COUNCILS HONOUR ARMED FORCES

Drinkers urged to take it slow this summer

DRINKERS are being encouraged to “take it slow” as lockdown restrictions end.

Cranstoun, which supports people with drug or alcohol use, warned many people’s tolerance for alcohol may have changed over the pandemic.

“So much has changed over the last 12 months, in every aspect of our lives,” a spokesperson said. “This is particularly true when it comes to use of alcohol or drugs. Many people saw their use of substances increase during lockdown.

“On the other hand, there are those whose substance use decreased or stopped during lockdown.

“As things reopen old temptations might re-emerge. But tolerances are likely to have changed. For those who haven’t used for a while, smaller quantities of drugs or alcohol may have a far greater effect than expected.”

The organisation is urging people to start slow with small amounts.

It also offers advice about substance use.

“Give Cranstoun a call if you have any questions or concerns about your substance use, or someone else’s,” they said. “We can provide one-off advice and information sessions to anyone who wants to know more.

“If you feel that now is the time to take control and address those bad habits you gained during lockdown or continue the good progress you made – we are here to offer support and motivation to reach whatever goal you want to achieve.” � For more information, call Cranstoun Wokingham on 0118 977 2022 or email: wokinghamreferrals@ cranstoun.org.uk

TAKE IT SLOW:

Cranstoun says people’s tolerance may have changed over lockdown Picture: U3144362 via Wikimedia Commons SUPPORTING THE SERVICES: Borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker with deputy mayor Cllr Abdul Loyes, and armed forces veteran and Conservative councillor for Wokingham Without, Angus Ross Picture: Stewart Turkington

Borough council honours armed forces with flag

A FLAG was raised to commemorate Armed Forces Day on Saturday.

Wokingham Borough Council marked the day by paying respect to servicemen and women, past and present.

Raising the flag is an annual, national event celebrated on the last Saturday in June.

It is observed by local authorities, government departments, businesses and Number 10 to show support and pay respect to the nation’s armed forces.

It was scaled back for the second year due to the pandemic.

In attendance were borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker, deputy mayor Cllr Abdul Loyes, and armed forces veteran and Conservative councillor for Wokingham Without, Angus Ross. Town mayor Cllr Tony Lack also marked the occasion.

Cllr Baker said: “We are proud to fly the flag as a mark of respect to UK Armed Forces servicemen and women, and former service personnel.

“We thank you for the outstanding service and dedication in protecting and defending our country and its interests.

“On behalf of Wokingham Borough Council, we salute you.” BUGLE CALL: Wokingham town mayor, Cllr Tony Lack observes the day Picture: Steve Smyth UP: Borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker raises the flag Picture: Stewart Turkington

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Steam engine fans trespass onto tracks for better views

DON’T GO loco following locomotives this summer. That’s the warning from Network Rail, which wants steam engine fans to enjoy them from a safe distance.

The company, which runs tracks, says vintage vehicles will be travelling on the railways until mid-Spetember.

And while most people admire the steam engines from afar, some have gone on to the tracks.

Last month, some trespassed on to the trackside to get a better view of the Flying Scotsman as it went through Berkshire and Hampsire.

The company says that trespassing can cause delays –179 incidents have been reported, causing trains to be delayed by almost 97 hours.

Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: “It’s great that so many people have an interest in the railway and that they want to see historic trains such as the Flying Scotsman, but it’s vital for them to stay safe. Those acting irresponsibly not only put their own lives in jeopardy, but the safety of trains, their drivers and passengers too.

“The railway is extremely dangerous if people misuse it. It’s full of both obvious and hidden dangers, which carry risks of catastrophic injuries or even death.

“It is never acceptable to go onto the track for any reason. Come and enjoy the spectacle of these iconic trains, but please do so from a safe place.”

Trespass on the railway is a criminal offence with up to a £1,000 fine. Train obstruction is punishable by up to two years in prison.

Inspector Andy Jackson, embedded BTP officer, said: “Seeing the Flying Scotsman and other steam trains can be an exciting event for many people and we want everyone to be able to have a great day out.

“Our priority is the safety of everyone viewing and travelling on the train, and our officers will be along the route and at stations to ensure everyone can enjoy the event without putting themselves or others in danger.

“Please remember to use safe vantage points to view and take pictures of the train, stay clear of the line, and do not risk serious injury or death by trespassing on the tracks.

