Welcome to Brightwalton News

As you might have seen in your Brickleton News, the Terepin family have kindly put together a walking route with map around Brightwalton and Leckhampstead incorporating Oak Ash and Spray Wood. We have uploaded the full route with map and photos on the walking page which can be found here.

West Berkshire Council Press Release 13/01/2021
Garden and Food Waste Collections Temporarily Suspended
Like many other local authorities across the country, we are facing a difficult January with significantly increased volumes of waste after the Christmas holiday period and a number of collection crews self-isolating. This has impacted parts of our waste collection services meaning we have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend garden and food waste collections to prioritise rubbish and recycling.
The garden waste collection service will be suspended from Monday 18 to Friday 29 January 2021. We are asking residents whose garden waste is due for collection on or after 18 January 2021 to not put their green garden waste bin out until service can be resumed again from 1 February 2021. This change will also affect food waste collections because they are collected at the same time as garden waste.
Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter, Executive Member for the Environment at West Berkshire Council, said:
“We have received tremendous support from West Berkshire residents over the past few weeks and I want to thank everyone for their understanding during this challenging time.
“We have not taken this decision lightly to put garden and food waste collections on hold and understand that some residents may be disappointed by this service disruption.
“Our aim is that all waste collection services will be able to continue as normal once the service is reinstated by the end of January. Our contractor’s collection crews have continued to work hard throughout, keeping our waste services running and we would like to thank them for doing a great job.”
At the close of play on Tuesday 12 January, about 5,300 recycling collections (equivalent to just under 8% of households) remained outstanding. The collection of other waste types including general refuse is being completed without any significant disruptions at this time.
If your rubbish (black bin) or recycling (boxes and bags) is not collected as expected, please continue to leave it out and we will collect it as soon as possible.
We are grateful to residents for their continued patience. We are asking residents to kindly avoid calling our Customer Services colleagues, unless necessary, because they are very busy helping various residents with other urgent queries at this time.
You can find out more information on the garden waste service from Council’s website. Our household waste recycling centres are still open for essential visits but you need to book an appointment.

Have your say...
West Berkshire Council has appointed a multi-disciplinary team to undertake a major new study into the future uses of Newbury Town Centre. Led by HemingwayDesign, the team includes New Masterplanning, GL Hearn and Urban Movement.
The study will include extensive engagement with the local community, a detailed analysis of the town's needs, and a masterplan. It will be developed over the next nine months and will outline how the town centre can evolve in the future. It forms a key part of the Council's robust response to the pandemic and will have a unique role to play for businesses, residents and other stakeholders.
The study begins with an online survey which is open until midnight on Sunday, 31 January 2021.

Currently more town centre residents have taken part, it is just as important that the surrounding villages have their say too. If you can spare the time to take part please follow the link below:
Take part in this consultation

The Downland Practice have provided the following update today regarding vaccinations:

COVID-19 Vaccination UpdateDear Patients,
The GP Partners have agreed to sign up to the COVID-19 Vaccination, this decision was taken on the 21 December 2021.  This vaccination programme is likely to be rolled out in January 2021, the location of the vaccination centre is still to be confirmed but it is looking like this will be a central Newbury facility that is able to handle large numbers of patients for vaccination.  The practice staff will all be involved in this process and on the days when there are vaccination clinics for practice patient’s, the surgery will have a reduced capacity for routine appointments.  Depending on the timescales and notice that the surgery is given for vaccination clinic, this may impact some routine clinics being cancelled and rebooked.  These dates will be made available on the website.
The practice staff are now getting prepared to deliver the COVID-19 Vaccination, this includes ensuring the people eligible for vaccination are notified and know where to go and at what time.  There are still a lot of unknowns so all patients are advised to keep watch on the practice website for any news and updates.  We will keep the website updated with any developments on this issue.
The practice will be requesting for volunteers in the next few days/weeks by means of texting patients of working age.  We have had some interest from patients who wish to volunteer, the roles required will be clinically or administrative assistance.  We do not know exactly what is involved, this will be come much clearer once the Newbury location is confirmed and the COVID-19 Vaccination facility have an established management structure.
Please follow NHS advice and do not contact the surgery to book a COVID-19 Vaccination, the surgery will contact those people who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
Practice Manager
Downland Practice
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Press Release - WBC 20/12
West Berkshire moves into Tier 4 from Sunday 20th December.
New restrictions have been introduced in response to a rapidly rising level of coronavirus infections. 
You can read the statement by Prime Minister made earlier today.
Information about the restrictions under Tier 4 is below (a larger image is available here). You can also find more detailed information on Tier 4: Stay At Home restrictions online.

