tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91078140765420229172024-03-19T10:37:08.726+00:00Rob White (Green Party Councillor)The thoughts of a Green Party councillor in Reading on creating a fairer, healthier and more affordable town.Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.comBlogger917125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-28637109473022279562023-01-10T10:36:00.004+00:002023-01-24T14:15:22.524+00:00How to get a resident's 30% discount at council leisure centres<div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="fuskk" data-offset-key="6pjp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6pjp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6pjp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqSgREE7p7CV_JUMmwCOdm_djFDEEHJkIw2Spq3cR3FZawkc4R3A0xRqDli-8wEB0kCiHIIPXtX4IixVIpGtZarigiNh0C9xR8NjLu6rQKX_ZkdNetQcOfx0K1hPy87ZFozzlhhtyfU2KpwrsVOZRP2IRQnzRreGS7btVlwBthIuooaW7GAKCDl_Y/s4000/Palmer%20Park%20sign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqSgREE7p7CV_JUMmwCOdm_djFDEEHJkIw2Spq3cR3FZawkc4R3A0xRqDli-8wEB0kCiHIIPXtX4IixVIpGtZarigiNh0C9xR8NjLu6rQKX_ZkdNetQcOfx0K1hPy87ZFozzlhhtyfU2KpwrsVOZRP2IRQnzRreGS7btVlwBthIuooaW7GAKCDl_Y/s320/Palmer%20Park%20sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>See below for how to get a resident's 30% discount at Palmer Park, South Reading, Rivermead and Meadway leisure centres (now run by </span>GLL/Better<span data-offset-key="6pjp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">). We are sharing this information because unfortunately the council and GLL haven't made it easy to find.</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6pjp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6pjp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can get the discount by having a "Better Adult/Junior Resident" membership from the website. It costs £0.00.</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="fuskk" data-offset-key="7bktq-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7bktq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7bktq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="fuskk" data-offset-key="dn7ir-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dn7ir-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dn7ir-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">1. Go to the website </span><span class="x1fey0fg" color="var(--blue-link)" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://memberships.better.org.uk/centre/palmer-park">https://memberships.better.org.uk/centre/palmer-park</a></span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="fuskk" data-offset-key="cp4n0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cp4n0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cp4n0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="fuskk" data-offset-key="5mvfo-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5mvfo-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5mvfo-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">2. Select Palmer Park Stadium as your location (if it's not already selected)</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="fuskk" data-offset-key="362at-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="362at-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="362at-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="fuskk" data-offset-key="fgqu5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fgqu5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fgqu5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">3. Select "Single Payment" as your payment type (this is the important step, otherwise the resident membership doesn't come up!).</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="fuskk" data-offset-key="a3gl6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a3gl6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a3gl6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="fuskk" data-offset-key="7uaem-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7uaem-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7uaem-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">4. Select your appropriate resident membership for £0.00 "Better Adult Resident", "Better Adult Concessionary" or "Better Junior".</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="fuskk" data-offset-key="3g1or-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3g1or-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3g1or-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Follow the rest of the steps on the website to confirm your order and you should be emailed your resident membership details.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks to the resident who wrote this about how we can get a resident's discount of 30%. </p>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-87917742590198412972022-09-28T16:51:00.002+01:002022-09-28T16:51:46.618+01:00M4 closures near Reading...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoghpZKsWvi2M5sgAr2AVpdSlqpc9NW8XFlks7gRn302S6Bi1yhuVRF9QAcldN_XXkMpXDoJYu0-ll6-mIQvweVDqL07VmYRbDd8F7iuM_SrrZcndyl-DMmhWQNWAF47MLLaMdkVC4JiqoB_pnj6sIM9ZDfY8eA1vZ1eNFGw6QZeLiYrprpCsnu9Cy/s4000/Exhaust%20pipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoghpZKsWvi2M5sgAr2AVpdSlqpc9NW8XFlks7gRn302S6Bi1yhuVRF9QAcldN_XXkMpXDoJYu0-ll6-mIQvweVDqL07VmYRbDd8F7iuM_SrrZcndyl-DMmhWQNWAF47MLLaMdkVC4JiqoB_pnj6sIM9ZDfY8eA1vZ1eNFGw6QZeLiYrprpCsnu9Cy/s320/Exhaust%20pipe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br />Following the chaos on our roads last weekend with the M4 closed Green councillors raised this. We got the following from the Reading Council on this coming weekend – summary it will be closed at night and open in the day to lessen the impact.</p><p><br /></p><p>***</p><p><br /></p><p>Further to my email below regarding the closures of the M4 as part of National Highways smart motorway project, National Highways has reviewed their roadworks plan for this coming weekend and given the national rail strike and the Reading Football Club match taking place at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday 1st October, has amended the closure so that the M4 is open during that day.</p><p><br /></p><p>The M4 between Junctions 12 and 11 will be closed overnight eastbound only from 22:00 on Friday 30th September, reopening at 06:00 on Saturday 1st October. Lane 1 of this section of the M4 will remain closed for minor work on Saturday but will be leaving 3 lanes open for traffic.</p><p><br /></p><p>The M4 between Junctions 12 and 11 will then be closed overnight eastbound only from 22:00 on Saturday 1st October, all day on Sunday 2nd October, reopening at 06:00 on Monday 3rd October. The diversion route, as agreed as part of the strategic route, will be signed accordingly via A4 and the A33</p><p><br /></p><p>The work taking place during these weekend closures is the final stages of the upgrade to the M4 between junctions 3 and 12. This particular closure is for work to improve the bridge that carries the M4 over the River Kennet. Further information regarding their works can be found on their website here: M4 junctions 3-12: smart motorway - National Highways https://nationalhighways.co.uk/.../m4-junctions-3-12.../</p><p><br /></p><p>Please note their closures, as detailed below, between junction 11 and junction 10 will be going ahead as planned but will be lifted on Saturday 15th October from 0600hrs – 2200hrs to ensure no disruption with Reading Football Clubs match day traffic.</p><div><br /></div>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-68743571764830788802021-04-28T13:30:00.004+01:002021-04-28T13:40:38.534+01:00Palmer Park Stadium after school cycling dates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1T6W6YXiAFgBXhNWY6lwLSrEhILEqI5uL2T06QDNrMFdk31KaPSm1OVcTda_CbAKgf1GcR_muJiQld7KThUBY-8vCeHhGEXTcBg4-DLosNYNnuJBlqj_ZLnPyLighnVLZQbvywCvVkk/s500/Palmer+Park+Sports+Stadium+s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1T6W6YXiAFgBXhNWY6lwLSrEhILEqI5uL2T06QDNrMFdk31KaPSm1OVcTda_CbAKgf1GcR_muJiQld7KThUBY-8vCeHhGEXTcBg4-DLosNYNnuJBlqj_ZLnPyLighnVLZQbvywCvVkk/s320/Palmer+Park+Sports+Stadium+s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Well done to Green councillor Josh Williams for getting the council run after-school cycling club going again at Palmer Park sports Stadium. The first session was fully booked!<br /><br />More information from Josh below:<br /><br />"Thanks so much to everyone who came with their children to the first session back at Palmer Park velo for the after-school cycling!<br /><br />It was fully booked, and it was fantastic to see so many kids back out on the track learning to ride and develop their cycling with Coach Gary after such a long break. Don't forget to book in advance if you want a place: <a href="http://www.readingleisure.co.uk/">http://www.readingleisure.co.uk/</a><br /><br />Some updates - attached is a list of the after-school cycling sessions the Council is running - Thursdays are sporadic because of some athletics sessions taking place. They can't let children borrow bikes at the moment, but all being well they will be able to this summer. Next session is Monday 26th, and already filling up fast!<br /><br />If you have an older child keen to develop their cycling, the Council isn't yet bringing back the Wednesday after-school sessions which were for 6 to 16 year olds. But you could contact Palmer Park Velo <a href="https://palmerparkvelo.net/">https://palmerparkvelo.net/</a> and see if they have any junior sessions, or Avanti freewheelers <a href="https://www.cyclinguk.org/group/page/avanti-freewheelers-reading " target="_blank">https://www.cyclinguk.org/group/page/avanti-freewheelers-reading </a>who are just starting up as a community cycling club for juniors. Check them out.<br /><br />Best wishes to everyone as lockdown eases, stay safe and happy cycling!