, the strategy argues for greater use of new and emerging technology such as connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) to boost connectivity. It makes the case for policy changes to enable more joined up planning, particularly between transport and housing, to help reduce the need to travel and build more sustainable communities. And the strategy also recognises that tough decisions will need to be made about how, not if, we manage demand on the busiest parts of our transport networks. The final transport strategy is due for publication in April 2020, with a strategic investment plan planned for publication in 2021. This will provide a prioritised, costed and deliverable list of schemes, initiatives and policies to start turning the South East’s vision into reality. Have your say To read the draft transport strategy and take part in the consultation, go to tfse.org.uk/transport-strategy. The deadline for responses is Friday, 10 January 2020. It is worth noting that West Berkshire Council has this year published a ‘Second Consolidated Definitive Map and Statement’ of public rights of way. This supercedes the ‘First Consolidated Definitive Map and Statement’ that was published in the year 2000.
The Definitive Map and Statement are the legal paper record of recognized public rights of way. The new version incorporates all legal changes to the public rights of way record that took place between the year 2000 and 2019. In practice, West Berkshire Council has kept an electronic record of public rights of way available online for many years (https://gis1.westberks.gov.uk/ApplicationTemplates/OnlineMap/?vln=PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY). This online map is, in effect, a working copy of the Definitive Map & Statement information that is continually updated with all public rights of way diversions, extinguishments, creations and modifications. It will continue to be available online, and will be updated with all legal changes as they occur. It is the simplest way of viewing the current record of public rights of way. The new version of the paper Definitive Map & Statement does not alter what public rights of way do, or do not, exist, or which public rights of way are, or are not, legally recorded. It is a means of ensuring that the legal paper record reflects all the changes that took place between 2000 and 2019, and is shown on an up-to-date map background. For further information, please see the West Berkshire Council Definitive Map webpage: https://info.westberks.gov.uk/article/28884 The winter edition of the West Berkshire Countryside Society Upstream magazine is available to download here. This edition includes articles on veteran trees, volunteering and the walking programme.
Your November Brickleton News should be landing on your doorstep very soon, however if you cannot wait you can download it here:
Carols by Candlelight at Catmore
We are pleased to announce that due to the overwhelming success of the Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve service at St Margaret’s Church in Catmore, Rev Miriam Keen will offer two services this year. The two services will give as many people as possible the opportunity to enjoy this magical start to Christmas Eve that has become a significant event in our calendar due the ongoing commitment of David and Carolyn Gardiner. Services will be held at 2pm and 3.30pm and tickets need to be booked via: visitchurches.org.uk/Christmas. Everyone attending will need to bring proof of booking. If you are unable to book online please contact the Churches Conservation Trust on 01179291766 or email: west@thecct.org.uk. Parish Council Report for period to 31 October 2019
Cllr Clive Hooker (West Berkshire Council, Downlands Ward) West Berkshire Council Introduction Firstly my apologies for not getting out my report to you last month mainly due to a busy period with both Council business and Ward issues. I was very pleased to see many of my Parish Councillors at the District Parish Council Conference on 22nd October. The feedback I have received so far is that it was an informative and useful evening. I was fortunate as the Council’s Vice Chairman to open West Berkshire Councils first Climate Change Conference which was held at Newbury College on the 28th October and introduce our local MP, The Rt Hon Richard Benyon, and invite him to give the opening address. I then had much pleasure in introducing the keynote speaker Tom Heap, well known for his appearances on BBC Countryfile. Tom gave a passionate presentation on the Challenges of Climate Change for West Berkshire. I cover more of the Conference in my report below with a link for more details and Tom Heap’s address to the Conference. I look forward to meeting you should you wish to discuss any matters with me during my attendances at your Parish Council Meetings or contacting me on my email address: clive.hooker@westberks.gov.uk Please contact your Parish Clerk to confirm I will be in attendance as some Parish Council meetings may coincide with other Council commitments on that evening. Budget for 2020/2021The spending announcement from HMG last month (the one year Spending Review for 2020/21) included proposals for funding social care to include additional grant funding and the option for councils to levy an Adult Social Care precept at 2%. Favourable announcements were also