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AUTISM CAFE OPENS IN EVENDONS
WOKINGHAM borough libraries are running three online activities for youngsters later this month.
Two creative writing groups and virtual a storytime will be both taking place online.
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The teen writing group, for 11- to 18-year-olds, will be joined by author Lisa Williamson on Saturday, February 12.
Her books include First Day of My Life and All About Mia. The session runs from 10.30am to noon.
The children’s creative writing group, for those aged eight to 10, will meet on Thursday, February 10, from 4pm to 4.45pm.
Virtual storytime promises lots of fun for families with children aged seven years old and under. It takes place on Thursday, February 15, at 11.30am. n For more information, email libraries@wokingham.gov.uk
ONE of the comics behind the hit sitcom Not Going Out will be signing books in Wokingham on Saturday.
Paul Kerensa has written several books for children, including Planet Protectors, and will be at Quench in Holme Grange Craft Village from 3.30pm. Entry is free.
Book signing Renters feel the sting of commercial electricity rates
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM residents say they have been left feeling the sting of their electricity bill, after moving into new apartments.
Andrew Carr moved into Parkview House, off Oaklands Park along Fishponds Road in November.
The property was converted from a commercial building into 24 flats, and overlooks Leslie Sears Playing Field.
Mr Carr said that he and his neighbours are paying “top dollar rents”, with his exceeding £1,400 per month, for “amazingly ineffective management”.
He believes that they have been misled over energy bills by Prospect Estate Agents, which manages the property on behalf of the landlord.
When a property is changed from commercial to residential, the postcode also changes. But Mr Carr said that issues with the new postcode meant that the switch-over from a commercial electricity supplier to residential was delayed.
Commercial electricity can cost around 64p per kilowatt hour, plus a daily charge both at 20% VAT instead of 5% for residents.
While Mr Carr and his neighbours were waiting for the switch to happen, he said they were hit with a bill for more than £500 for two months of power.
“A Prospect staff member said we should bear with them until the end of November,” he said. “But then I got a bill that included a late payment surcharge, even though we were originally told not to worry about paying any bills, as these were being covered by the landlord.”
Mr Carr said he visited the branch to speak to someone about the costs.
“They said it was all sorted and the landlord would pay until it was all sorted out,” Mr Carr said.
But in the new year, Mr Carr was told by Prospect to pay the late payment bill, and that other tenants had. He says they told him the landlord had not agreed to pay the electricity bill during the transfer.
Mr Carr said that he feels that Prospect has been “deceitful” over the bills, with different agreements made in person and in writing.
“Up to last week, my electricity bill was £1,241,” he said. “I expected to move in and really enjoy it, but it’s been nothing but hell.”
Had he not paid upfront for seven months rent, Mr Carr said that he would be looking to move out now and get out of any agreement that had been made.
The landlord of Parkview House said: “I am surprised that [Wokingham Today] finds this to be somewhat newsworthy.
“Although there was initially an issue with energy bills for eight of the 25 apartments, where they were switched to a business account, instead of residential, the energy company accepted fault and have already released the apartments to the new suppliers.
“They have also applied a discount on the total usage on final invoice to reduce their bills further.
“As this matter has been resolved satisfactorily, we will not comment further.”
Prospect Estate Agents did not comment further. LEADS: Rob Barlow and Maddie Deeks star as Bonnie and Clyde in the musical retelling of the American criminals’ lives Picture: Simon Drake Platform YP returns to The Whitty Theatre
STUDENTS at a Woosehill theatre school returned to the stage last month as they fundraiser for their place at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Almost 250 pupils at Platform YP performed five shows at The Whitty Theatre on Saturday, January 29, and Sunday, January 30.
These included Bonnie and Clyde, Singing in the Rain, Bugsy Malone and two shows with different casts performing James and The Giant Peach.
For many of the younger students, this was their first time on the stage.
Delivering the shows to an audience of almost 900, the interval refreshments raised £704 for the group’s Fringe fundraiser. The school is now £2,400 away from its £6,500 target, which will be used to get its team to Scotland this summer.