<br /><br />Cllr Josh Williams"</p><p>Reading Green Party<br /><br />AFTER SCHOOL CYCLING DATES</p><p>Monday 19th of April- 4:00pm-5:00pm</p><p>Monday 26th of April- 4:00pm-5:00pm</p><p>Monday 10th of May- 4:00pm-5:00pm</p><p>Thursday 13th of May- 4:00pm-5:00pm</p><p>Monday 17th of May- 4:00pm-5:00pm</p><p>Thursday 20th of May- 4:00pm-5:00pm</p><p>Monday 24th of May- 4:00pm-5:00pm</p><p>Thursday 27th of May- 4:00pm-5:00pm</p><p>Monday 7th of June- 4:00pm-5:00pm</p><p>Thursday 3rd of June- 4:00pm-5:00pm</p><p>Monday 14th of June- 4:00pm-5:00pm</p><div><br /></div>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-29464337342730847412021-03-18T20:59:00.001+00:002021-03-18T20:59:26.133+00:00Wokingham Road cycling scheme update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsvoowTVbuNnOiFHcWkurp5tqZEwQlRsq-H70OPOZt8kIpQeZy3AfgqWOBtv3MVJBqkXrZCPz8drElB0slCVrUy3BgUvcPhoLVHvvmdREExN0k0ISO4FFynZwFKnWJ30tfwByi21jCzM/s448/bike+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsvoowTVbuNnOiFHcWkurp5tqZEwQlRsq-H70OPOZt8kIpQeZy3AfgqWOBtv3MVJBqkXrZCPz8drElB0slCVrUy3BgUvcPhoLVHvvmdREExN0k0ISO4FFynZwFKnWJ30tfwByi21jCzM/s320/bike+s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>On the Wokingham Road cycle scheme, Reading Council has admitted that it has run out of money and won’t be doing any more of the works related to this scheme. We are letting you know as the council doesn’t appear to have told anyone. There are both pluses and minuses to the remaining elements of this scheme not being taken forward.</div><div><br /></div><div>Green councillors obviously support measures to boost walking and cycling, but we have shared the concerns of residents about some elements of this scheme. We have been critical of the Tiger crossing by Palmer Park as well as measures which have put cyclists onto narrow pavements – this is especially problematic outside Alfred Sutton primary school. We think this scheme has been a wasted opportunity for more decent on road cycling facilities.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the measures which the council disappointingly will not be able to implement because they ran out of money is changing the angle of the entrance to side roads from Wokingham Road. They were due to be made more severe – which would have slowed cars down. This is true for the junctions of Wokingham Road and Holme Road, Regis Park Road, Belle Avenue, Grange Avenue, Pitcroft Avenue which were due to also have similar changes to slow down cars.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, the Herringbone crossing markings designed to improve things for pedestrians by slowing cars down will not be done at the junctions of Wokingham Road and Belle Avenue, Regis Park Road, Early Hill Road and Holmes Road.</div><div><br /></div><div>None of the road safety works will be done at the junction of Hamilton Road and Whiteknights Road. This is particularly disappointing with the increased school traffic at this junction which will only increase when Hamilton School which is being built now opens.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, the council running out of money also means that thankfully the pushbutton pedestrian crossing across Wokingham Road, near Pitcroft Avenue over to the Alfred Sutton school will stay. It will not be replaced with another Tiger crossing like the unpopular one near Palmer Park.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, we are pleased that the small pedestrian traffic island in the middle of the Wokingham Road, which residents campaigned for, in between the junctions with Talfourd Avenue and Melrose Avenue will now stay. It will continue to do a good job of helping people cross the road.</div><div><br /></div><div>The original plans for the scheme can be found on the council’s website here: <a href="https://www.reading.gov.uk/council/policies-finance-and-legal-information/transport-schemes-and-projects/ncn-cycle-route-422/">https://www.reading.gov.uk/council/policies-finance-and-legal-information/transport-schemes-and-projects/ncn-cycle-route-422/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>We care about the area and will keep working with you to make it easier and safer to get around especially on foot and by bike.<br /><br /><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxM9tPILH5WHR9V6EgnuyqRe2CXBT1WTsF54nZl5QexcPa_Q/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank">If you want to get emails on street issues like this for your road let us know.</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-38880624185770573432021-03-10T10:53:00.002+00:002021-03-10T10:57:48.486+00:00Kennet Side closure update – reopening may be further delayed<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWP49wxxFxFllSkYK_VmMc763-egMEI1v05fnsvXwEsnPP82x1qKLvThPFLDlH0T-B9YXnyqzBxzznqhLZ3bq4BlP9oi1dlHCGxjhVgp-wbbxxvQnCsCBjVZ9XP9R3k5-2IZOQntPk-U/s448/Kennet+Side+closure+s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWP49wxxFxFllSkYK_VmMc763-egMEI1v05fnsvXwEsnPP82x1qKLvThPFLDlH0T-B9YXnyqzBxzznqhLZ3bq4BlP9oi1dlHCGxjhVgp-wbbxxvQnCsCBjVZ9XP9R3k5-2IZOQntPk-U/s320/Kennet+Side+closure+s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We just sent this update to people who signed the petition over the poorly coordinated closure of the Kennet Side by SGN at the same time that the Napier Road tunnel has been closed by Network Rail. Unfortunately it looks like the reopening of the Kennet Side may be further delayed. If you want to get further updates on when the Kennet Side will be reopened sign the petition here: <a href="https://bit.ly/rdghorseshoe">https://bit.ly/rdghorseshoe</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Subject: Kennet Side closure update – reopening may be further delayed</div><div><br /></div><div>Dear resident</div><div><br /></div><div>Your Green councillors have been working hard trying to get SGN to either accelerate the works to upgrade the gas main on the Kennet Side or provide a path around them. We know how frustrating it is to have to walk the long way around! Unfortunately it looks as though the works and closure are further delayed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Following Cllr Brenda McGonigle’s petition I met with the person in charge of the contractors. He said they can’t work any quicker and a path can’t go through the school car park because of the extent of the works. He also said they don’t want to use a floating path or a ferry because of the expense and now the high level of the Thames. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have just heard that due to the high level of the Thames the works may be further delayed. SGN say they are bringing over extra resources this week to try to finish the works, but if they are unable they will need to extend the closure up until the end of March. We have asked that the out-of-date signage be updated.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is clearly disappointing and we will keep up the pressure for the works to be completed as quickly as possible so the Kennet Side can be reopened.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having said all of that we do obviously support works to upgrade the gas main, it is just frustrating about the timing and lack of coordination with Network Rail over the Napier Road tunnel closure at the same time.</div><div><br /></div><div>On a related note it looks like one of the contractors working on this site has taken down a large tree without the correct permission as part of the works near the gas main site – well done Cllr Josh Williams for spotting this. The council is currently pursuing this with them. Also locally you may have seen that SGN have delayed works to demolish the gas tower because excitingly the Peregrine Falcons are breeding (good work campaigners).</div><div><br /></div><div>We think it is important that residents are kept informed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please forward this on to anyone – especially new people - who you think might be interested. If you receive a forwarded email let us know if you would like to be added to the list for future updates about your road.</div><div><br /></div><div>We care about the area and will keep working with you to improve it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Best wishes,</div><div>Rob White </div><div><br /></div><div>Green Party councillor for Park Ward</div><div><br /></div><div>PS If you need a helping hand to get through the Covid-19 crisis, the Council’s One Reading Community Hub is here to help. If they can’t do anything let us know <a href="https://www.reading.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-one-reading-community-hub-support">https://www.reading.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-one-reading-community-hub-support</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rdggreenparty">https://www.facebook.com/rdggreenparty</a></div><div><a href="http://twitter.com/reading_greens">http://twitter.com/reading_greens</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You are receiving this street email about an issue in or near your road because you signed the petition on this issue. If you no longer want to receive these emails, please let us know and we will remove you from the list. </div>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-60726292487413326952021-02-22T16:57:00.001+00:002021-02-23T07:28:56.028+00:00Green budget consultation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhyphenhyphen8FDt0sA72P4XSJ97hpNuOQbuZMTSEJg6I_rRLjg4rToWeIebSW3Dd-iZr9EVZoqs5mdirQq3Ha6VyaIt54sccUGC1bRCaAEsiSP7Tj2Lb0qs3UxZCS7RjGcQGPJlvLXycBy0BuI7c/s500/Civic+Centre+s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhyphenhyphen8FDt0sA72P4XSJ97hpNuOQbuZMTSEJg6I_rRLjg4rToWeIebSW3Dd-iZr9EVZoqs5mdirQq3Ha6VyaIt54sccUGC1bRCaAEsiSP7Tj2Lb0qs3UxZCS7RjGcQGPJlvLXycBy0BuI7c/s320/Civic+Centre+s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Green councillors want people and planet put first in the
council’s budget.<br /><br />Over 160,000 people live in Reading but there were just 114 responses
to the vague Labour Council budget consultation. Only 21 people agreed with Labour’s
proposals.<br /><br />Green councillors support some measures in the budget such as
the one-off grant to help those on low incomes manage the council tax increase.
