Welcome to Brightwalton News

Brightwalton Village Hall committee are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to join the team and take on the Bookings Clerk role at the Village Hall, ideally it should be someone who lives in the village.
The role will involve:

• Taking booking enquiries by phone and email.
• Managing the hall diary, with bookings, regular users and scheduled maintenance.
• Coordinating with treasurer to ensure booking payments are made on time.
• Regular checking of the hall to ensure everything is in working order.
• Arranging completion of booking contracts and taking of deposits.
• Conducting viewings as required for parties interested in booking.
• Handing out keys / opening and closing as appropriate to the hirer.
• Checking hall after users and returning deposit as appropriate.
• Coordinating with the regular users and addressing any issues they have.
• Attendance of committee meetings (3 times a year?) and regular reporting to committee reference bookings

The role would be ideal for someone who has a keen interested in the village and would like to meet others.
We don’t expect the role to average any more than one hour a week. If you are interested please contact Sarah at brightwaltonpc@btinternet.com or call 07811 322994 to discuss. 

The Dogs Trust Newbury have asked local Parish Council to help publicise their requirement for new volunteers to assist with the garden and grounds maintenance at the Newbury Rehoming Centre. Full details can be found below. 

Are you concerned about Anti-Social Behaviour in Newbury town centre? Have your say…
 
West Berkshire Council is looking to introduce a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Newbury town centre. PSPOs allow the council to place restrictions on certain behaviour in an area, to make sure that everyone can feel safer and enjoy public spaces.
 
People who live, visit or work in Newbury town centre are being asked to take part in a consultation on the order to help reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
 
The proposal is to put restrictions on street drinking and anti-social behaviour. Failing to comply with the PSPO is a criminal offence which could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100 or a fine of up to £1,000 if prosecuted.
 
Rick Jones, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Public Health and Community Wellbeing said, “Anti-social behaviour is an issue in many town centres nationally. However, we want to do everything possible to provide the best balance for Newbury. The PSPO will help people to feel safer and happier in our town centre without stopping them enjoying themselves.
 
“We need people’s views on this and I would urge everyone to take part in the consultation,”
 
The consultation will be live between 24 February and 6 April 2020. The initial findings from the consultation will be taken to the Building Communities Together Partnership on 21 April 2020, for a recommendation on the final decision.  It is expected that the final decision will be made by 14 July 2020.  A full report on the consultation will be published on www.westberks.gov.uk/psponewbury.
 
A map of the proposed ‘restricted area’ to be covered by the PSPO is below 
 
Take part in the consultation at www.westberks.gov.uk/psponewbury
 
Hard copies of the survey will be available from reception at the Council Offices in Market Street, Newbury and in Newbury library.
 

The January Brickleton News will soon be dropping through your door. For those that prefer the digital version a copy can be downloaded here:

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:

• It will cost the Council up to £1m in capital investment to make necessary modifications at the Council’s materials recovery facility at Padworth, so that additional plastic stream can be sorted, plus ongoing annual revenue cost of c £100k to collect this material;
• Collecting the materials is relatively easy compared to securing a viable recycling destination for the materials in the UK.  If exported overseas as done by many of the UK authorities who collect these additional plastics, then the Council will have limited control over what happens to the waste (whether it is effectively recycled or ends up in landfills/rivers).

 
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:

• Key regeneration schemes such as Market Street, Newbury which is currently under development for completion by 2021;
• Our Local Plan to 2026 which sets out our planning policies based on 551 dwellings per annum.  We are delivering 109% of our target according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government;
• We currently have a seven year housing land supply which has been accepted by planning inspectors at appeal (this will be tested again in the Land at junction of Clayhill Road and Sulhamstead Road appeal);
• Our development programme currently has over 800 affordable homes approved with additional units on the horizon;
• Our Equity Loan Scheme, First Steps Next Steps, has enabled 35 homes to be purchased by local residents;
• We have launched the Housing Service Improvement Plan that will secure more private rented accommodation through a rent incentive scheme, develop a Landlord Forum and an Registered Provider Forum to increase opportunities for growth in housing;
• WBC is nearing completion on a joint venture with Sovereign Housing  that will increase the number of homes in the district;
• We are we are investigating setting up a Local Housing company;
• Our housing team has also done some outstanding work with  both families and rough sleepers:
  • We have purchased 18 units of temporary accommodation with a further two under offer.  As a result there are no longer any families in B&B accommodation;
  • 33 rough sleepers have been supported to move on from sleeping rough, with current numbers down to 10

Future consultations
There are a number of consultations and delivery plans coming forward in the next quarter which you may wish to respond to:

• Council Strategy Delivery Plan;
• Playing Pitch Strategy;
• West Berkshire Cultural Heritage Strategy;
• Housing Strategy;
• Local Transport Plan review.

  
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:

• we are a strong performing authority that manages its finances well
• we are modest and tend to 'hide our light under a bushel'

 
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:

• installing more solar panels across our estate, aiming for a significant contribution from solar energy towards the Council’s energy consumption and beyond;
• continuing to increase the number of charging points for electric vehicles in West Berkshire; and
• conducting a Council carbon audit so we understand our challenges and are better placed to become carbon neutral by 2030.

We have reviewed and analysed relevant data and engaged with a range of stakeholders over the last six months to gain insights into the priorities, challenges and opportunities related to our carbon neutral target and wider environmental concerns.
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:

• Cheap Street, Bear Lane, A339 (southbound), St John's Road, Newtown Road and Batholomew Street

Anti-clockwise:

• Bartholomew Street, Newtown Road, A339 (northbound) and Cheap Street

The roadworks on the A339 are set to be removed next week and the new traffic lights at the Sainsbury's roundabout turned on which help to keep traffic on the diversion route flowing.  
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

 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