There is lots of information available on financial support, help for residents and help for businesses on the West Berkshire Council website 

Sunday 20th December 2020  
6.30pm in Brightwalton All Saints Churchyard
 
Let’s keep everyone safe!
We are delighted that we shall be able to sing carols together as long as households and bubbles are socially distanced from one another.  Please come wrapped up warm and bring a torch!  If you have Covid-19 symptoms, or are self-isolating, please do not attend. 
 
Please download your service sheet in advance and bring with you on your phone or printed - thank you. Open Air Carol Service Sheet

Major study into future uses of Newbury Town Centre
 
West Berkshire Council has appointed a multi-disciplinary team to undertake a major new study into the future uses of Newbury Town Centre. Led by HemingwayDesign, the team includes New Masterplanning, GL Hearn and Urban Movement.

The study, which will start with an online survey (details below), will include extensive engagement with the local community, a detailed analysis of the town’s needs, and a masterplan. It will be developed over the next nine months and will outline how the town centre can evolve in the future. It forms a key part of the Council’s robust response to the pandemic and will have a unique role to play for businesses, residents and other stakeholders.
The pandemic has demonstrated the importance of strong community links and the council is inviting all with an interest in the town to have their say and be part of the conversation about its future.  The study will take into account the significant changes in the retail and hospitality industries and the impact of Covid-19 in accelerating the review of alternative uses for town centres and public spaces. The Council and the team would like to further understand and provide solutions for some of the most important issues that affect local communities, including: a stronger economy; improved public health; protection of the most vulnerable; equality of opportunity; better stewardship of the natural environment; and a stronger sense of community.

Speaking about the upcoming and future work, Councillor Lynne Doherty, Leader of West Berkshire Council, said:
“We’re really excited to be partnering with the HemingwayDesign led- team on this key strategic project.
“When we first decided to bring a partner on board to plan for Newbury’s future, we couldn’t have imagined that we’d be doing so in the midst of a pandemic. It’s clear that Covid has accelerated some of the changes we were already seeing on high streets across the country and we feel that now is precisely the right time to consider how we can sustain the vibrancy of our largest town.
“Newbury has a lot to offer already with its mix of green spaces, independent shops and strong cultural heritage. We want to build on this even further, ensuring that the town continues to be a great place to live and work and developing a plan of which the whole community can be proud.”
 Wayne Hemingway of HemingwayDesign, said: 
 
“There is a societal shift in terms of shopping, work patterns and what people want from their town centres and Newbury has all the ingredients to embrace this shift, move with the times and become an even more inspirational and welcoming place for residents, businesses and their employees and visitors to the town. We believe that positive change is necessary, desirable and within reach. The best way that any design team can start is by listening to the people who know best and that is the residents, businesses and their employees and the wider Newbury community. So we urge you all to complete the survey, which takes 10 minutes, and provide us your feedback. Please share the survey with your family, and everyone you know - spread the word far and wide. We look forward to hearing from you.”
 
The Newbury town centre survey: https://newburytowncentremasterplan.co.uk   will be open until 23:59 on 17th January. The team will then review the feedback and report back and outline next steps in this process.

The winter edition of the West Berkshire Countryside Update - Upstream! is available to download here. It contains lots of information on their work locally and the local wildlife. 