They will spend seven days performing Madagascar JR, based on the DreamWorks film series.
School founder Tracey Eley said that she is so proud of her students.
“We have started rehearsing for our Fringe show and it already looks and sounds amazing,” she added.
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Marie Curie appeals for Wokingham helpers
A NATIONAL charity is appealing for help as its Great Daffodil Appeal returns.
End of life charity Marie Curie is calling on residents to give two hours of their time to hand out daffodil pins in return for donations.
This year will be the first Great Daffodil Appeal in two years, due to covid.
Last year, the charity provided direct support to more than 69,000 people – a 15% rise on 2020 and more than ever before.
Fiona Turner, community fundraiser for Berkshire said the team is excited to get back out there for its collections.
She added: “We rely on volunteers to help us raise as much money as we can so that we can continue to ensure Marie Curie is there for terminally ill people, and their families in their final days, weeks, months.
“Volunteering is not only a great way to support Marie Curie but also a chance to meet new people in your community.”
On Wednesday, March 23, the charity is encouraging everyone to wear a daffodil pin and take a moment to show their support for the millions of people bereaved during the pandemic. n For more information, visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/collect
Trust shortlisted for portering awards
PORTERING staff at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust have been recognised as among the best in the country.
The team has been shortlisted for two awards in this year’s MyPorter Awards
These include the Portering Team of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year.
Kenneth McIntyre was nominated by his colleagues for being a newcomer who makes the whole team stronger, pushes others to even better work, and has great ways of communicating with colleagues and patients that bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Jose Antunes, portering services coordinator at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said that all of the portering teams play a vital role in keeping the Trust running smoothly.
Steve Sellwood, facilities manager responsible for Portering Services, said that he is delighted the department has been shortlisted. The award ceremony is later this month.
Comedy night back
A COMEDY night is being held to raise money for Wokingham charities.
The Wokingham Lions Club is hosting its third comedy night on Friday, March 4, at the Wokingham Theatre.
There will be three comedians taking to the stage: Mike Gunn, Sarah Callaghan and Tom Ward.
The night will be led by David Ward, with all proceeds going to charities in the area.
Members of First Days Children’s Charity will be selling raffle tickets on the night.
Organiser John Cleary said: “It’s been a long time coming, but it’s great to be able to bring back the Comedy Nights in Wokingham after a two-year break.
“We would like to thank the trustees of the Wokingham Theatre for letting us use their fantastic venue.
“The demand for tickets has been incredible, with most of the tickets already sold.
“It shows what a tremendous appetite there is for comedy. It promises to be a great night, and we hope to be running more comedy nights in the future.”
Tickets cost £16, plus a £1 booking fee. n For tickets, visit: wokinghamlions.org.uk
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN WOKINGHAM Borough Council has jwarren@wokingham.today no intention of building homes on Pinewood Leisure Complex. A NEW Community Speedwatch group
That’s the promise of council has been set up in Wokingham town leader John Halsall, who was by volunteers, as part of an initiative responding to a petition set up by launched by Thames Valley Police last residents who fear the opposite year. after its inclusion in the Draft Local And in one session, volunteers caught Plan Update, showing where homes more than 40 drivers exceeding the could be built in the borough up to limit. 2036. Community Speedwatch involves
More than 3,800 people signed volunteers recording details of speeding a petition launched by concerned vehicles using special detection devices. residents after the popular site was The data is passed to Thames Valley listed in the update, as being suitable Police, which writes to the registered for “self-funded regeneration”. keeper of any vehicles caught exceeding
Cllr Halsall said: “We have the limit. absolutely no intention of building The information also helps police on Pinewood. understand the scale of speeding in the
“I sent a letter to every home in area. the borough to explain some of the Cllr Rachel Burgess, leader of the things (in the consultation) that Labour group, has helped to set up seemed to be obscure. a Community Speedwatch group for
“We made a lot of efforts to ensure Norreys and Wescott in response to that everybody was informed.” resident concerns.
