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from Reading Today, April 20, 2023

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS TAKE POINT FROM LEADERS ROYALS HOST TOFFEES IN TRICKY RELEGATION BATTLE

Reading Today

THE owners of a café in Reading train station have won permission to sell alcohol despite fears over binge drinking on the platform.

Select Service Partner (SSP) Ltd announced intentions to convert the Delice de France bakery located at platforms 8 and 9 into a Café Local.

As part of the makeover, SSP submitted a licensing application to sell alcohol from the unit on and off the premises from 6am to 11pm, seven days a week.

But a commuter objected, raising fears that people drinking on the platform would lead to anti-social behaviour.

“I have travelled frequently to London for over 14 years by train,” they wrote. “Alcohol consumption at the station is dangerous due to the trains and crowded platforms.

“The consumption on trains is unsocial including people relieving themselves on the platforms, train seats and carriages, especially at night. At night in particular it can be intimidating for passengers.

“Slipping on platforms is always a safety issue this will make it worse.

TIME FOR CHANGE: The Delice de France between platforms 8/9 of Reading train station, set to become a Café Local. Picture: Local Democracy Reporting Service

“The cafe is near escalators, which poses an additional danger.”

They suggested that if alcohol is sold, it must be in plastic bottles or cans rather than glass to minimise the risk posed by the smashed glass.

Reading Borough Council’s licensing committee considered the application.

During the meeting, Simon Hilton, operations manager of SSP said Café Local will have a mixed product offering of food, alcoholic and soft drinks, phone chargers, electric items, umbrellas and toiletries.

Sharon Scott, general manager of SSP said no issues had been raised at the other SSP sites that sell alcohol in the station – the Pumpkin Café on platform 7 and Caffè Ritazza on platform 10.

Mr Hilton added that only individual cans and bottles of alcohol will be sold, clarifying that no multi-packs will be sold, saying: “We see ourselves as a take-out option.”

Cllr Paul Woodward (Labour, Church) chair of the committee, said he was satisfied that the firm was not looking to be “an extension of The Three Guineas”, the pub at the front of the station.

Ms Scott said the price points for alcohol would be from £3.49 to £4.79, with the product range including beer, cider, mixer cans, and small bottles of wine.

The licensing committee granted the licence for Café Local subject to conditions, which lay out a CCTV operation regime, a Challenge 25 age verification policy, and a staff training regime with refreshers every 12 months.

The decision was made on Thursday, April 13 by Cllr Woodward, Cllr Sue Kitchingham (Labour, Caversham Heights) and Cllr Louise Keane (Green, Katesgrove).

Key Stage Team Leaders

MPS/UPS plus TLR2a/b

Required for September 2023

We wish to appoint dynamic, strategic thinking phase leaders who have the energy and drive to work with our leadership team across the Federation. The persons appointed will be part of the Leadership Team and will also lead a core curriculum area dependent on candidate’s strengths. Further information and an application form can be found on the school websites https://www.wilsonprimary.co.uk/index.asp or https://oxfordroad.reading.sch.uk/

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FS, KS1 or KS2 teachers

Part time positions considered

Required for September 2023

Our happy, creative and child centred schools are looking for talented teachers to work as part of our dedicated teams.

The roles would suit ECT or experienced teachers. Further information and an application form can be found on the school websites https://www.wilsonprimary.co.uk/index.asp or https://oxfordroad.reading.sch.uk/

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READING BOROUGH COUNCIL

THE BOROUGH OF READING (ST MARY’S BUTT) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2023

Reading Borough Council has made an Order in accordance with Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, because works are being or are proposed to be executed on or near the road. The effect of the Order will be to temporarily suspend the disabled parking bays in the following lengths of road:

• St Marys Butts outside number 66 to a point approximately 10 meters north, from: 24 April 2023 – 22 May 2023 between 0800hrs – 1400hrs daily.

• St Marys Butts directly outside number 66, from 22 May 2023 – 11 August 2023 between 0800hrs – 1400hrs daily.

If made, the Order will come into operation on the dates above but should the works take longer than expected, the Order will remain in operation until the works are complete for up to 18 months, whichever is sooner. The Order is necessary for the removal and replacement of dangerous and non-compliant cladding.

DATED: 20 April 2023