“Those caught trespassing or obstructing trains can expect to be prosecuted,” the inspector warned.

Thursday, July 1, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today Bracknell MP joins call for sixth form at Bohunt

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

ONE OF the borough’s MPs has declared his support for a sixth form at Bohunt School.

James Sunderland, whose constituency includes Crowthorne, Finchampstead and Wokingham Without, is supporting the school in its ambitions to provide post-16 education.

The Arborfield school currently serves children in villages in the south of the borough.

It opened in September 2016 to Year 7 pupils, who are now in Year 11 and looking at their next step.

With no sixth form in the south of the borough, students in this area tend to go to a sixth form in Finchampstead, or close to Wokingham town centre.

Mr Sunderland told Wokingham.Today he believes the issue is simple.

“Demand for places is exceptionally high,” he said.

“My loyalty is to my constituents, and not a single person here thinks it's a bad idea. This is a new, exceptional school. It was made clear when it was built the intention was to have a sixth form bolted on.

“But for reasons I don’t understand, Wokingham Borough Council does not seem to support it.”

The MP said many of his constituents are faced with long car drives to and from sixth form each day, with some travelling to Reading or further.

“They should be getting sixth form provision on their doorstep,” he said. “My wish is that Wokingham Borough Council starts focusing on what can be achieved at Bohunt, rather than what can’t. The cost is a drop in the ocean”

He added: “I would be delighted to take a business case to the Department of Education.”

Last week, Cllr Charles Margetts, Conservative councillor for Finchampstead North posted a video on Twitter declaring his support for a sixth form at Bohunt.

In the video, he said: “Finchampstead residents should not have to have their children faced with a choice of going to Farnborough or the far side of Wokingham for sixth form school.

“Bohunt has put together a coherent and sensible offer. It’s prepared to pay 75% of the cost itself. All it’s asking is of Wokingham Borough Council for an investment to provide a decent sixth form facility for the south of the borough.

“We’re calling on Wokingham Borough Council to do that.”

The video also featured his wife, and new Conservative councillor for Finchampstead South, Cllr Rebecca Margetts, and Mr Sunderland.

Cllr Charles Margetts told Wokingham.Today he is calling on people to work together on this project.

“There was a constructive conversation last week with the education executive and Bohunt School,” he said.

“I want to encourage colleagues to work towards providing better sixth form provision in the south of the borough.”

Cllr Margetts said this September, more than 200 students will leave the school. Only 15 applied to secondary school sixth forms in the borough, and seven were not offered places, as their chosen school was full.

Cllr Margetts said while there are some spaces at Emmbrook and The Forest, this means students would have to travel to “the other side of Wokingham”. Cllr John Halsall, leader of the borough council said he recognises the need to expand post-16 education in the next few years. “The need for places is likely to be most felt within the southern areas of the borough and so we will be actively working with schools on the potential for developing sixth form provision in the local area,” he said. He said the council will ensure Bohunt are “key contributors” to the consultation in the Autumn. “We are keen to develop provision that serves the needs of all young people as they move on from their secondary school experience into their post-16 learning and will be commencing a Post 16 Strategy Consultation in the new academic year,” he said. In the spring, parents of students at the school launched a second petition calling for a sixth form to be built.

Age Concern given helping hand with garden

THE GARDEN at Age Concern has been redesigned with help from two Bracknell care homes.

Green-fingered team members from Bickerton House, on Warfield Road and Mountbatten Grange, in Windsor joined the Age Concern team to help paint outdoor furniture, plant flowers and spruce up its day centre garden ahead of its reopening last month.

The team at Bickerton House said they were keen to support the charity, which supports people with dementia, to reopen.

Erika Smith, home manager at Bickerton House, said: “We understand just how important services like Age Concern Bracknell are to older people and their families living in the area.

“The community has shown us a tremendous amount of support over the last year, which is why we’re delighted to be able to give something back as our way of saying thank you.”

Andrew Eltham, CEO at Age Concern Bracknell said the charity was incredibly

FROM LEFT: A volunteer joins Tracey Van Zyl, community relations manager at Mountbatten Grange and Joanna Anderson, of the same role at Bickerton House grateful for the support from Bickerton House and Mountbatten Grange.

“As a charity, we rely on the kindness and generosity of local people to ensure we can continue to provide muchneeded support for those living in our community, and so I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their help over the past few months,” he said.

Students benefit from school streets

SCHOOL STREETS have been launched in Reading, to make it safer for students to walk, scoot or cycle to and from school.