However we are concerned about other elements of the budget.<br /><br /><a href="http://bit.ly/rdghaveyoursay2021" target="_blank">Complete our brief 4 budget questions survey here to let us know what you think.</a><br /><br />We are concerned about the £50,000 cut proposed to the drugs
and alcohol service (<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/6pcnzxptqwj7p4f/Directorate%20of%20Adult%20Care%20and%20Health%20Services%20Business%20Cases%20February%202021.pdf?dl=0">business
case here on page 75</a>) with the UK drug related deaths at an all-time high.<br /><br />The council needs to do more on climate change. We estimate
that the council has been properly insulating less than 50 properties per year
(ones which are not currently well insulated). In Reading we need to be
insulating 4000 homes per year to cut carbon emissions, tackle poverty and
create jobs.<br /><br />We oppose the cuts to the pay, terms and conditions of
Reading Council staff including some care workers (<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/iqu1xqorp5mud9g/Directorate%20of%20Chief%20Executive%20and%20Corporate%20Business%20Cases%20February%202021.pdf?dl=0">business
case here on page 99</a>) and the impact this will have on staff morale,
recruiting and retaining staff.<br /><br />The council’s full budget papers can be found here: <a href="https://democracy.reading.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=136&MId=4503">https://democracy.reading.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=136&MId=4503</a><br /><br />The business cases that go with the budget papers can be
found below. Disappointingly these have not been published by the council
making it impossible for members of the public to understand the budget.<br /><br />Directorate of Adult Care and Health Services business cases
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/6pcnzxptqwj7p4f/Directorate%20of%20Adult%20Care%20and%20Health%20Services%20Business%20Cases%20February%202021.pdf?dl=0">https://www.dropbox.com/s/6pcnzxptqwj7p4f/Directorate%20of%20Adult%20Care%20and%20Health%20Services%20Business%20Cases%20February%202021.pdf?dl=0</a><br /><br />Directorate of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
business cases <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/uhrej0gwqq4mvyz/Directorate%20of%20Economic%20Growth%20and%20Neighbourhood%20Services%20Business%20Cases%20February%202021.pdf?dl=0">https://www.dropbox.com/s/uhrej0gwqq4mvyz/Directorate%20of%20Economic%20Growth%20and%20Neighbourhood%20Services%20Business%20Cases%20February%202021.pdf?dl=0</a><br /><br />Directorate of Chief Executive and Corporate Business Cases <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/iqu1xqorp5mud9g/Directorate%20of%20Chief%20Executive%20and%20Corporate%20Business%20Cases%20February%202021.pdf?dl=0">https://www.dropbox.com/s/iqu1xqorp5mud9g/Directorate%20of%20Chief%20Executive%20and%20Corporate%20Business%20Cases%20February%202021.pdf?dl=0</a><br /><br /><a href="http://bit.ly/rdghaveyoursay2021" target="_blank">Remember to complete our brief 4 budget questions survey here to let us know what you think.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-28629030603719605282020-12-17T11:39:00.010+00:002021-04-05T06:10:21.122+01:00Palmer Park swimming pool planning application submitted<p>It's 4 years since Reading Labour councillors closed Arthur Hill swimming pool. Still no swimming pool in east Reading, but a planning application has now gone in.<br /><br />Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) the organisation that Reading Labour Council were planning on outsourcing leisure to – before the pandemic – have put in for planning permission for a swimming pool in Palmer Park. <a href="http://planning.reading.gov.uk/fastweb_PL/detail.asp?AltRef=201735" target="_blank">You can view all of the documents and respond here.</a><br /><br />At the moment there is still no contract between the council and GLL (Green councillors have been concerned about plans to outsource leisure rather than running it in-house).<br /><br />A large number of documents make up the planning application and it will take us a while to get through them. I have had a quick look though as I know many residents are concerned about the loss of green space. We share these concerns and have lobbied for no green space to be lost. I have posted some plans from the planning application below.<br /><br />Please let us know what you think.<br /><br />This is the current footprint with 209 spaces in the car park is:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETqWpRbvbNErnvt7ighZz3DG_F2VPDA_ph_2heNDaaez0E8XpKPPqR_qt9bHNuW7blIfyoMltmXIqUhij-8TDnexGTUqG7UV1O1dQxAuUubnmIbL9fitb3T0BYXd1S50b60qkcl9gyr8/s811/Palmer+Park+swimming+pool+existing+block+plan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="811" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETqWpRbvbNErnvt7ighZz3DG_F2VPDA_ph_2heNDaaez0E8XpKPPqR_qt9bHNuW7blIfyoMltmXIqUhij-8TDnexGTUqG7UV1O1dQxAuUubnmIbL9fitb3T0BYXd1S50b60qkcl9gyr8/w400-h281/Palmer+Park+swimming+pool+existing+block+plan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Below is the worst option from when the council consulted on council plans (development framework) a little while ago showing an expanded car park with 230 parking spaces:<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs_XlGagtcITqAvPezReBi08kQcdYyHyFRt9jH4uDChjaftIgrEWFfaVcUmxrDHRD8fmgPzroa-wXR82cZtaQXOKqsS1GRMmHM8Up18yhVZh9ITiWnkvS8Gakocc7CA-0mITtWUGaJms/s1269/Palmer+Park+swimming+pool+development+framework+option+one.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1269" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs_XlGagtcITqAvPezReBi08kQcdYyHyFRt9jH4uDChjaftIgrEWFfaVcUmxrDHRD8fmgPzroa-wXR82cZtaQXOKqsS1GRMmHM8Up18yhVZh9ITiWnkvS8Gakocc7CA-0mITtWUGaJms/w400-h284/Palmer+Park+swimming+pool+development+framework+option+one.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>This is the current planning application showing a reduced car park with 131 parking spaces:<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXrx8xgcHcDYcjdeCZ9FQcTMQ4tS0vIixX4TCwf3nXLFM_PFN2lD4aANKZBshzaRN-fl_Qp7FTWRLPJLtkL731JmLcJ4Q4lUJVxWQPHYZTNiHHrv8-275QTrOB7wf2R2QeA7ugl9ciTI/s817/Palmer+Park+swimming+pool+new+block+plan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="817" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXrx8xgcHcDYcjdeCZ9FQcTMQ4tS0vIixX4TCwf3nXLFM_PFN2lD4aANKZBshzaRN-fl_Qp7FTWRLPJLtkL731JmLcJ4Q4lUJVxWQPHYZTNiHHrv8-275QTrOB7wf2R2QeA7ugl9ciTI/w400-h279/Palmer+Park+swimming+pool+new+block+plan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we have read through and got to grips with the application I will post some more detail here. <a href="http://planning.reading.gov.uk/fastweb_PL/detail.asp?AltRef=201735" target="_blank">In the meantime have a look and let me know what you think.</a><br /><br />UPDATE 1: the planning documents clarify that "...992 square metres...0.6% of the overall greenspace provision at the park" will be lost to the development.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">UPDATE 2: It looked like one of the large limes on the Palmer Park Avenue side of the park was going to be removed, but thanks to residents raising it and Greens lobbying on this the plans will be amended to save the tree.<br /><br />UPDATE 3: Planning permission has been granted.</div></div>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-41688162627578901472020-12-11T12:03:00.001+00:002020-12-30T13:35:22.601+00:00Morgan Road Playing Fields sell off consultation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBT14Nm8DTDr_paXBWMaUXG2-OkmJ49f-6QfE2679x7NjfWEeAmvRJbATvjwsFFkAJFeZiAsglyz39scUw8L86qCA0t-26iW97Bq6RKCQsQomr2e79sr7dpW4a0btH1K6wG7ll40Sybk/s448/Dave+and+Jamie+at+Christ+Church+s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBT14Nm8DTDr_paXBWMaUXG2-OkmJ49f-6QfE2679x7NjfWEeAmvRJbATvjwsFFkAJFeZiAsglyz39scUw8L86qCA0t-26iW97Bq6RKCQsQomr2e79sr7dpW4a0btH1K6wG7ll40Sybk/s320/Dave+and+Jamie+at+Christ+Church+s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Guest post from David McElroy, Redlands Green campaigner (above right with Cllr Jamie Whitham):<br /><br />UPDATE: Abbey school have said that they are interested in buying the playing fields.<br /><br />Lots of residents have contacted me recently about Reading School’s proposal to sell off part of its playing fields on Morgan Road and then convert some of the remaining to an artificial pitch. <br /><br />I know that Redlands Cllr Jamie Whitham and myself share many of those concerns, and we will continue to support local residents through any future Planning process. Any new sports buildings, and likely the 3G pitch, would need their own planning permission, as would any future development based on the land. <br /><br />Below is some very dry planning related stuff, but I know that a lot of residents just don’t want to lose an amazing green resource in the community, great views, great history, and replace all that with posh flats and a plastic pitch.<br /><br />Let the school know what you think <a href="https://www.readingschoolsport.co.uk/our-impact">https://www.readingschoolsport.co.uk/our-impact</a> by Tuesday, December 22.<br /><br />Now for the dry planning bit.<br /><br />The Planning process rests on the Council’s Local Plan, and the playing fields fall into the local Conservation Area – although residents have already spotted that there are two conflicting maps used at the end of the Conservation Area appraisal!<br /><br />But the new Local Plan <a href="https://images.reading.gov.uk/2019/12/Adoption_Proposals_Map_Nov19_E_to_G.pdf">https://images.reading.gov.uk/2019/12/Adoption_Proposals_Map_Nov19_E_to_G.pdf</a><br /><br />(Map F) shows the playing fields included in the Conservation Area, and this is the primary document so my understanding would be that they are included. Eagle-eyed readers of those documents (who zoom in) will also see larger green dots over the playing fields denoting an existing or proposed Green Link (policy EN12). <br /><br />I would also argue that the declared Climate Emergency is very real and very valid in a material sense in Planning terms (including at least one adjudication from the Inspectorate to back this up.)<br /><br />Additionally, the local plan says: "playing fields ... should only be developed where: a) an assessment clearly shows the area to be surplus to requirements; or b) the loss would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or c) the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss." (Policy OU1) It also notes the: "national policy presumption against loss of playing fields in the NPPF."<br /><br />Remember to respond to the consultation and we will keep working with you to protect and improve the local area.