Despite this, he said that “There At a recent session on Bell Foundry have been misleading comments on Lane the group found 44 drivers social media and elsewhere – fake exceeding the 30mph limit in just news as it’s now called.” 90 minutes — one was driving above
He repeated previous comments 60mph. TOO FAST: Cllr Rachel Burgess and volunteers running a recent Speedwatch session on Bell that the borough needed a local Cllr Burgess said “Speeding and road Foundry Lane plan to protect it from unsolicited safety is one of the top issues reported to developments. The greenbelt, he me by residents. As well as campaigning added, can’t be moved, and the for safer roads, I wanted to take some council couldn’t plan to build homes more action in the community to try and in the emergency planning zone curb excessive speeding in our area and around the AWE site in Burghfield. improve residents’ quality of life.
And on Pinewood, he said: “I would like to clear up a misunderstanding on the future of the Pinewood Centre. It is a valued community facility that we’re committing to maintain and potentially improve.
“This could allow the facilities to be improved if funding is available and local support forthcoming.
“To be clear, we aren’t advocating any development, but we’re offering development as an opportunity for the current lease holders to obtain the funds if they say they need them.
“The regeneration funding could come from any source.
“But if Pinewood did take a small amount further to attract funding, the council is committed to investing in the facilities to ensure that future generations can benefit.”
Cllr Halsall thanked people who responded to the consultation, saying the council had had a good level of response.
“I’m very grateful to everybody who has written in,” he said, adding that he was “not that happy with people signing up to petitions which are clearly erroneous”.
The responses will be reviewed and the next phase of the local plan update is expected later this year, with more opportunities for residents to comment.
“We do need to produce a plan because it’s a better alternative than not producing a plan,” Cllr Halsall said.
“I’m grateful to the residents who have already helped us run Community Speedwatch sessions — we are keen to recruit more volunteers so we can hold regular
sessions in the speeding hotspots.” n To join the Norreys and Wescott Speedwatch group visit: www. communityspeedwatch.org and follow the The Wokingham and Reading Today Paper_ 265X160mm_HalfPage_MARCH_event_2022_V2 links to register and join existing group.
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DISCUSSION:
PCSO Elena Ispas with Cllr David Hare
Events Field safety raised with PCSO
AN EARLEY councillor is hoping to help reduce anti-social behaviour in one of the town’s green spaces, writes Jess Warren.
Cllr David Hare is concerned that a shelter in the Earley Event Field off Kilnsea Drive is being used for some “unsavoury behaviour”.
The Liberal Democrat councillor for Hawkedon said that he has spoken with Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Elena Ispas, who is being “very helpful” in finding a solution for the park.
Cllr Hare said that the shelter was built by Earley Town Council, with its proximity to Maiden Place chosen so that police could monitor it easily.
“The use of the shelter has some positive uses, and can be a place where relatives and friends can sit as the children play,” he said.
“But it is also used for antisocial reasons, drug exchange and use being a particular problem, as well as unsavoury language or behaviour.
“The discussion with the police is about how we can make the shelter easier to access so that the police can make it a safer place for most users.”
Cllr Hare said that he does not want something “spoilt” for the majority because of a minority, and said that he has spoken to PCSO Ispas about the site.
He added: “We have some ideas to try out to make the shelter, hopefully, less attractive to antisocial behaviour.”
Plan for new sewer system divides Heath Ride residents
EXCLUSIVE
By DANIEL BLACKMAN dblackham@rdg.today
THAMES WATER has developed plans for a sewer and pumping station on Heath Ride after it received formal applications from multiple households to be connected to a public system.
Properties in Heath Ride are not currently part of the network and most residents use septic tanks to collect waste.
Due to the Water Industry Act, Thames Water is duty bound to make a connection when a property owner requests access to the main sewer network.
Of the 78 home owners surveyed in 2018, 24 were interested in connecting to the new sewer.
However, some residents on the road believe that the disruption and costs involved are not worth the hassle.
Aaron Reader, who lives on Heath Ride, said: “It’s a total waste of money and I think you’ll be lucky if you get 10 of the residents connected.
“To connect to the system I will have to dig up the driveway, pay a connection fee and then pay more on a yearly basis compared to maintaining the current system I have got in.”
