COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Thursday, April 9, 2020 No. 256
70p
SUE RYDER CENTRE UNDER THREAT P5
Police still tackling domestic abuse calls By DAISY HANSON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
FOUR-YEAR-OLD’S HEART SURGERY P18
THAMES VALLEY POLICE has affirmed its commitment to tackling domestic abuse during the coronavirus pandemic.
Officers are able to provide help and support round the clock, seven days a week. The police’s call comes as local charities including Berkshire Women’s Aid report record numbers of pleas for help as relationships are strained during the enforced shutdown. Officers say that anyone at risk as a result of abuse in the home, they should call 999. If they can’t speak at the time of making the call, they should add 55 to the call. This is called the Silent Solution, and the call taker will sensitively manage the police response. While government advice is to stay at home, anyone who is at risk of, or experiencing, domestic abuse, is still able to leave and seek refuge. Detective Superintendent Rebecca Mears, Thames Valley Police’s head of public protection, said: “You are likely to be feeling more alone than ever right now, but be assured that Thames Valley Police and all local agencies are extremely conscious of this and have put plans in place to support you. “Reach out, whether it be to the police or another agency that is right for you. We can help you. “Families, friends, colleagues and neighbours are also encouraged to be vigilant and call the police if they believe domestic abuse is affecting the lives of their loved ones or of their neighbours.” Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said “I would like to assure victims that support through Victims First and other contracted service providers is available for those that need it.” � The local response: Page 4
DIY PPE
To help staff at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, teachers at schools across Berkshire have been making protective face masks to a kit designed by Leighton Park school – find out how on page 6 Pictures: Leighton Park
HOW YOU CAN HELP HEROES Council calls for donations of masks, gloves and aprons for its frontline staff
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
AN URGENT appeal for residents to donate face masks and other vital protective equipment has been launched by Wokingham Borough Council.
Its social workers, care home staff and key workers get through 27,400 disposable aprons and the same number of gloves every week. They also use 9,000 masks and 1,300 clinical waste bags as they care for some the Wokingham’s most vulnerable citizens.
But supplies are running low – the council has around a month’s supply left – so before a crisis can be made out of a drama, they have asked for a helping hand. The council says that, as a result of the coronavirus and pressures on NHS staff, supplies are not coming from Government as they should. It is appealing to any business that has appropriate PPE equipment or can supply it, to get in touch. The most urgent need is face masks, but the list also includes aprons,
goggles, hand sanitiser and wipes. Executive member for adult social care Cllr Charles Margetts said: “The situation is causing concern. We have what we need now – and people receiving care from our staff are safe at the moment – but we need more and area appealing for help. “There is a real risk to life if frontline workers don’t have the protective clothing and equipment they need – so it is vital that we hear from anybody who can help.” � Continued on page 6
A SURPRISE 50TH IN LOCKDOWN P16
GIVE A QUID TO HELP SAVE VILLAGE POST OFFICE P13 BEST IN THE REGION: PUB TAKES TOP HONOUR P17