</p>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-64989075902170969092020-12-01T13:23:00.002+00:002020-12-01T13:23:54.552+00:00Update on Henley Road Cemetery Muslim graves section<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBjXBimDdyJFaA11M2LZaN5n1R-42dGxPku3m2SBFbq2J-fI9uTHN55pBCa9WZUUvwzL6USWZjk1CV4qNT17CfOTbVVsbY6PgBcjbW_Q6WJpKzlaTB9Kg5OWa7aRUmoHhokGmbruXDHQ/s500/The+town+hall+sign+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBjXBimDdyJFaA11M2LZaN5n1R-42dGxPku3m2SBFbq2J-fI9uTHN55pBCa9WZUUvwzL6USWZjk1CV4qNT17CfOTbVVsbY6PgBcjbW_Q6WJpKzlaTB9Kg5OWa7aRUmoHhokGmbruXDHQ/s320/The+town+hall+sign+s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I have been contacted by residents concerned about council plans to grass over graves at the Henley Road cemetery in the Muslim graves section. I raised this with the council and got the following response which is being sent out to families with relatives buried there. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.<br /><br />“Further to previous correspondence regarding your [mother/father’s] grave and the intention for the section where [she/he] is buried to be laid to lawn, I can now confirm that Reading Borough Council will be writing to all grave owners with loved ones buried in that section, with an option to change the grave type to a traditional grave. The decision to change grave type will only be able to be approved by the grave owner and the costs associated with this change will also be their responsibility.<br /><br />Signs will also be placed near this section so that all loved ones are aware of this option. Grave owners will have a 6 months notification period to confirm their preferred grave type and a further 6 months for stone sets to be implemented. Upon receipt of the request to change to the traditional grave type, a letter will be sent you the grave owner by Reading Borough Council confirming the fees payable. These fees only cover the licence costs for RBC, they do not cover the cost of the headstone and traditional grave itself. Quotations will need to be obtained by the grave owner from licenced stone masons approved by Reading Borough Council. We will send you a list of approved stone masons.<br /><br />I am also writing to the Chair of each of the mosques in Reading with this message to confirm the position. Additionally, I will share with them my hope that families who cannot afford to cover expenses but wish for a traditional grave should be duly supported by the mosque communities.<br /><br />It is clear that information pertaining to the graves in this cemetery section was not properly conveyed by community representatives. To mitigate against communication lapses occurring again, I am committed to the following:-</p><p>• Community engagement sessions to be arranged to ensure the decision above and all future relevant information is also communicated to the wider Muslim community. All of these sessions will include Muslim councillors, representatives from each of the Reading mosques, representation from the Pakistani Community Centre and the Lead Councillor for Corporate and Consumer Services (or pertinent portfolio Councillor) and a representative from the Council’s Bereavement Services management team.<br /><br />• Commitment to clear communication (via website and leaflets) with bereaved families. Leaflets are to be prepared in English and an appropriate second language providing:<br />o A clear description of what a Lawn grave is, how they are maintained, and the costs involved.<br />o A clear description of what a Traditional grave is, the conditions regarding requirement for a stone set and the costs involved.<br />o The Terms & Conditions for both grave types in respect of size, planting and use of adornments.<br /><br />• Burial Notices to be shared with grave owners as well as the Licensee acting on behalf of the family.<br /><br />• Written agreements to be introduced between Reading Borough Council and mosques with full details as above.<br /><br />I would like to thank you for your representations and hope that you find this to be an amicable position.<br /><br />Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me should you have any further queries about this specific issue or contact the Bereavement Team for general enquiries and to make arrangements for your loved one’s grave. Grave owners can expect to receive letters from Reading Borough Council in [the coming weeks].”</p><div><br /></div>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-47530123992446915662020-11-03T17:12:00.007+00:002020-11-23T18:22:16.591+00:00Black History Mural and sign Central Club petition - preserving our community heritage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouuXb21oOK82drSoO9rSGTPO4fQyl2wt7dAWPt4GsYNR7C5gUwJfKXSWiR34a8Z7zvJYHVzoBYRdNpmHPrY6qrjHT_GBANJ-e2fLlaRdo6SLHlGUxcGmauwx_UU0cxBP7Lr9wR3zRbdQ/s448/Louise+Keane+and+Central+club+campaigners+s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouuXb21oOK82drSoO9rSGTPO4fQyl2wt7dAWPt4GsYNR7C5gUwJfKXSWiR34a8Z7zvJYHVzoBYRdNpmHPrY6qrjHT_GBANJ-e2fLlaRdo6SLHlGUxcGmauwx_UU0cxBP7Lr9wR3zRbdQ/s320/Louise+Keane+and+Central+club+campaigners+s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Guest post by Louise Keane - Green campaigner for Katesgrove who finished in second place last time:<br /><br /><b><u>More protection needed for Reading's Black History Mural</u></b><br />At a recent council meeting, I was able to ask a public question about the fate of the Black History Mural at the bottom of London Street. This iconic image on the side of the Central Club is so important to the Black Diaspora, to Katesgrove and to Reading, and I fully support the initiative from the community to apply to Historic England to have it nationally listed. I also think the flawed bidding process for Central Club should be reopened - petition here <a href="http://www.bit.ly/savecentralclub">www.bit.ly/savecentralclub</a> and more below.<br /><br />But we don’t know how long that process will take, and the building is unused and unloved by the Council. So, in the meantime, I asked the Council to Locally List the mural as a stopgap. Sadly, Labour Councillors say that this won’t happen as it isn’t needed – that because it falls inside a ‘Conservation Area’ it has protection anyway.<br /><br />But the Conservation Area doesn't even mention the Mural, or list it as having any merit whatsoever, and goes so far as to say that modern development at the end of London Street actually spoils the appearance of the area. That doesn’t feel very protected at all.<br /><br />The Council could have locally listed the mural, and perhaps it should look at Historic England’s advice that "Heritage assets can be added to a local heritage list regardless of whether they are in conservation areas." They even say that one thing you should look at is “unlisted buildings that make a ‘positive contribution’ to the character of a conservation area." The Conservation Area needs urgently updating to show what a positive contribution the Mural makes!</p><p><br /><b><u>Sign Petition for Central Club bidding process to be reopened</u></b><br />The fate of Central Club building on the side of which the mural is located is now more uncertain than ever. Labour have unfortunately agreed to sell it to a developer primarily to build flats for profit. Now the developer has come back with a reduced offer, which the Council has accepted without even talking to the community bidder - Aspire. That isn’t right.<br /><br />Green councillors supported the Aspire African Caribbean proposal for the Central Club which was knocked back by the council. If you agree that community should be before profit, you can sign our petition for the Central Club bidding process to be reopened <a href="http://www.bit.ly/savecentralclub">www.bit.ly/savecentralclub</a>.</p>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-35382504409127818782020-10-08T07:30:00.002+01:002020-10-08T07:30:58.986+01:00What’s going on by the Thames?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2l1H_l7kaqjV8MzpKeAf8VkcXWkeCPrrakouoopC6xYxyxDcvcrU3FnCTNxEmI4-I4jza-BcjoWbrC2G9SZ5lbt690Tax3fsrMwNPjExGd1RRTYUYwlVVWfGl7ZG-a6moUPTe8PeQus/s4000/IMG_20201005_165252097_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2l1H_l7kaqjV8MzpKeAf8VkcXWkeCPrrakouoopC6xYxyxDcvcrU3FnCTNxEmI4-I4jza-BcjoWbrC2G9SZ5lbt690Tax3fsrMwNPjExGd1RRTYUYwlVVWfGl7ZG-a6moUPTe8PeQus/s320/IMG_20201005_165252097_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Many people have contacted us about the works going on by
the Thames – between the Thames Valley business Park and the Kennet Mouth –
which look very similar to Reading Labour’s attempt to build a road here. I’m
sure you’ll be pleased to hear that this isn’t a road, but a large electricity
cable that SSE is putting in underground.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This cable will increase the supply of electricity into Reading
– with all of the new development going on. This is different from the overhead
power cables which will remain. The land that is being worked on mainly belongs
to Reading University.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The electricity company says that the main works to dig the
tunnel will be done by mid December and then the other works to lay the cable
will be finished by March/April 2021.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A tunnel is being created under the Kennet Mouth and under
the Coal Wood for the cable to go in so no trees will be lost and the Horseshoe
Bridge won’t need to be closed.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Seeing the devastation is a good reminder of the value of
this green space and why we must protect it. SSE say that they will be putting
it back to how it was before. There is an opportunity to improve the value of
this area though. Maybe it could be managed for wildflowers rather than a rough
lawn. Let me know what you think on this rob@readinggreenparty.org.uk</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you have any other questions you can email them at
glenn.beard@sse.com and if you have any other concerns on this feel free to get
in contact. </p>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-91356656258057008742020-07-21T07:46:00.001+01:002020-07-22T12:06:47.024+01:00Tackling road safety and parking problems on the Wokingham Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We (Green councillors Brenda McGonigle, Josh Williams and I) have been working for number of years to try and tackle road safety and parking problems on the Wokingham Road opposite Alfred Sutton school. Still some way to go! Let me know if you can help.</div>
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The Council's proposed solution was of course the double-red lines - these can be enforced by car (with camera) and so don't require an enforcement person on foot. Plenty of tickets have been issued but this obviously hasn't done enough. </div>
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We've had the Council confirm that the camera car can issue tickets for parking in the hatched areas and double parking, so hopefully the message will get across to repeat offenders as they receive tickets. Enforcement stopped during lockdown, but has started again now.</div>
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But this also isn't enough - the camera car travels the whole section of the red-route and so is only at that stretch of road every so often for a minute or so. So we have requested a permanent enforcement camera to be located at that site, which the Council has said is an option, but is on hold during Covid, as so many things are. When things become more normal again, we can lobby again for this.</div>