This view was shared by another homeowner who described the plans as “not economically viable.”
Although the new sewer will be funded by Thames Water, anyone wishing to join the system will have to pay a one-off connection fee and then an ongoing wastewater charge.
Individual property owners have the option to maintain their current systems if they do not wish to join the new network.
Due to the narrow nature of the road, some homeowners are concerned about gaining access to their properties while work is ongoing.
Thames Water is keen to appease residents’ worries.
A spokesperson said: “We appreciate some residents have concerns about potential disruption and we will do everything we can to keep it to a minimum.
“We’re experienced at working on infrastructure projects on narrow roads and, wherever possible, will ensure access is maintained for residents, visitors, and the likes of emergency vehicles, bin collections and online delivery services.”
Thames Water has also committed to no night-time working and will ensure access is always available at the start and end of each working day.
As well as maintaining private and domestic waste, the sewer will help protect the environment, Thames Water staff said.
They believe that there is clear evidence that some private systems have failed and are causing pollution in nearby watercourses.
This is usually caused by sewage water leaking from septic tanks into the surrounding ground and into nearby waters or via surface water drains.
Planning consent to lay the new pipes is not required, however it is necessary for the pumping station. An application is due to be submitted to the council this spring.
The pumping station will be designed with landscaping and plants to screen it from neighbouring properties and the Thames Water spokesperson said that they already have similar stations in place which cause little disruption to those who live nearby.
Once the application has been received by the council, residents will be able to comment on the proposals.
If approved, work is expected to start in February 2023, and completion is scheduled for February 2024.
The Thames Water spokesperson said that pipes being laid four metres deep is a “significant factor” in the expected project duration.
Residents along Kiln Green A4 fear for their ‘health and safety’
EXCLUSIVE
By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today
RESIDENTS who live along the A4 say they are “fearing for their health and safety” following an increase in traffic and deteriorating road surface.
The rising number of vehicles using the road, particularly HGVs, was first noticed by people in Kiln Green and Hare Hatch during the M4 smart motorway closures.
Traffic levels “have remained very high” since the works were completed, according to Cllr Wayne Smith, chairman of the Scarlett’s Lane Resident’s Association.
Cllr Smith also represents Hurst ward as a Conservative member of Wokingham Borough Council (WBC).
In a letter sent to WBC and seen by Wokingham Today, Cllr Smith outlines a number of issues being faced by residents who live along the A4 in Ruscombe and Wargrave.
These include noise from the poor road surface, inconsistencies with the speed limit through the area, speeding, and obstructed pathways.
His letter includes comments from residents who have contacted Cllr Smith with their concerns.
One of the letter’s contributors, Simon Chapman, said that there is growing frustration at the lack of action being taken by WBC, despite residents having the support of both the ward’s borough councillors, plus a third who is a resident in the area.
“There has been an ongoing dialogue between our councillors, Cllr John Halsall and Cllr Graham Howe, Cllr Smith as a resident, and Cllr Pauline Jorgensen and the highways department for well over a year,” Mr Chapman said.
“The highways department said that they might be able to do something about the road surface in 2023 using lockchip material, which will actually make things worse.
“The chips set proud of the road surface and stay that way for years, and that’s if it doesn’t break up because of the weight of increased traffic.
“That is what happened when lockchip patchwork was carried out along the A4 last year.
“It seems that Cllr Jorgensen is holding out for lockchip which is presumably cheaper.”
Another contributor, Karen Robinson, has lived along the affected stretch of A4 for almost 21 years. She has two children attending nearby schools, who need to walk along the road to get there.
“Clearing the pathways of all the overhanging hedges and brambles should be an easy job, surely it’s part of what we pay Council Tax for,” she said. “The council is trying to encourage sustainable travel, but it seems as though the funding for this end of the borough just isn’t in place.”
Ms Robinson stressed that the main interest of residents is safety.
She added: “There are no safe places to cross the road, and the area around Hare Hatch is so dangerous.
“We’ve had to dodge vans mounting the pavement to get around traffic waiting to turn at London Road.”
She is also concerned about the speed limit in the area.