made on the continuation of New Homes Bonus and on special educational needs funding. Unfortunately, WBC will no longer be a Business Rates Pilot authority for 2020/21 which means we will forego around £1.5m that we are benefiting from this year. At the start of the year we decided that we would divide our savings programme for 2020/21 into two phases. Phase 1 (£4m of savings) was seen as likely to be required given our financial forecasting at the time. Phase 2 (£3m of savings) would hopefully not be required but this all depended on how the Government decided to respond to the financial challenges in social care and across the sector. Work to identify the savings needed to meet Phase 1 is virtually complete, plus the latest financial modelling suggests that demand for Adult Social Care next year may not be quite as high as we initially thought (although we will need to keep this under review). So, whilst we await the detail in the Local Government Financial Settlement for next year (which usually arrives around Christmas), our position is currently looking more positive than it has often appeared at this time in earlier years. Officers are currently finalising the Council Strategy Delivery Plan alongside the Executive and through that we are identifying the additional resources we will need to realise our ambitions for the next four years. Community Champion AwardsThe nominations for the Community Champion Awards closed on 25 October. There will be a celebration at Shaw House in December to recognise the achievements of the winners. https://info.westberks.gov.uk/communitychampion Climate Conference The first West Berkshire Climate Conference took place on Monday 28 October. The day was well attended with over 300 people from across the district coming to find out more about the challenge of climate change for West Berkshire. We were joined by some neighbouring local authorities which is very encouraging as we shall all need to play our part if we are to reach our carbon zero target. Feedback of those that attended is currently being analysed to help inform next steps. If you didn’t make it to the Conference you can watch Tom Heap’s address here. https://info.westberks.gov.uk/climateconference Consultations Sports and Leisure Centre Satisfaction Survey 2019The Council is carrying out a survey of West Berkshire leisure centre users to find out how our centres are performing, and to identify areas for potential improvement. Centre users aged 11 years or over, who use the centres to take part in an activity, watch an activity, use another service (e.g. onsite café or business service) or attend a non-sporting activity (e.g. a party or meeting) are encouraged to give feedback. The survey should only take 15 minutes to complete, and responses will be used to help develop better leisure services and to guide future investments. All completed surveys, where participants have provided their contact details, will be entered into a draw to win a free year's membership to our leisure centres. https://info.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=36354 Environment Strategy The draft environment strategy is being developed following the Climate Conference and will go out for public consultation shortly. Market Street Road Closure Market Street in Newbury is set to close for up to five weeks from Monday 28 October. The closure will enable important infrastructure work required as part of the multi-million pound regeneration of the Market Street area. One of the first tasks required is to install a new sewer to serve the 200 new homes, and businesses, coming to the site. West Berkshire Council has granted a work permit to Cappagh to install the sewer and as a result the road will be closed between Mayors Lane and West Berkshire Council offices from Monday 28th October and around 1 December. Motorists are asked to avoid the area if possible or allow extra time for their journeys. The diversion routes are available to view online (Market Street Closure) and are as follows: Clockwise:
Motorists should note that access to Northbrook Street will be subject to current restrictions (closed 10am to 5pm), access to the Kennet Centre car park will be via Bartholomew Street and exit onto Market Street, and access to the Kennet Centre service ramp will be available 24/7. The road closure will affect Kennections services coming into Newbury town centre from the south of Newbury. Kennections 2 and 3 will be diverted over this period and Kennections 4 and 6 will not serve Newbury Railway Station for the duration. Detailed information and updates about this closure can be found here - www.westberks.gov.uk/transportchanges. Information will also be posted on affected bus stops around Newbury Town Centre and on social media. Services operated by other bus companies will be making their own arrangements so contact the operator directly. M4 Smart Motorway project The M4 will be closed between junctions 6 and 8/9 over the weekends of 15-18 November and 29 November-2 December for the demolition of bridges and associated works. Dunston Park Flood prevention scheme Work started at Dunston Park and South East Thatcham in March this year. Both schemes are part of the comprehensive programme of flood defence work outlined in the council's Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) for Thatcham, which was developed in partnership with the Environment Agency, Thatcham Town Council and Thames Water, in response to the severe flooding on 20 July 2007. The reservoirs at Dunston Park and South East Thatcham form part of a flood defence strategy that already includes reservoirs at Cold Ash Hill and Tull Way. They will have storage capacities of 36,600 m3 and 14,200 m3 and will benefit 512 and 61 properties respectively. https://info.