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Finally, there will be new pay & display machines by the bays at the shops (although implementation of these is also on hold during Covid) which will make enforcement much easier - no parking ticket will be a fine. At the moment, the bays are 30 minutes free, which means officers have to come back 30 minutes later, by which time cars have moved around.</div>
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The pay & display machines could also work with a free period – which we have asked for. You would still need a ticket from the machine for the free period – which as above means only one traffic warden pass is needed to issue tickets whereas at the moment 2 passes are needed.</div>
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Hopefully the combination of pay & display, with the car and perhaps the permanent camera we will see significant improvement. We will keep lobbying on this issue. Send me an email if you have time to help with campaigning on improving road safety in this area rob@readinggreenparty.org.uk</div>
Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-8246675057024198572020-07-01T07:20:00.004+01:002020-07-01T07:25:13.974+01:00Black history mural listing update from Historic England<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3oGKX_fYBujP9jq3RSkqH9R_G00P57-sgA1OdXvgq0_6qzekCyPcxkh4_CppTpx3QAealU9RyJu1BYU45h0_rg9G8nAV3-jANc-LlBZcReFgK8IRfl23iEs7I_-csS-PW9g8ZbhyphenhyphenCVA/s3264/Louise+central+club+and+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3oGKX_fYBujP9jq3RSkqH9R_G00P57-sgA1OdXvgq0_6qzekCyPcxkh4_CppTpx3QAealU9RyJu1BYU45h0_rg9G8nAV3-jANc-LlBZcReFgK8IRfl23iEs7I_-csS-PW9g8ZbhyphenhyphenCVA/w400-h300/Louise+central+club+and+sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louise Keane (Katesgrove Green Party candidate) <br />campaigning to save the central club and the mural.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I wrote to Historic England on behalf of Green councillors and campaigners in support of listing the Black History Mural. They got back to me with a few more details about what they plan to do. See below and let me know what you think. We will keep working with the black community to give the mural the protection it deserves.<div><br /></div><div><div>"Many thanks for your email. We will be reviewing some of the listings in Reading as part of the upcoming High Streets Heritage Action Zone project, and this will include assessing the Black History Mural in London Street for listing. We took the view that considering the mural for listing as part of the HSHAZ would be appropriate because the cultural programme will enable working closely with local communities to understand the significance of the mural (and other candidates for listing) ensuring their input into the town’s listing project as a whole. You can find more information on that project here; https://historicengland.org.uk/services-skills/heritage-action-zones/regenerating-historic-high-streets/.</div><div><br /></div><div>The assessment process itself can take around 6 months, although it is not clear exactly when we will begin, given the current circumstances. But please rest assured that we will be assessing the mural for listing over the coming months, and we will engage with the community as part of this process."<br /></div></div>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-1190980553586007922020-05-16T20:16:00.001+01:002020-05-16T20:21:39.567+01:00Still working on clearing fly-tipping at Woodley Arms site<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago Louise Keane (Katesgrove Green Party campaigner) let me know that the Woodley Arms site still hadn't been cleared (when we raised it last we were told it would be by the owner, but COVID-19 has slowed things down) so I raised it with planning enforcement again - response below. I've had reports from residents that workers have been on site. Let Louise Keane and I know how things go <a href="mailto:rob@readinggreenparty.org.uk">rob@readinggreenparty.org.uk</a>. We'll keep up the pressure!<br />
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RBC response: "As you may be aware, the above site has been the subject of various planning applications and is expected to be redeveloped soon.<br />
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Having previously contacted the developer and his ground works contractor it was hoped that the site would have been cleared by now. However, the clearance date coincided with same time the country went into lockdown due to the Coronavirus. The effect of which caused, amongst other disruptions and difficulties, many development projects to go on hold. However, having contacted the developer again yesterday I have been assured that work to erect a secure wooden hoarding around the site will begin this week, therefore preventing any further rubbish from being dumped on site, after which work will then begin to tidy the land and start the redevelopment."Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-32519337517199288142020-04-03T07:14:00.001+01:002020-04-03T07:14:21.658+01:00Royal Berkshire Hospital needs your help...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />Dear all, please see below a message to Reading businesses and their employees sent on behalf of the Royal Berkshire Hospital by Reading Central and Abbey Quarter BIDs (Business Improvement District).<br />
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Many businesses in and around Reading have been forced to temporarily cease or restrict their operations due to coronavirus restrictions. At the same time many of you have been in touch with us to ask how you and your staff who are not able to work as normal can help with the response to the crisis.<br />
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The health and care system is facing particular pressure and the Royal Berkshire Hospital has identified a number of roles where help is urgently needed to provide additional resilience in the following areas:<br />
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Porters<br />
Stores<br />
Domestic (cleaning)<br />
Catering staff<br />
Welfare facilities<br />
Management (operational and senior)<br />
<br />If you are a business or an individual in a position to help in these areas you can contact Covid.deployment&volunteering@royalberkshire.nhs.uk or call the hospital's coordinating team on 07500 835 565. The hospital is offering a range of paid casual working as well as volunteering opportunities.Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-60950948277146566162020-04-02T14:12:00.000+01:002020-04-02T14:13:25.057+01:00Coronavirus: #rdguk council support on council tax<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Green councillors have been lobbying for the council to take a caring approach to council tax at this tough time with Coronavirus at large. See below for the latest Reading Council position, correct on 2/4/2020 - web links at the bottom of the post:<br />
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"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times";">The Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme and the ability to spread payments over 12 rather than 10 months are measures already available in addition to statutory discounts, to assist residents who are experiencing difficulty with paying their Council Tax.</span><br />
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As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government have announced a Hardship Fund of £500 million nationally which is available to support economically vulnerable individuals and households, Reading will receive £953k. The Government have stated that they expect billing authorities to use this to provide all recipients of working age Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) with a further reduction to their 2020/21 council tax bill of £150. We expect to be able to rebill these residents within the next 14 days, as soon as we have received the software scripting.</div>
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Reading has a working age Council Tax Support case load of approx. 4,400, equating to £660k of the funding. The remainder of the fund allocated to Reading, £292k, will be used to support residents through our Hardship Policy.</div>
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It should be noted the Hardship Fund is in addition to the packages already announced nationally to support businesses with employee remuneration costs, increases to national benefits and cuts to waiting times as well as support for the self-employed.</div>
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Residents who are worried about meeting their council tax payments during the pandemic are encouraged to seek financial assistance through our council tax reduction scheme and to contact us to agree payment plans. We will discuss options with residents based on their individual circumstances, these may include:</div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;">reduced payments for an agreed period, with the balance due over the remaining months of the financial year</li>
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The Council has temporarily suspended court action for anyone in council tax, business rates or rent arrears and all existing cases with our enforcement agents have been temporarily suspended to avoid any unnecessary distress at this time.</div>
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Bills and reminders will continue to be issued and our enforcement agents will contact residents that fall into arrears with their enforcement arrangements, to either revise or suspend payments. This will avoid a ‘bottleneck’ when the current crisis is over and residents falling further into arrears as well as assist the Council’s cashflow. The Council’s enforcement agents will also offer welfare benefit advice, which will assist in reducing pressure of calls to our customer services team at this time.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times";">We would encourage residents to continue to make affordable payments and those that are facing financial difficulty to contact the Council to discuss their options and agree an affordable repayment plan so that debts do not mount up and become unmanageable in the longer term.</span>"<br />
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More information here: <a href="https://www.reading.gov.uk/discretionary-payments">https://www.reading.gov.uk/discretionary-payments</a><br />
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Or from the One Reading Coronavirus Hub: <a href="https://www.reading.gov.uk/coronavirussupport">https://www.reading.gov.uk/coronavirussupport</a>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-38303364346898569472019-12-20T12:04:00.001+00:002019-12-20T12:04:41.968+00:00Reading University end of term update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />We got the following update from Reading University. Green councillors will keep working with the University to improve the town for everyone. <br /><br />This is probably my last post of the year so merry xmas everyone.<div>