Lucy Prismall, transport planner and lead on programme at Reading Borough Council, said the worthwhile initiative brings tangible benefits to pupils, parents and nearby residents.

“Temporarily closing streets outside schools to traffic at drop-off and pick up times completely alters the street space, helping to lower congestion by encouraging people to change their travel behaviours, improve air quality, improve safety and leads to improved mental and physical health,” she said.

Closures last for 45 minutes, during term time.

Only eligible vehicles can access the road during the closure, such as residents and visitors to properties.

The closure point is supervised by marshals.

“The initiative is new to Reading with our first trial in April, and two further school street trials have opened in June,” Ms Prismall said. “We recognise the safety of the children and other users in the street is paramount and this is the responsibility of the schools, especially the marshals, who are all volunteers as they are responsible for ensuring the roads are closed safely in accordance with the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order.”

Marshals were trained with help from road safety training company TTC.

Andy Wheeler, from the company, said the initiative supports their ethos of protecting people on the move.

“Everyone involved has enjoyed working on the project as we can all appreciate the benefits,” he said.

Schools must meet criteria to become eligible and complete an informal consultation with nearby residents and businesses before applying.

Council to fly the flag for NHS and keyworkers

A SPECIALLY designed flag will be flown on Monday to celebrate the NHS and keyworkers.

Wokingham Town Council is taking part in the inaugural NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day, which has been set as July 5 – the day that the National Health Service was founded.

Since that day in 1948, everyone in the UK has had access to free healthcare.

The town council said that the nation has treasured the service ever since, particularly since the pandemic gripped us in March last year.

The flag will help show Wokingham’s gratitude to all NHS and front-line staff, while also offering a chance to reflect in remembrance of those who have sadly lost their lives.

Cllr David Lee, town councillor for Evendons West, said: “NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers' Day is an important moment to mark the service and sacrifice of the NHS and health workers, as well the amazing community spirit of our town which has come together to help one other.

“We would like to show our appreciation of everything the NHS staff and key workers do for our town and country.

“We thank you all.”

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New sewage system causes a real stink for Hurst villagers

EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

RESIDENTS are furious about a new unauthorised sewage treatment system, which would discharge into a waterway circling their 22 homes.

IT project manager Andrew Wilson was horrified to discover the end of the discharge pipe on his land and without his permission.

The pipe had been installed under his boundary fence and hanging over the waterway which runs through his garden.

He and other residents of Bonhomie Court in Broadcommon Road, Hurst are battling to get the sewage system removed. The equipment is part of a barn conversion, about 400 yards away, to create a home.

Valerie Tester has told Wokingham Borough Council’s planners: “I strongly object to the work ……to install a septic tank with a pipe discharge into a stream which is in the grounds of Bonhomie Court and very much part of our lovely gardens.

“I have had no notification of this work. This is appalling and surely cannot be allowed to happen, with effluent pouring into this stream which in high rainfalls extensively floods, overflowing into our gardens and in dry periods the stream dries up which would leave this sewage in the ground.

“This is an environmental hazard… I strongly urge this work to be stopped.”

She felt that the Broadcommon Road mains sewer should be used instead.

The council has approved planning details of the barn conversion in Islandstone Lane. But it’s been revealed the permissions didn’t include the sewage system.

Mr Wilson couldn’t understand how planning permission was granted without questions about sewerage. He praised Hurst Village Society’s fantastic support for the residents’ case.

The residents took their complaints, including safety concerns about wild ducks and geese, to the council’s planning enforcement team.

On Monday council development compliance specialist Marcus Watts told Mr Wilson and John Osborne of Hurst Village Society he had seen that a “small sewage (package) treatment plant”, rather than a septic tank [as had been suggested by residents], was being installed.

He understood the installation works were now complete. The

OUTLET: A discharge pipe has been installed in Bonhomie Court without permission Main picture: Andrew Wilson plant was unauthorised development. If an application for permission was refused “further action would be taken to enforce the removal of the offending treatment plant.”

Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement, said the conversion planning application did not include any works relating to a septic tank or waste water system.

“Following complaints from local residents, the council’s enforcement team were on site within 24 hours and are now investigating. The applicant has been told that any septic tank or waste water system works require planning permission,” he said.