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=36488 The South East Thatcham Flood Alleviation Scheme Blog https://info.westberks.gov.uk/sethatchamfas New bins help people to Recycle 'on the go' in Newbury We've teamed up with our waste contractor Veolia to install eight new recycling litter bins in Newbury town centre to help people to recycle on the go! Residents and visitors to Newbury will now be able to recycle their plastic bottles and cans easily which will boost the districts recycling rate. The new recycling bins will be branded green so that they are easily recognisable for recycling rather than normal litter bins. To be recycled on the go, plastic bottles and cans must be completely empty before they go into the recycling bins. They are for plastic bottles and cans as drink containers are frequently bought and discarded within the town centre and train station area. Paper is not discarded in volume at these locations and items such as sandwich packets are not suitable for recycling due to the lining of the packet and food contamination. The new bins can be found at The Broadway, Park Way, Cheap Street, Northbrook Street, Market Place, Station Road. Wharf Road and (following completion of roadworks) Bear Lane, Newbury. Council announces new plastic waste recycling trialA selection of harder-to-recycle waste materials such as sweet and crisp wrappers, and small plastic toys will soon be collected for recycling at some of West Berkshire Council’s buildings as part of a new trial scheme. The Council has teamed up with Veolia, its waste management services partner, to offer new recycling points for materials which are harder for residents to recycle. Recycling boxes will be available at the following locations in Newbury during the trial period: Sweet wrappers: Market Street Council Offices Reception; West Street Council Offices Reception: Northcroft Leisure Centre; and Newbury Library; Plastic toys: Market Street Council Offices Reception; West Street Council Offices Reception; Northcroft Leisure Centre; and Newbury Library; and Toiletries containers: changing rooms for cyclists/joggers in the Market Street Council Offices (these facilities are available to Councillors and staff only). Initially ten boxes will be available and once these have been successfully trialled, the Council will consider whether to continue with the scheme and potentially roll it out to more locations within the district or increase the scope of the materials which are collected. This scheme is part of Veolia’s Procycle service, which has recently been launched. West Berkshire Council has supported the development of a pioneering smartphone appIn a joint venture with award-winning transport safety consultancy, Agilysis Ltd, West Berkshire Council has supported the development of a pioneering smartphone app that uses geolocation technology to give reassurance to parents/ guardians and security to children for their local unaccompanied journeys. In recent years, the Traffic and Road Safety team at West Berkshire Council has been considering the potential for developing technology solutions that support parents and young people who want to confidently pursue independent and active travel, such as walking and cycling. Not only does this App give parents greater confidence, we hope that it will encourage them to let children walk to school rather than being driven and contribute to a more environmentally sustainable solution for young people getting to school than relying on carbon emitting vehicles. The new RouteGuardapp will be available to download from Apple and Google Play stores. As the RouteGuardian, parents will be able to plan, monitor, and adjust routes and pre-defined zones encouraging mutual agreement with their child. Flu jabPeople in eligible NHS groups are strongly encouraged to get their free NHS flu vaccine via their GP or chemist. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/ More West Berkshire Blogshttp://info.westberks.gov.uk/blogs Meet the Buyer Event - Tuesday 26 November
West Berkshire Council is holding a special Meet the Buyer event on Tuesday 26 November 2019 at Shaw House, Newbury from 9.30am until midday. We’re looking for building contractors, consultants, suppliers and tradesmen to work locally on projects in West Berkshire that directly benefit our communities. This event is a unique opportunity to meet West Berkshire Council’s Property team who are responsible for employing contractors to work on West Berkshire’s Education Capital Maintenance programme. The annual Capital Maintenance Programme averages £2.5 million over up to 60 projects, many of which are relatively small and would often need to be completed within school holiday periods. Richard Turner, Service Manager at West Berkshire Council said: “We’re looking for local suppliers (existing and new) to deliver projects locally to maintain and improve our schools. “This is a great chance to work closely with the local community, boost the local economy and create lasting legacy and pride by building and maintaining great learning spaces across West Berkshire.” Book a place at Meet the Buyer at www.westberks.gov.uk/meetthebuyer Stuart Breadmore commented - "as many of you in the parish have thought and still think of the the people in our armed forces, I myself have served and have lost friends in conflict. So it is with much disgust that fireworks have been let off in the village tonight - it feels distasteful and inconsiderate." posted 10th November 2019