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As many of you may know, the University term ended on 13 December and the University closes for Christmas on the afternoon of Friday 20 December. Before we close, I wanted to send an update on local community activity this term (I’ve also sent this to local community groups, including East Reading SNF, Earley NAG, NARA, ACER, MERA, KCA and Woodley and North Earley Forum).<u></u><u></u></div>
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The University opens again on Thursday 2 January, but I will not be in the office until Monday 6 January. If you need to speak to someone at the University on 2 or 3 January, please call the switchboard on 0118 987 5123 or University Security Services on 0118 378 7799. University Street Wardens will begin patrols in local neighbourhoods again from Saturday 11 January.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>New Neighbourhood Complaints Officer – January 2020</b>To start with some very good news – the University has created extra resources to help manage neighbourhood complaints. From January, a new part-time Neighbourhood Complaints Officer will work Monday-Friday 8.30-12.30. This will provide extra resource to respond to complaints quickly and proactively manage local issues. Please continue to use the telephone number 0118 378 6764 and <a href="mailto:community@reading.ac.uk" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">community@reading.ac.uk</a> to raise complaints or issues and do feel free to contact me directly at any time.<br /><br /><b>3G All Weather Playing Pitch Event – 16 January 2020</b>The University is holding an information event about the proposed 3G pitch on Thursday 16th January between 15:00-20:00, at the Reading University SportsPark. We are leafletting houses around the campus this week, including New Road, Elmhurst Avenue, Northcourt Avenue, Redlands Road and Marlborough Road. I have attached an electronic copy of the invitation – please do pass onto anyone who might be interested. I will also send a reminder out at the start of January.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>Safety review of Whiteknights lake</b>We carried out a safety review of the Whiteknights Campus lake and made a number of upgrades, which you can read in detail <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/staffportal/news/articles/spsn-832490.aspx&source=gmail&ust=1576925227658000&usg=AFQjCNGOd44TWzHPf2kZGU69YRRsnDtIsA" href="http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/staffportal/news/articles/spsn-832490.aspx" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">on our website</a>.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>University Alcohol Action Partnership</b>The University has created a University <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.communityalcoholpartnerships.co.uk/&source=gmail&ust=1576925227658000&usg=AFQjCNFJFPUCfdE_dAAOX0s3RE5z4kj1MQ" href="https://www.communityalcoholpartnerships.co.uk/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Community Alcohol Partnership</a> with Reading Borough Council, academics and professional service colleagues, to reduce alcohol harm by students on campus and in the local community. This term we have completed the following tasks:<u></u><u></u></div>
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•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; line-height: 9.8px;"> </span>We have held 3 alcohol awareness and brief intervention training sessions at the start of term aimed at student bar workers and hall welfare reps. The training gives advice on the risks of excessive alcohol consumption, myth-busting, practical tips to consume alcohol responsibly and ways to support friends and peers. We have had very positive feedback and will continue to work with students and experts to further develop the training, before rolling it out to RUSU sports clubs and societies.<u></u><u></u></div>
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•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; line-height: 9.8px;"> </span>We launched our <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/_support-and-wellbeing/medical-and-general-health/be-a-mate.aspx&source=gmail&ust=1576925227659000&usg=AFQjCNHBdCw5s67ZJ5umjwy1lXGA-IyBNQ" href="https://student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/_support-and-wellbeing/medical-and-general-health/be-a-mate.aspx" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Be A Mate campaign</a> during national Alcohol Awareness Week. The campaign includes campus wide posters, social media activity and practical tools to encourage students to look after one another when consuming alcohol.<u></u><u></u></div>
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•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; line-height: 9.8px;"> </span>The practical tools include measuring glasses for students to use to learn more about units and measurements and scratch-cards, which students can use to self-determine how much alcohol they consume a week and where to get help if they need it. We know from other universities that both these things are very successful at initiating conversations, which is one of the most challenging barriers when addressing alcohol harm.<u></u><u></u></div>
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•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; line-height: 9.8px;"> </span>The Students’ Union Welfare Officer recorded a <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/podcasts&source=gmail&ust=1576925227659000&usg=AFQjCNHOOTNnVXBcHYr1MjK6bkP-LzVZAw" href="https://student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/podcasts" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">podcast</a> on alcohol and mental health, including interesting interviews with the welfare rep of the rugby club and our expert on alcohol, Dr Ranjita Dhital, Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice.<u></u><u></u></div>
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•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; line-height: 9.8px;"> </span>We have held a number of regular alcohol-free events on campus throughout the term. Some of these have been more popular than others, and are useful in learning why and how students consume alcohol. Free tasters of alcohol-free drinks have been well received by students, as have been low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks for sale in halls bars. However serving alcohol-free beverages on busy club nights have proven less successful, but we know from feedback that many teetotal students want to socialise in the same venues as their friends who do drink alcohol – so we need to do more research and try more of these events.<u></u><u></u></div>
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•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; line-height: 9.8px;"> </span>We are working with the new Alcohol and Drug provider in Reading, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-reading/info&source=gmail&ust=1576925227659000&usg=AFQjCNHJ0daE7poySIQHvbPWbVj5vKaipQ" href="https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-reading/info" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Change Grow Live</a> (CGL), to provide support to students on campus and to potentially provide training to students who are disciplined for misconduct relating to misuse of alcohol and drugs.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>Community Forum report</b>I recently sent a link to a report on the University Community Forum held on 26 September. You can find reports from all the University Community Forums held since 2018, on a <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.reading.ac.uk/about/working-with-the-community/community-meeting-reports.aspx&source=gmail&ust=1576925227659000&usg=AFQjCNFsJK2jodQRBFHukh1GJiN1hBY06w" href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/about/working-with-the-community/community-meeting-reports.aspx" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">new community webpage</a> on the University website. This page will be regularly updated with community meeting reports.<br /><br /><b>Reading and Wokingham Student Strategy Partnership</b><br />The University has created a Reading and Wokingham Student Strategy Partnership, based on best practice from Manchester universities and Manchester City Council. The partnership includes key officers from Reading and Wokingham borough councils to discuss issues relating to students living in local neighbourhoods. The aim is to agree a partnership action plan for how we reduce negative impacts. We held the first meeting on 21 November 2019, and are currently agreeing the action plan including measurable activities. Once we have agreed an action plan, this will be published on our <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.reading.ac.uk/about/working-with-the-community/community-meeting-reports.aspx&source=gmail&ust=1576925227659000&usg=AFQjCNFsJK2jodQRBFHukh1GJiN1hBY06w" href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/about/working-with-the-community/community-meeting-reports.aspx" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">new community webpage</a>.<br /><br /><b>Community Leaders Forum</b>Finally, we aim to create a forum to bring together community leaders in the area, to better understand University impact in local neighbourhoods, and improve the way we communicate with community groups. I am still working on the detail of this forum, but we aim to include chairs of community and residents groups, ward councillors, faith leaders, trustees of non-profits and small business leaders. More information to follow on this.</div>
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Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-65712596591174277662019-11-29T11:48:00.000+00:002019-11-29T11:50:48.414+00:00East Reading gas holder to be demolished - unfortunately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the last Planning Committee, unfortunately approval was given for three large blocks of flats to replace the existing East Reading Gas Holder. The blocks range in size from 2 to 9 storeys, and you can see the report that came to Committee here: <a href="https://democracy.reading.gov.uk/documents/s9032/ABB%20-%20190627%20Gas%20Holder%20Site%20PAC.pdf">https://democracy.reading.gov.uk/documents/s9032/ABB%20-%20190627%20Gas%20Holder%20Site%20PAC.pdf</a><br />
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Residents attended the meeting and spoke against it for its overbearing nature, sheer size and the fact that it was unsupported in the Local Plan. Green Councillor on the Committee, Josh Williams, also spoke against it as over-development on a small site, and the mass and scale of a 9 storey building being completely inappropriate for the area. He, along with three other members of the Committee, voted against the development going ahead, but sadly, all Labour Councillors voted for the application to be approved meaning that it was.<br />