“The applicant indicated that they will submit a planning application for this work. Once the council has received an application, local residents will be consulted and have the opportunity to comment.” A spokesperson for the application's agent, mm3 Design, said that “the necessary applications have been submitted for the water treatment plant". The spokesman would not comment on the residents’ complaints.

Thursday, July 1, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today It’s the hottest console in town – and it’s yours to be won

EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

A WOKINGHAM tech wizard has launched a new giveaway competition in a bid to “give something back” to his customers following the pandemic.

Rory Pratt, owner of Pratts Pods based on Elms Walk, is giving away a PlayStation 5 for free — and it’s worth approximately £450.

Pratts Pods, which offers a range of services to customers across Wokingham borough and beyond, including fixing broken tech and selling a variety of gadgets, launched its latest competition last week.

“It’s one of the devices everyone is after at the moment and no one can get hold of,” Mr Pratt explained. “So, it’s going to help someone out. Hopefully it can give somebody a very happy child.”

Since starting the contest on Friday, June 25, he said customers have already been flooding in to try and bag the prize to make their lockdown days that bit more exciting.

To be in with a chance of winning the games console, people need to spend £20 in store for automatic entry.

“You can also enter up to five times,” the company owner added.

FIVE ALIVE: Rory Pratt has a PlayStation 5 games console to giveaway to customers of his Pratts Pods tech repair business Picture: Steve Smyth “So if you spent triple figures, your name would be entered multiple times. It’s for every single customer that comes in.”

Mr Pratt launched Pratts Pods seven years ago after realising he had a knack for fixing broken gadgets.

“I broke an awful lot of stuff when I was younger,” he explained. “When I got my first job, my parents said they wouldn’t fix my things anymore so I had to figure it out for myself.”

Over the years, he has moved from repairing devices in his bedroom and kitchen, to opening an office and then finally a shop in the town centre. “I saw an opportunity to open a store and I took it,” he said. According to Mr Pratt, demand has been on the rise during the pandemic as more and more people rely on tech to work and learn from home. “People are on their devices all the time and they are a lot more essential for us now,” the tech whizz explained. “It used to be a case of if you broke something you could deal with it, but when you rely on it for work or school you don’t have a choice but to get it fixed straight away.”

Alongside fixing broken gadgets, Pratts Pods also sells refurbished products, including charging cables, wireless earbuds and phone cases.

The company owner said his firm prides itself on “honesty and quality” when repairing and selling devices.

“This is what sets us apart from the rest,” Mr Pratt explained. “The industry is not very well regulated and we always strive for the highest quality.

“We also do a lot of fixes for other repair shops too, so people can cut out the middleman by coming straight to us.”

Pratts Pods works with a range of devices, from laptops to phones, and tablets to consoles.

Using quality components, it fixes gadgets in a quick turnaround and offers three months’ warranty.

“We do everything,” the owner added. “Anything you can throw a screwdriver at.”

The Wokingham firm is running its giveaway competition until Saturday, July 31.

It will announce the winner in a prize draw on Saturday, August 3 at 6pm. � To find out more about Pratts Pods’ services and how to enter the contest, visit: www.prattspods.co.uk

NEWS | 7 New code club awards its first certificates

A CODING club for children awarded its first batch of certificates last week.

Code Ninjas set up camp at St Crispin’s School on London Road, Wokingham, in April.

The after-school club presented the While Belt award to its students on Saturday.

The club teaches children up to the age of 14 how to code while building their own video games, improving their problem solving, critical thinking and STEM skills.

Naveen Khapali, owner of Code Ninjas Wokingham, said the club has had a “really great start”.

He said: “It’s been two months since we opened and we have had quite a number of kids already signed up.

“Every week we see kids coming earlier than their usual time as they just can’t wait to come to Code Ninjas and start coding, learning game development and other STEM activities.”

Code Ninjas will also be holding summer holiday camps.

For more details, visit codeninjas.co.uk Be Marvellous and help

A MUSIC festival in Hurst is on the hunt for more volunteers this month.

Marvellous Festivals, which takes place at Dinton Pastures, is looking for helpers to ensure the weekend event runs smoothly.

The event runs from Friday, July 16 to Sunday, July 18, and volunteers are needed throughout and on Monday, July 19, to help clear the site.

Volunteers are required to work between six and eight hours and will be provided with a meal and drink voucher.

For any over 16s who sign up for more than two shifts will get a free camping site.

To register interest, message the Marvellous Festivals Facebook page.

For more details, visit marvellousfestivals.com