West Berkshire Volunteer Centre have asked us to circulate information throughout the parishes on the local Handybus Service - "The Handybus offers elderly and mobility impaired neighbours the opportunity to access convenient, door-to-door transport for social activities, supermarket visits and wellness activities. They also operate day trips regularly throughout the year for Over 50s in the area, and the service is available for hire if you are a local organisation or group, at very reasonable prices. All their drivers are compassionate, friendly people with a real passion for assisting their local community. Handybus are currently looking for Volunteer Drivers. These kind hearted souls are the very backbone of the organisation and are vital to its continued success. I would like to request that you spread the word of Handybus to potential service users and potential volunteers. Should you have any questions or queries, I am available at the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire office from Monday- Thursday, 9am – 1pm." If you would be interested in volunteering or would like to know more about using the service yourself, please contact Alison at Handybus Desk Volunteer Centre West Berkshire 1 Bolton Place, Newbury, RG14 1AJ Telephone - 01635 37111 http://www.volunteerwestberks.org.uk/
From Michel Hedges-Jackson, West Downland Benefice Administrator This year please add to your remembering a special date, the 24th November. That day the Bishop of Oxford will be joining us in West Downland Benefice, enjoying informal and formal services and a lunch. Please make a note in your diary as this is a very exciting opportunity for us to share with Bishop Stephen the realities of rural church life, both celebrating the joys and demonstrating the challenges. If you would like to join us for lunch please let Mike know by 9am Wednesday 20th November - email mikehj.westdownland@gmail.com Additionally, please find below the blue sheet of Services Rota and events in November, which includes details of the Festival Choir practices for the United Benefice Carol Service on 22nd December.
Please join us at the Village Hall from 10am this Sunday - 20th October - for the annual village working party. Please bring what tools you have available.
Refreshments and lunch for the workers Thank you You can download the September edition of the Brickleton News here
You may have already seen the flyers around the village for our big fundraiser. We managed to raise a fabulous £5,000 last year from ticket sales, donations and various match funding. This amount made a real difference to our school, enabling the construction of the Wellbeing Garden and it is also shared with the Church’s ASPIRE project. The stunning route is about 5km, part of which goes through the privately owned Woolley Estate. There is a shorter walk for those with younger children, a nature trail and odd sweet treat en-route. There will be a BBQ and refreshments at the village hall pre and post walk. The walk will start from the village hall from 10.30 to 11.00. Tickets are £5.00 per person or £15 for a family ticket. Please contact Miranda at mikeandmiranda@hotmail.com If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation, you can make a BACS payments via the Brightwalton Friends Account: - Lloyds TSB – A/C 63857860 – Sort Code: 77-95-05. Please quote Walk We look forward to meeting as many people as possible and thank you in advance for your support. Do spread the word and help us make this the memorable event of October. Happy Walking Miranda mikeandmiranda@hotmail.com  Annual Working Party – Sunday 20th October 10am at the Village Hall
We are keen to see some new faces along with the regular supporters for the Annual Village Working Party on Sunday 20th October from 10am. Even if you can only spare an hour, please join us and take pride in the village in which we share. It is a family occasion where all help is welcome, with refreshments, cake and hot dogs for all the workers. Tasks include hedge cutting, weeding, sweeping and general tidying at the War Memorial, Dunmore Pond and Playground. Please bring what tools you have available. Tasks can be found for all abilities! We look forward to seeing you there – thank you Brightwalton Parish Council Reporting Speeding Traffic
The Parish Council has been made aware of this link on the West Berkshire Council website where anyone can report speeding vehicles. West Berkshire Council do not have the powers to enforce speed, so all incidents involving excess speed should be reported to the Police as normal too, but this does record the frequency and provide the evidence needed to engage the District Council and Thames Valley Police for problematic areas. The web address is: www.westberks.gov.uk/speedingtraffic The Autumn issue of Upstream can be downloaded here:
West Berkshire Climate Conference - Tickets available on 16 September
West Berkshire Council will host a Climate Conference on Monday 28 October at Newbury College from 10am until 4pm. The event has been organised by West Berkshire Council following its declaration of a climate emergency last month. It's one of the first initiatives to come from a new Environment Board established by the Council which will create a new Environment Strategy and coordinate and oversee environmental projects to help work towards carbon neutrality in West Berkshire by 2030. The conference also supports the Council's priority to maintain a green district as set out in the new West Berkshire Council Strategy 2019-23. It will look at how residents, communities, organisations and the council can help tackle the climate crisis and will be opened by Richard Benyon MP for Newbury, former Parliamentary Secretary at the Department of Environment and Wildlife Minister (DEFRA). The Keynote speaker is Tom Heap, the Rural Affairs Correspondent of BBC News. The television and radio reporter and presenter is best known for his contributions to the BBC One programme Countryfile, the Panorama programme, and the BBC Radio 4 programme Costing the Earth. Tom will be speaking specifically around the challenges facing West Berkshire. There will be break-out sessions covering the Science of Climate Change, Climate and Land use, Sustainable Transport, Renewable Energy, Green District, Circular Economy and Waste and more. There will also be an exhibition and a chance to shop with some of West Berkshire's eco-friendly businesses. A number of speaker led session and information exchanges will take place throughout the day. West Berkshire residents are invited to attend the conference by booking admission in advance but numbers will be limited to four tickets per application. Tickets will be available from noon on Monday 16 September on our West Berkshire Climate Conference - Tickets page. Speaking about the conference, Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter, West Berkshire's Executive Member for the Environment said: "We're excited to be hosting this event, which will bring together academics, industry figures, local organisations and residents to discuss how we can tackle the climate crisis here in West Berkshire. "Climate change is an important issue that affects us all and about which our community feels very passionately. For this reason, we feel that the conference will be a great opportunity for local people to be involved with our work and to contribute their views, ideas and experiences as we look at shared solutions we can adopt in the district. “We have an impressive line-up of speakers for the day and a great chance for everyone to join together to enable real change. I would encourage people to book their places as soon as possible." Steve Masters, Councillor for Newbury Speen said: "I welcome the conference and would encourage members of the public to attend. The challenges we face locally and internationally are grave and only through wider understanding and action can we move forward. "If we as a council are to take the public with us on this journey we must engage in a two way dialogue. Communication is vital and this conference not only allows the council to speak to the residents of West Berkshire but also offers an opportunity for residents to speak directly to the council. As a council we must first listen and then act." Adrian Abbs, Shadow Environment Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats seconded the motion to declare a climate emergency. He said: “The conference is an essential step in what needs to be a rapid program of both near term tactical steps and the setting of a strategy that will have implications across West Berkshire for the coming decade. “To achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, it is essential to engage the public and business and I want to encourage as much participation in this event as possible.” More information about the conference will be published in the coming weeks on our website at www.westberks.gov.uk/climateconference and on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Cllr Clive Hooker (West Berkshire Council, Downlands Ward)
Report for period to 31 August 2019 PC Andrew Harper I am sure that everyone, like me, was shocked and saddened by the death of PC Harper when responding to a report of a burglary near to Sulhamstead earlier in the month. The matters are now part of a criminal investigation and I cannot add any additional comment. West Berkshire Council along with many other organisations observed a minutes silence and the flag at our Market Street office was lowered to half-mast. There is a book of condolence in the Council reception area for anyone wishing to sign. West Berkshire Council has a good working relationship with Thames Valley Police and this has continued through this difficult time. West Berkshire Council August is generally a quiet month whilst many holidays are taken and there were no significant public meetings of the Executive or Council. During the month as Chairman of the Western Area Planning Committee, I attended residential sites with other Committee members to better acquaint ourselves with applications to be presented at the Western Area Planning Committee for decision. I also sat on one District