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Thank you to all residents who took the time to engage with the planning process, with many objecting, and especially to those who attended the meeting itself.<br />
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We will miss the gas holder as piece of our industrial heritage and a landmark of East Reading. We don't object to development, especially for much needed housing, but we will continue to support residents against inappropriate and over-sized flats.Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-28422618076909772542019-11-21T11:29:00.001+00:002019-11-21T11:29:06.947+00:00Donate to help David McElroy improve Reading East<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-david-to-make-a-difference-in-reading-east"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="662" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1O2_FjKlh6y1PjfOrU9sjOEfstfo0ewW0JDh3RgLVrPXcvLTLYtaHQbIQp4CX4mFk1MlWANjStpFuTrDqfJyCF6ndi4dxa9zAtG1KpCL-a7IfjjLiulIA8cIFW6cmZa1fSaScIM2jig/s320/David+McElroy+video.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-david-to-make-a-difference-in-reading-east">Watch David McElroy on how your donation can help get our message of tackling climate change, a Peoples' Vote and creating a fairer society out to 55,000 households in Reading East.</a></div>
<br />Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-74079531964529471572019-09-10T19:47:00.000+01:002019-09-10T19:53:26.331+01:00Council plans to relocate Phoenix College to Hamilton Centre #rdguk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Reading Council consultation event on relocating Phoenix College to the Hamilton Centre - where the children's centre used to be until it was closed by the Labour council - is planned for Thursday 12th September between 3.30pm & 6.30pm and will take place in the Community room at Alfred Sutton Primary School.<br />
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Proposed works include:<br />
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<b>Refurbishment of Existing Hamilton Road Centre</b><br />
To provide general and specialist teaching accommodation,<br />
ancillary and support spaces including recladding, re-roofing and<br />
re-glazing of existing building.<br />
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<b>New Build Hall Block</b><br />
The construction of a single-storey block comprising main<br />
entrance, dining room, kitchen and changing rooms and a double<br />
height sports / assembly hall.<br />
Associated hard and soft landscaping<br />
<br />Let us know what you think? <a href="mailto:rob@readinggreenparty.org.uk">rob@readinggreenparty.org.uk</a><br /><br />
We will share more on the planning application when it is submitted.Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-45567170119140841452019-09-09T18:26:00.000+01:002019-09-09T19:40:49.468+01:00New Wokingham Road #rdg tiger crossing road safety audit...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The council has responded to our raising residents road safety concerns on the new Wokingham Road tiger crossing with details of the latest road safety audit. No major changes for now but keep letting the council know about any problems and copy us in (network.management@reading.gov.uk and rob@readinggreenparty.org.uk). We will keep working to improve road safety across Reading.<br />
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"We can confirm that a road safety audit was undertaken on changes to the crossing on the Wokingham Road in July, including two separate site visits at the end of the school day and a further visit at night. The audit was attended by a representative from Thames Valley Police and RBC officers, in addition to the independent assessor and another road safety professional. As part of the Stage 3 audit, the independent assessor considered concerns raised by members of the public, including those regarding the visibility of pedestrians on, or waiting to cross, the road.<br />
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Whilst the draft Road Safety Audit report does not recommend any fundamental changes to the design of the crossing at this time, it does set out the following three recommendations; the application of anti-skid or improved road surface on approach to the crossing, additional tactile paving outside the park to warn those with visual impairments that cyclists are joining the foot/cycle way and reducing the overhang of the tree on the northern footway outside the park to improve visibility of pedestrians/cyclists to eastbound traffic. These are currently being investigated and will be taken forward shortly.<br />
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The auditor has also suggested that both driver and pedestrian behaviour continues to be monitored over a short period of time and is reported back to him."Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-44656815534544842672019-07-11T11:13:00.000+01:002019-07-11T11:39:30.109+01:00East Reading power cable roadworks - road closures and lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />The council has got in contact with more information including timescales and specific road closures in connection with the SSE power cable installation roadworks – currently causing disruption on the Wokingham Road. More information below. Let us know how this goes and we will keep up the pressure for it to be done as quickly as possible.<br />
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If you have any questions contact Luke Massey at the council Luke.massey@reading.gov.uk if you are struggling to get an answer email me rob@readinggreenparty.org.uk<br />
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The council says:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"SSE are in the process of laying a new 33khw cable to increase the power supply to Readings Network/substations due to the current supply nearing capacity. The works began outside of Reading Borough (Wokingham Borough from A4 London Road) and will ultimately end at Northumberland Avenue/Cressingham Road sub-station. Due to the location of existing services within the carriageways, and the required space to direct the substantial cables along a suitable route, SSE has considered it necessary to close some streets for safety reasons while the works are carried out.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The works have been taking place on Wokingham Road under temporary traffic signals while ducting is laid between Palmer Park Avenue and Crescent Road. This phase of these works is due to be completed by SSE on 21<sup>st</sup> July, then to progress along Crescent Road under their full road closure until 1<sup>st</sup> September (throughout the School Holidays to minimise disruption to the schools within this Street).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">SSE have committed to issuing a press release and to conducting a letter drop to affected properties prior to the works beginning here. They have provided the below programme of works, but please note this is subject to change dependant on any unforeseen engineering difficulties that they may encounter. SSE’s manager for this project has offered to host a meeting with local councillors to discuss the works in detail should you wish and will keep us updated on any significant developments.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Road Name<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Area<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Traffic Management<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Wokingham Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Between Crescent Road and entrance to Palmer Park<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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17/06/19 – 21/07/19<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Crescent Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Between Wokingham Road and Addington Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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21/07/19 – 02/09/19<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Road Closure<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Cressingham Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Between roundabout with Northumberland Avenue and Shinfield Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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05/09/19 – 26/10/19<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Traffic Signals<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Addington Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 310.069px;" valign="top" width="47%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Between Crescent Road and Alexandra Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 100.069px;" valign="top" width="16%"><div class="MsoNormal">
02/09/19 – 20/09/19<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 85.625px;" valign="top" width="14%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Road Closure<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 133.403px;" valign="top" width="21%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Alexandra Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 310.069px;" valign="top" width="47%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Between Addington Road and Upper Redlands Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 100.069px;" valign="top" width="16%"><div class="MsoNormal">
20/09/19 – 04/10/19<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 85.625px;" valign="top" width="14%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Road Closure<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 133.403px;" valign="top" width="21%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Upper Redlands Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 310.069px;" valign="top" width="47%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Crossing between Alexandra Road and Elmhurst Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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04/10/19 – 14/10/19<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 85.625px;" valign="top" width="14%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Traffic Signals<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 133.403px;" valign="top" width="21%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Shinfield Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 310.069px;" valign="top" width="47%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Between Cressingham Road and Elmhurst Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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26/10/19 – 21/12/19<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 85.625px;" valign="top" width="14%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Traffic Signals<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 133.403px;" valign="top" width="21%"><div class="MsoNormal">