The November Brickleton News is available to download here

Press Release from West Berkshire Council 27/11/20
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West Berkshire Council is launching a COVID Winter Grant Scheme worth £279k for food, energy and other essential items for residents in need due to the pandemic. Free School Meal vouchers for holidays will also form part of the programme. The COVID Winter Grant Scheme will run from 1 December 2020 to 31 March 2021.
Through the COVID Winter Grant scheme, the Council will provide families, individuals and vulnerable people in need with financial support for food, utility bills (heating, cooking, lighting), water bills for household purposes (including drinking, washing, cooking, central heating, sewerage and sanitary purposes), or other related essentials.
As part of the scheme, the Council will make arrangements for the provision of Free School Meal vouchers for eligible 5 to 16 year olds during the Christmas and February half term school holidays (17 days in total). Children in school not currently receiving Free School Meals but considered by the school as vulnerable will be included. Consideration will also be given to children between 16 and 18 and children in cross border education settings. Details on how the vouchers will be implemented are currently being finalised.
Councillor Lynne Doherty, Leader of West Berkshire Council, said: “We are fully aware that it’s going to be a tough winter for the large number of residents whose jobs sadly have been impacted by the pandemic. We want them to know that our new COVID Winter Grant Scheme is available to help pay for food, utility bills, and essential supplies between December and March next year.
“As we head into winter and the festive season, we do not want anyone to be concerned about being able to feed their families or keeping warm.”
The COVID Winter Grant Scheme funds of £279k were recently allocated to West Berkshire by central government. Further funding has been identified from the Council’s overall allocation of Covid-related grants to support the local delivery framework should it be required.
The application process for the COVID Winter Grant Scheme will also enable eligible applicants to benefit from other funding such as the £103k Emergency Assistance Grant for Food and Essential Supplies for ongoing support with their needs, for example, information to access longer term support such as benefits.
To identify those most in need for the COVID Winter Grant Scheme, the Council will work closely with professionals, statutory partners, Parish Councils, Citizens Advice West Berkshire, Newbury Resource Centre and other community and voluntary groups. DWP Job Centre Plus will also be playing an active role to support those newly in financial hardship, such as through a recent job loss.
Those who currently have support from professionals such as social and care workers will be encouraged to work with their provider to make an application. In addition, individuals who are in need can make an online application independently on the West Berkshire website or contact the Community Support Hub from 1 December, when the scheme formally launches.
The application form will ask for information about the financial support required and for information about any benefits they are being paid. The application will not be means tested. Non-receipt of benefits will not necessarily exclude a family or individual from receiving support, and any exceptions will be dealt with on a case by case basis. 
Any individuals who may need support with the online application process, including those without internet access, are welcome to contact the Community Support Hub from 1 December on tel: 01635 503579 or by email: westberksbct@westberks.gov.uk. The Community Support Hub is open during office hours between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, or between 8.30am and 4.30pm on Friday.
Arrangements will be in place to identify and manage any incidences of fraudulent activity. ​

The Downland Practice have provided the November Patient Update report for sharing. This covers updates on:
Covid-19, the Flu Vaccinations and Patients Shielding. 

SSEN have asked us to share the following information with residents.

Details on how to register for priority service and support during power cuts can be downloaded here or call 0800 294 3259 

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has done a survey of the high voltage electricity network feeding your parish and have identified refurbishment works we need to carry out to improve the electricity network and reduce the risk of power cuts in the future. These works represent an investment of £ 192,103.00 in the local infrastructure.
 
In order for our teams to safely complete these works it may be necessary to organise some Planned Power Cuts.  If this is the case, we will notify affected customers and businesses in advance. Since the start of the pandemic, we know our customers have relied on us more than ever to ensure a safe and secure supply of electricity to our homes and we have made changes to how we work, including social distancing, additional hygiene measures and carrying out customer visits only when critical or safe to do so. All work we carry out will be reviewed and planned in line with the Government guidance and to ensure residents are without power for the shortest time necessary, in order to reduce any potential inconvenience this may cause. 
The work will involve Tree Cutting and Network Improvements, as appropriate, which will help us to improve the reliability of the electricity supply to you for the future. The safety of our customers and employees is at the heart of all we do, and we would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Following the recent announcement of restrictions coming into place on Thursday 5th November, West Berkshire Council have issued some useful guidance and information of support available. You can download a copy here 

If you wish to sign up for weekly updated direct your inbox from WBC you can do so here

Thank you to all those who helped make the Village Working parties so successful, once again. An amazing amount of work was completed around the War Memorial, Churchyard, Playground and Old Churchyard

Hopefully next year we can return to the hog dogs and beer round the fire to reward everyone for their efforts! 

The community policing team have issued some useful Winter guidance to help protect your property during the darker winter months. 
​A copy can be downloaded here

We are planning a village working party for Sunday 1st November from 10am. 

We will be working in small teams in the Old Churchyard, the Playground, the War Memorial and the Churchyard. 

If you are keen to come along to help, please contact the Parish Clerk on 07811 322994 or brightwaltonpc@btinternet.com to let me know. 

In line with Covid restrictions, teams will not be mixing and sadly no refreshments can be served. 

​Thank you 

The September Brickleton News can be downloaded here: 

The latest edition of Upstream! from the West Berkshire Countryside Society is available to download here, with lots of local wildlife and countryside news. 

ALL SAINTS PROJECT IN REACHING EVERYONE
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The ASPIRE project team have put together a booklet which has been delivered to all households in the Parish. The booklet gives more information on the history, proposed plans and fundraising efforts. 