“There is not enough time for drivers to slow down from the 60mph stretch before reaching the traffic island, which is too close to the beginning of the 40mph section,” she said.
“The speed warning sign is always flashing as people are driving too fast, yet we have not seen a police speed check and are told by WBC that there is not an issue.”
Cllr Smith said that he recognises that anyone living close to the A4 cannot expect peace and quiet, but the situation is deteriorating.
According to Cllr Smith, lockchip surfacing works previously carried out along the A4 have failed.
“Local residents, many of them elderly, deserve immediate and enduring relief
A4: A section of road surface on the A4 as it goes through Kiln Green, which residents say adds to road noise Picture: Simon Chapman from the traffic noise, and that will mean inlay rather than lockchip surfacing,” he said.
“Indeed, WBC have been promising them relief for years but the problems only seem to get worse.”
A spokesperson for WBC said that residents should report issues with road signs and markings, and apply for a review of the speed limit on the council’s website.
They added: “The issue of encroaching vegetation and detritus on the footpath has been passed to our contractor for action, it is expected the rectification will commence within six weeks.
“The 2022-23 plane inlay programme is currently being produced by our contractors.
“We anticipate it being available in the coming few weeks and will be publishing it once it is available.”
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson added: “We rely on the public to provide information and would encourage anyone with information about speeding or poor driving to please report it on our website or by calling the non-emergency number on 101 so that we can gather information about a particular area and take action where appropriate.”
Memories of Wokingham group to hold a reunion
AN ONLINE discussion forum is organising a reunion.
The Memories of Wokingham group is to hold the event on Saturday, May 21 from 4pm, at the White Horse Pub, Easthampstead Road.
It is aimed at people who were born or went to school, lived in or grew up in and around Wokingham between the 1950s and 1970s.
There will be a band playing music from the era, and plenty of opportunities to reminisce.
Tickets for the event are £5, with profits going to Cancer Research UK. n For more information, search for Memories of Wokingham on Facebook. For tickets, search Memories of Wokingham on wegottickets.com
Creative Cantley
A PROGRAMME of arts and crafts is starting at Cantley Park.
The first session is candle making today (Thursday) between 10am and noon.
Collage for wellbeing will take place on Thursday, February 24, and Thursday, March 10. There are two sessions available on both days, 10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm. n For more information, visit: wokingham.gov.uk
Hurst plans Platinum Jubilee parties
A CALL has gone out for talented pets, jugglers, singers and bands to help celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Hurst writes Sue Corcoran.
Also needed is a metal worker to make a beacon that will be lit as a part of the UK-wide lighting ceremony to mark the jubilee.
Hurst Parish Council are planning the four-day celebration starting on Thursday June 2, with the beacon lighting. It’s hoped St Nicholas Church’s bells will ring out at the same time.
The organisers are already asking performers to sign up for the Hurst’s Got Talent contest.
Parish councillor Paul Palmer, pausing from placing the festive bunting order, said: “We’d like to hear now from everyone who’d like to take part in Hurst’s Got Talent on the family festival day, Saturday June 4, at Martineau Lane green.
“You could have a talented pet, be a juggler, a singer, play an instrument, or entertain in any other way, like on Britain’s Got Talent.
“There’ll also be games including tugs of war, a fancy dress parade and cream teas.
“Let us know now if your band would like to perform later that day when there’ll be PARTY: Cllr Paul Palmer is helping organise the Hurst celebrations
a bar and food. We’ll have a sound engineer and a stage.”
Sport loving villagers are invited to take part in and watch football, bowling, cricket, tennis and a jubilee cycle ride visiting Hurst pubs for traditional games on Friday, June 3.
“On the Sunday, the final day, we’re hoping to close a road for a massive street party,” Cllr Palmer said. “You can bring your own picnic and decorate your table.
“We’d love to hear from anyone who can help sponsor what will be a real community celebration of the Queen’s 70 years.
“This event will become part of Hurst’s history.” n To sign up for Hurst’s Got Talent or get involved in any way, including by sponsorship, visit: www.hurst-jubilee.co.uk
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