Planning Committee meeting. As usual my inbox has been busy, most of the issues I have addressed and have been resolved. The next Council meeting will be held on Thursday 12 September at 7pm in the Council Chamber. Four Houses Corner Four Houses Corner is a WBC run gypsy and travellers’ site located on the boundary between Burghfield and Mortimer in the south east of the district. It has featured in the investigations by TVP following the death of PC Harper. As you will no doubt be aware, WBC has a statutory duty to provide sites within the district for gypsy and travelling families. The portfolio holder for Housing is meeting fortnightly with TVP, assessing the difficult relationship which continues with the residents at Four Houses Corner and various authorities. The situation is kept carefully monitored. There remain half a dozen or so occupied properties, however some residents have over a period of time been found alternative accommodation. It is intended that in due course the site will be cleared, cleaned and refurbished. Planning permission granted to Newbury College Plans to establish the University Centre at Newbury (UCN) took a significant step forward with the recent granting of planning permission for the multi-million pound development. The Centre will provide degrees and other higher level qualifications in the key sectors of digital technology, business and finance, engineering, health and social care and construction. The original timescales for the completion of the building have been extended to focus on the state-of-the-art digital facilities and achieve the demanding zero-carbon standard; constructing the first public building in West Berkshire to achieve this new level in sustainability. A Level results The results for this year’s A levels were announced on 15 August. 2,478 A Level entries between them more than a fifth of results (22%) were either grade A* or A and 71% results were grade C or above. Many congratulations to all (and to their parents!). GCSE results Picking up their results on 22 August was the culmination of two years of hard work by more than 1,700 students and the school staff. West Berkshire secondary schools have performed above the national average in all key measures. In English, the pass rate is provisionally 14% above national, and 16% above in higher grades, and in Mathematics the results exceeded the national average by 11%. In two schools, combined English and Maths results improved by five or more percentage points from 2018. Updated Local List of Heritage Assets Following a six-week public consultation period, which ended on 22 August 2019, a further six heritage assets were added to the Local List of Heritage Assets. Detailed information can be found on the link https://info.westberks.gov.uk/locallist West Berkshire Climate Conference The West Berkshire Climate Conference will explore different ways residents, businesses, local organisations and the Council in West Berkshire can help tackle the climate crisis. The free conference will be held on Monday 28 October at Newbury College. Tickets will go on release on 16 September via the Council’s website. More information about the conference will be published in the coming weeks on our website, on our Facebook page and our Twitter page. Thames Valley Berkshire Smart City Cluster project funding WBC has awarded Berkshire-based company Thingitude a grant of £100k from the Thames Valley Berkshire Smart City Cluster project (funded by Thames Valley Berkshire LEP) to deliver an innovative real world trial until next February, to address the issues and impacts that slips, trips and falls have on the elderly, help them to look after themselves better and provide valuable information to help with care planning. The award is one of four to be made in the first round of competitive calls and gives WBC the opportunity and innovation to work directly with local businesses to improve services for our residents - preventing falls among our most vulnerable residents and, more widely, providing excellent adult social care are among our top priorities as a council and this ground-breaking project is enabling us to do that. Local Matters - New train timetable West Berkshire Council welcomes the announcement by Great Western Railway (GWR) that there will be a new timetable serving the Thames Valley from December 2019. On the popular Reading to Newbury route, passengers will benefit from an increase to three trains an hour, journey time improvements of around five minutes, and a more consistent service throughout the day with up to two fast services an hour running through to London Paddington. There will also be a third train each hour during peak periods on the Reading to Basingstoke line improving links to Mortimer Station. With improved links, more seats and faster and more frequent journeys from West Berkshire stations to popular destinations like Reading and London, residents and businesses can celebrate these upcoming changes. You can download your July edition of the Brickleton News here:
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AuthorThis is written by the Parish Clerk with input from the village. Planning ApplicationsClick here to find out more about the planning process and to view all the current planning applications in Brightwalton. Archives
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