Thursday, October 7, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Hot wheels: New van makes Citizens Advice upwardly mobile EXCLUSIVE
WINTER: A Christmas Market will be coming to Cantley
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today
Xmas market plan
THIS WEEK Citizens Advice Wokingham is launching a new mobile office.
n From front page
Advice On Wheels will be delivered across the borough, in a bid to take the charity’s services directly into communities. Since lockdown in March last year, the organisation has helped three in 50 adults across the borough. The van will be unveiled tomorrow in Twyford by Theresa May, MP for Maidenhead, and Warren Buckley, National Citizens Advice chair of trustees. During the Second World War, some of the earliest work of Citizens Advice took place in a converted mobile horsebox. Modernising this approach, the Wokingham branch has a specially designed Volkswagen Crafter to take to the road. It is sponsored by Wokingham. Today, as well as British Gas, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Hitachi Capital, Wokingham United Charities, David Brownlow Charitable Foundation, Bri-Stor systems, Clifton Ingram Solicitors and Hex Signs & Graphics. Jake Morrison, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wokingham, said: “Before the pandemic, our team used to lug a pop-up gazebo across the borough and, while this increased our reach, it was challenging to sit in, and support people with their enquiries. “This Mobile Advice Unit has a specially designed interior, with electricity, so that we can take our office out on wheels. “This means that we can park up in any location across Wokingham borough and support people who want our help.” He said this will include supermarkets, GP surgeries and town and village centres. Mr Morrison said he hopes the van will help people facing hardship and deprivation, increase access to free, confidential advice, and work with other charities and services to help residents get the most effective support. Partner organisations who will take to the road with Citizens
ADVICE ON WHEELS: The new van is sponsored by Wokingham.Today along with other organisations Picture: Citizens Advice Advice Wokingham include; AgeUK Berkshire, domestic abuse charity Kaleidoscopic UK, Home-Start Wokingham, Involve, carers charity Tuvida, Wokingham Foodbank, Healthwatch Wokingham and learning disability charity CLASP. Since the start of the pandemic, staff and volunteers at Citizens Advice Wokingham have helped 8,527 people deal with more than 26,000 issues, helping people access more than £2.3 million that they’re entitled to, and written off just under £1 million of debt. These issues range from access to essentials such as food and prescription collections during the first lockdown, to the increase in welfare benefits, housing, debt and employment issues. The charity is concerned that the cut to the Universal Credit benefit at the same time that energy bills are rising, along with the colder weather, will see many struggle with their essential costs. Mr Morrison said he fears a drop in income could be particularly difficult for new
Bogus water officials make distraction burglaries BOGUS waterboard officials have been seen in Woodley, and a warning has been issued over distraction burglaries. Residents in the town have been receiving letters from Thames Valley Police to raise awareness — and reassure that the force will be dealing with this in a “robust manner”. “We have had reports of persons knocking on doors masquerading to be from the water board,” the letter reads. “They have been invited into properties as one has distracted the resident while the other has
managed to steal property.” The force is also asking for residents support in catching the bogus officials. “If you have any information about any crimes or anything else in your area please contact your Neighbourhood Policing team by telephoning 101,” the letter continues. “If you would like to pass on information to the Woodley (team) discreetly, or require any further information or advice, email: WoodleyNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn. police.uk.”
benefits claimants who may be unaware of the cut. He hopes taking advice and information services on the road will mean that the charity can continue to reach even more people who may benefit from support. He added: “I could not be more proud of the work that all of our volunteers and staff have put in since the start of the pandemic, ensuring that no one in our communities is left behind. “Given the hand that we were dealt, we couldn’t have done any more than we have. “We are the 11th highest performing Citizens Advice service so far this year in the number of calls our team are answering. “As we look to rebuild from covid, and continue to push the government to invest in the benefits system, keeping the vital lifeline for people, we are doing what we can to support our communities. “Throughout the pandemic, we have said this simple message — do not hesitate to reach out to us, there is no wrong reason to seek our
VAN: Advice will be borough-wide help and guidance. We don’t want people to be struggling and secondguessing themselves about whether to ask for help. “So while our phone lines are as busy now as at the height of the pandemic in lockdowns last year, we’re taking this extra step to increase our outreach into our neighbourhoods.”
n Anyone interested in volunteering and supporting the advice van can visit: www.citizensadvicewokingham. org.uk
“The past 18 months have shown us the importance of shopping locally, and what better way to support growth in our economy and help build business than by attending Cantley Park’s Christmas Market. “Whether you are a baker, jewellery maker or Christmas gift designer, we want to see as many vendors as possible selling gifts and produce at the Christmas Market. “We are anticipating plenty of interest, so I am encouraging vendors to book their huts as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.” Responding to concerns that there would not be enough stalls to go round, Cllr Batth said: “We currently have space for up to 13 Christmas Market stalls but could increase this number if we feel there is sufficient demand. “We’ve already identified some fantastic businesses with a range of lovely goods on sale and are looking forward to finding more. “Not all traders are staying for the full- time so there is always going to be something new to see and we’d encourage residents to visit more than once.” Cllr Batth was looking forward to the range of attractions residents can enjoy. “The stalls are also not the only thing on offer,” he said. “The Cantley market also benefits from some delicious food and drink sellers as well as activities including Wokingham’s first outdoor ice rink and festive Cantley craft workshops, like Christmas wreath making, so we are sure there will be lots of fun for everyone.” Cllr John Halsall, the leader of the council, was pleased that Cantley Park was to be used for such a venture. “Wokingham Conservatives have, despite the opposition and criticism, rebuilt a town which is now vibrant and, in comparison to our neighbours, incredible,” he said. “The testament of that is Elms Field and Cantley Park, which is now taking shape as a really super, super facility. “I hope there is a realisation from the population of Wokingham town that the investment and achievement of the Conservative-led administration has been significant in improving the quality of life.” Cllr Halsall promised to try the ice rink, warning “my pirouettes are not great.” n To exhibit, visit the borough council website.
