Labour says manifesto offers an ‘aspirational vision’ for the town VOTE 2023

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

READING’S ruling Labour party offers “a consistent and aspirational vision” for the town.

The group has launched its new manifesto ahead of the local elections on Thursday, May 4, and said it builds on its stewardship of the council, offering financial stability and is attractive to external investors.

Among its achievements include the new swimming pool and gym at Palmer Park, Rivermead taking shape, the Green Park railway station being weeks away from opening, and the revamping of Reading West station.

The party is also planning to build 400 new council homes, while retrofitting existing ones to make them cheaper to heat.

VISION: Reading Labour says its manifesto for the local elections builds on its stewardship of the council, offering financial stability and is attractive to external investors

The manifesto also promises investment in “easy, realistic, cheap, and sustainable new travel options for residents”, including the cycle lane on Shinfield Road, as well as new facilities for Bath Road and Castle Hill.

“Our priority remains helping

Reading realise its potential and creating new opportunities so that everyone who lives and works here can share in the benefits of our amazing town’s success,” council leader Cllr Jason Brock writes in his introduction.

Other commitments, previously announced, include the development of a new central library and creating a new communityfocused performance space at The Hexagon; working towards Reading becoming an accredited Living Wage Town, and delivering a

Remember loved one at service

£26.3 million bus service improvement plan.

The party is also pledging greater biodiversity in the town’s parks, and tougher enforcement against fly tipping.

Labour is also seeking powers so that Reading Borough Council can enforce speed limits, reducing speeding in neighbourhoods. It is also committed to exploring a third crossing over the River Thames to help reduce traffic and boost public transport to the north of the borough.

Among its biodiversity pledges is one to ensure the Kennet Meadows is protected so it can act as the borough’s largest carbon sinks, encouraging bird life and providing an educational resource.

If re-elected, Labour would seek to maintain its small grants pot for community groups, capped at a total of £200,000 per year. It would also bring more community centres back into council management, and create a new centre in Whitley Wood.

In all, there are 90 pledges in the manifesto.

n For more details, or to view the manifesto, log on to: readinglabour.org.uk/readinglabour-manifesto-2023/

A FUNERAL directors that covers Reading and Wokingham boroughs will be holding its annual service of remembrance later this month. The event is open to the public and invites attendees to reflect, remember and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. There will be an opportunity to light a candle during service which is suitable for both secular and multi-faith congregations.

The Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin in Chain Street will be the venue for AB Walker & Son’s event on Saturday, April 22 from 4pm. Refreshments will be serviced afterwards.

Café rebrand bid

THE owners of a café at Reading’s railway station are rebranding and are seeking permission from the council to install new signage.

The Pumpkin Café on platform seven is to become a Café Local, changing the signs.

Earlier this year, SSP applied for a licence to sell alcohol at a proposed Café Local at platforms 8/9, which will be subject to a committee hearing on April 13 after an objection from a commuter.

n To view the application, search for application 230281 on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.