​If you do not have a copy and would like to find out more a copy can be downloaded here

If you are keen to help with the fundraising efforts you can go to www.giveasyoulive.com and enter Brightwalton to find the ASPIRE charity. By registering there and choosing ASPIRE every time you shop a donation will be made to the project. ​

The web edition of the July Brickleton News can be downloaded here: 

The Parish Council is pleased to confirm that the playground has re-opened as of Monday 20th July. We have had to assess the re-opening carefully to meet the Government Guidelines and insurance requirements. Please do take note of all the signage, it is there for the benefit of all. We have had to limit the number of children in the playground to 4 at a time with one child per piece of equipment to meet social distancing. Please take hand sanitiser with you, to use before and after. And of course, do not use if you or anyone else in the household is experiencing Covid-19 symptoms as per the NHS guidance.  Thank you for your patience. 

The DOWNLAND PRACTICE have issued the following patient update:
 
Patient Info Sheet Issue No: 008 (July 2020)
 
Welcome to the Downland Practice patient info sheet.  This edition will concentrate on the following issues:

1. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
2. Medication Drop Off Services
3. Compton Surgery
4. Practice Staff Update
5. Carers – Identify yourself please
6. Appointments
7. Flu Clinics 2020

 
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
 
The Coronavirus is still with us even if it feels that normality is getting closer.   All patients are required to wear a face mask when visiting the surgery, currently only 50% of patients actually do this.  Please turn up at the surgery wearing a face mask.  The Practice is still offering GP telephone appointments to its registered patients, this system will be modified as the COVID-19 situation improves.  To date we have only had one unhappy patient with concerns over having to wait for the GP to call them back.  If any of our registered patients have any concerns about GP telephone calls then please do not question the reception staff (who are working very hard to amend to the changes) email the Practice Manager on pm.downland@nhs.net .   Updates on the Downland Practice can be found at the practice website news section www.downlandpractice.nhs.uk.     
 
Medication Drop Off Services
 
During the last few months, the local community have come together to make sure that medication deliveries are getting out to those personnel who are being shielded or are unable to leave their house for whatever reason.  On behalf of all the staff and partners at the Downland Practice to all of the Volunteers who have helped deliver medications out to the patients registered at the Downland Practice.  This service will stop after the delivery on the 31 July 2020, this is in line with the government guidance on shielded persons.  The village medication pick up points will still be available, this was the system that was firmly in place before COVID-19 arrived.     
 
Compton Surgery
 
The Surgery at Compton has a great history of serving the local community with Primary Care Services (PCS).  The Surgery at Compton has had the treatment rooms and patient waiting area painted / had new flooring placed in the treatment rooms.  The new lighting that has been fitted into the patients waiting area, the GP consulting and nursing rooms has been bought and paid for by the patients of Compton, this is as a result of the just giving page that was set up.  Thank you to everyone who donated money to support this project, the target set of £1,000 has been reached.  Nursing and blood collection clinics are now up and running, GP clinics are likely to restart on September 2020.   
 
Practice Staff
 
Dr Christine Davies and Dr Bernadette Clarke will be leaving us at the End of August 2020, we are aware that Dr Davies and Dr Clarke have been with the Downland Practice for several years and will be greatly missed.  We have successfully recruited two new GP’s, Dr Dhesi will be starting in early August and Dr Reed will be starting later in the year. 
 
COVID Antigen Testing for Travel and Pre OP
 
We understand from some constituents that patients are being directed to practices to seek COVID antigen testing for the purpose of seeking permits to travel (such as to Australia).  This has not been commissioned to GPs and is private work.  We suggest practices direct their patients to the large number of travel clinics out there who offer this service.   Similarly, some surgical teams are requesting COVID antigen testing from GP as part of their pre-operative assessment. Unless there is local agreement in place, pre-operative tests are the responsibility of the surgical provider, not the GP.   Regardless, most practices do not have access to all they need to perform a COVID antigen test for their patients.
 
GP Appointments
 
Please ring the surgery before 12.30 if you require a telephone consultation with a GP on the day.  Calls received from patients in the afternoon may have a GP telephone call booked for the next working day. 
 
Flu Clinics 2020
 
The Flu season will be underway in September 2020, the expectations are that more people than normal will be requiring their Flu vaccinations this season.  With demand expected to be high for Flu vaccinations, patients are advised to book their Flu appointment early.  Flu Clinics will be open for booking mid Aug 2020.  We will be planning to hold the clinics in a safe environment respecting current social distancing guidance.  If the COVID-19 situation changes in the local area then the Flu clinics will still go ahead but the process may differ slightly.  Last season’s Flu clinics received some great feedback from our patients and we aim to deliver a similar style to this year’s Flu clinic.  We will not be sending out letters to patients until the end of the flu season.  Top tip - if you want to book your Flu vaccination appointment early then keep an eye out on the Downland Practice website news section www.downlandpractice.nhs.uk  to see when the 2020 Flu clinics are open.  

The summer newsletter from the West Berkshire Countryside Society is available to download here