A4 London Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 310.069px;" valign="top" width="47%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Between entrance to Palmer Park and Roundabout with A3290<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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14/10/19 – 03/11/19<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 85.625px;" valign="top" width="14%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Traffic Signals<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 133.403px;" valign="top" width="21%"><div class="MsoNormal">
A4 London Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 310.069px;" valign="top" width="47%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Across roundabout with A3290 to near Aisha Masjid & Islamic Centre<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 100.069px;" valign="top" width="16%"><div class="MsoNormal">
03/11/19 – 05/12/19<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 85.625px;" valign="top" width="14%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Lane Closures<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 133.403px;" valign="top" width="21%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Elmhurst Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 310.069px;" valign="top" width="47%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Between Upper Redlands Road and Shinfield Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 100.069px;" valign="top" width="16%"><div class="MsoNormal">
06/01/20 – 28/01/20<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 85.625px;" valign="top" width="14%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Closure<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 133.403px;" valign="top" width="21%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Northumberland Avenue<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 310.069px;" valign="top" width="47%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Between existing substation across roundabout into Cressingham Road<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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06/01/20 – 11/01/20<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 85.625px;" valign="top" width="14%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Traffic Signals<u></u><u></u></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 133.403px;" valign="top" width="21%"><div class="MsoNormal">
Palmer Park<u></u><u></u></div>
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Works within park land between Wokingham Road and London Road<u></u><u></u></div>
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TBC<u></u><u></u></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 85.625px;" valign="top" width="14%"><div class="MsoNormal">
TBC<u></u><u></u></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-45107318796674283382019-07-03T14:40:00.002+01:002019-07-03T14:40:44.614+01:00Wokingham Road #rdg roadworks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2i5Ftnd9QyGOYIm0bvK-ejoZdy65xTiky4AKwyBLG5XKUlzpylyOhqwMnAn0JodeRZuwU1VrmpTEftLQkqVbUayS1dDo6pt3E8Cg9YaTqUsENFEJHSoYcr8Z9cYXHHI1OaE-Mtv0OQ0/s1600/Road+ahead+closed+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2i5Ftnd9QyGOYIm0bvK-ejoZdy65xTiky4AKwyBLG5XKUlzpylyOhqwMnAn0JodeRZuwU1VrmpTEftLQkqVbUayS1dDo6pt3E8Cg9YaTqUsENFEJHSoYcr8Z9cYXHHI1OaE-Mtv0OQ0/s320/Road+ahead+closed+s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />We have got more information through on the Wokingham Road roadworks. We are still trying to get a better idea on the timescale for these works. We will keep pushing for them to be over as soon as possible.<br /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">"Thank you Councillor, for raising your concerns regarding disruption caused by Roadworks on Wokingham Road. We wish to clarify the works currently in progress are not related to the National Cycle Network which will follow later this year. The works in progress are part of planned major works being carried out by SSE for the installation of a new 33khw cable being installed along the A4 corridor. The cable enters Reading Borough on London Road under the Network Rail Bridge, adjacent to the A3290.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">At this juncture the cable will be divided into two, running in opposite directions; parallel to the rail line, towards the Tesco store, Napier Road and Vastern Road to connect in to the SSE sub-station. The other cable will cut across the back of Palmer Park and parallel to Palmer Park Avenue, exiting on Wokingham Road, leading into Crescent Road, Alexandra Road Elmhurst Road, Shinfield Road, Cressingham and down to Northumberland Avenue to feed in to SSE sub-station.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">To help minimise disruption to Road Users in Wokingham Road these works have been planned under temporary traffic signals and allow for continuous use by Road Users. In comparison other sections of the works are planned with road closures and reduced lane availability in consideration of the timing of works during school term times or Summer holidays around Crescent Road Alexandra and Elmhurst Road. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">We are in frequent contact with SSE and the works are being closely monitored to ensure the works are being completed in a safe and timely manner. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Should you Councillor, or your Constituent wish to discuss the works further directly with SSE we have been advised they would be happy to explain their works and we would be happy to arrange contact.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Please feel equally welcome to direct any further enquiries regarding these works through myself within the StreetWorks Team."</span></span></div>
Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-34749472528675358072019-06-21T11:46:00.000+01:002019-07-03T14:42:03.829+01:00Why we oppose the Wokingham Road #rdg “cycle” scheme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8EZqLOsdA7KNzgylKV71pmxBcDKf3p594JllPcbIhB3VlzcFd90mjATtWWDo5PgbliJmnY2RGZtFzq_q275n-zg2YQEuR9QzfnU2YG7x9H6lMq-cHs9sB0GDCc_uMrlSGMttRJAOy-c/s1600/Wokingham+Rd%252C+Tiger+crossing+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8EZqLOsdA7KNzgylKV71pmxBcDKf3p594JllPcbIhB3VlzcFd90mjATtWWDo5PgbliJmnY2RGZtFzq_q275n-zg2YQEuR9QzfnU2YG7x9H6lMq-cHs9sB0GDCc_uMrlSGMttRJAOy-c/s320/Wokingham+Rd%252C+Tiger+crossing+s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The current Wokingham Road cycle scheme works are in connection with a cross Berkshire cycle route. As you would expect the Green Party is in favour of improving facilities for cyclists. However we don't support this scheme.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately much of this scheme puts cyclists on pavements. We worked with Reading Cycle Campaign campaigners and lobbied the council to redesign the scheme with more on road facilities but the council did not listen. So we opposed the scheme. Of particular concern is:<br />
<br />
– along much of the Wokingham Road rather than improving on road facilities the council has taken the approach of putting cyclists on the pavement<br />
<br />
– because the council is putting cyclists on the pavement money has been wasted on things like replacing the pushbutton traffic light pedestrian crossing with a Tiger Crossing (zebra crossing for both cyclists and pedestrians) by Palmer Park to cross cyclists from the pavement on one side of the road to the pavement on the other. Another of these is going in replacing the pushbutton traffic light pedestrian crossing across the Wokingham Road by Pitcroft Avenue<br />
<br />
– the traffic island in the middle of the Wokingham Road near to the junction with Melrose Avenue is being removed (as this is a pinch point for cyclists) however no other crossing facility is being put in at this location<br />
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The full plans for the scheme can be found here: <a href="http://www.reading.gov.uk/article/11824/NCN-Cycle-Route-422">http://www.reading.gov.uk/article/11824/NCN-Cycle-Route-422</a><br />
<br />
The scheme will be safety audited after it has been completed. If you have concerns about the scheme please email the council at: <a href="mailto:network.management@reading.gov.uk" target="_blank">network.management@reading.gov.uk</a> and keep us posted.<br />
<br />
We don’t support this scheme, but Green councillors will keep working to improve facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.<br /><br />UPDATE: following our lobbying the council has installed extra signs and road markings alerting drivers to the crossing.Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107814076542022917.post-90697162044691908342018-12-17T12:21:00.001+00:002018-12-17T12:31:19.692+00:00Deadline for East Reading permit parking consultation is approaching…<p><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDTq1GGJiuyfJwnQ3cAB8eRNQFcqLoPCfnCZsfwnsgpli54AVgVzj-Nb_TkqFn8Gtjj3x6gZVjvEG2aCkF6KrgrmZX2fNkNsdKAlACg2pUTbtlYKe_FxebsEz0E4AkPFCrVQp4QCnmRI/s1600-h/Residents%2527+parking+sign+s%255B2%255D"><img width="244" height="184" title="Residents' parking sign s" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Residents' parking sign s" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXHSGEo_GYKERvw8vFdRne_Z9AcAd67XFnv2P0zVZ7JbUZQoEHe87ouqZspwPChEZ47pCobLVES6zgK56fKTtJFau23a29QmLoG_fWtllo9LGPrvPAxC0s1VKDmETTaAXZUVSeUnPPKM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><br><br>The council is now conducting a final consultation on permit parking for your road and area – and the deadline of Thursday, December 20 is approaching.</p><p>Your Green Party councillors have been working with residents and transport planners to create a scheme which helps tackle parking congestion and improves road safety.<p>Following the previous rounds of consultation council transport planners have considered peoples’ views and produced a final version of the permit parking scheme designs. The consultation on the final designs is now live – this is the legally required consultation for the Traffic Regulation Order. <p>The consultation and design can be found here. Please respond saying if you are in support of or against the scheme: <p><a href="https://consult.reading.gov.uk/dens/east-reading-study-resident-permit-parking/" target="_blank">https://consult.reading.gov.uk/dens/east-reading-study-resident-permit-parking/</a><p>The deadline for responses is Thursday, December 20.<p>The results of this final consultation will go to the Traffic Committee on Thursday, January 10. Councillors will then vote on whether to proceed or not. If the scheme gets the go-ahead the council will start writing to residents about applying for permits and lining and signing the scheme. This would mean that the scheme would go live in the spring/summer 2019.<p>We care about the area and will keep working with you to improve it.Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357517267418730121noreply@blogger.com1