Wokingham Borough Winter 2014
NEWSYour magazine from Wokingham Borough Council
See back page for Christmas waste and recycling collection calendar
In this issue…
Winter Wellbeing page 13 to 16
Gorse Ride comes together More please! page 20 All go for new page 3 ‘Fosters’ page 24
www.wokingham.gov.uk 2 Winter 2014
Keeping in touch with us [email protected] Welcome www.wokingham.gov.uk With Christmas almost (0118) 974 6000 upon us, we’re gearing 07786 200914 up once again for facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil winter.
@WokinghamBC On page 13 you can find out more The new roads are just one way of Visit us: about our campaign to encourage better connecting the Borough. As Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm local people to become Winter well as investing in roads, we’ve also Write to us: Friends. When the cold weather made improvements to cycleways Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, sets in, you can make a difference and public transport. Each of the Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN by looking in on a neighbour who is SDLs will be connected by networks, elderly or vulnerable. I have signed known as greenways, that would Find out more information by: up to the pledge and hope that allow car-free commuting as well as Email and text updates – register at: many of you will join me in pleasurable places to walk or ride. www.wokingham.gov.uk/online supporting others in the community whatever the elements may throw And, WBC sets one of the highest at us. Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) rates to ensure developers continue With around 435 miles of roads to fund the infrastructure we need. around the Borough, our gritting See back page teams are getting ready to respond If you have any views or comments please get in touch with me via for Christmas waste to weather conditions throughout and recycling the winter period; and you can find email at: collection out more about our plans to keep [email protected]. the Borough moving on page 27. You can also let us know your views calendar And on pages 8 and 9, you can find on the magazine by completing the out the latest progress on new survey on page 26. homes and infrastructure in the Strategic Development Locations Don’t forget you can also keep In this edition (SDLs). up-to-date with all the latest news at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/news, Pre-application preparatory work is 7 by following @WokinghamBC on Energised plans for leisure taking place on the Arborfield Relief Road following last year’s extensive Twitter or liking us on Facebook. consultation. And we’re working 8-9 Cllr Keith Baker to deliver the South Wokingham Building sustainable communities Leader of the Council Distributor Road in line with the 10 aspirations expressed by residents New Arborfield secondary school following the consultation. I’ve always said that we’ll find a way to 13-16 fully fund the North Wokingham Winter wellbeing Distributor Road, and I’m pleased to say we are making good progress. 21 Embracing integrated care To advertise in Wokingham Borough News, or for any other queries about this magazine including delivery, please contact: 24 [email protected]. A pdf version of this magazine is Hillside Park available online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/boroughnews
25 Editorial: Communications Team at Wokingham Borough Council Broadening activities in our country parks Design and printed by: Digital Solutions on uncoated FSCM 75gsm paper 26 Cost: 13p per person / 25p per household Readership survey Winter 2014 3
MORE please! Pupils at Robert Piggott CE Infant School in Wargrave join primary children across the Borough, who together, enjoy some 98,000 hot school meals served by us each month.
Following the introduction of the optional free school meal Caterlink, which provides the food on our behalf, offers a scheme this September, we’ve seen a 42% increase in the different daily menu with a choice between a meat and vegetable number of meals served compared to last year. main, jacket potato and dessert.
We spoke to Toby, Kate, Seren, Loula, Ottie and Finlay to find out At Robert Piggott, the vast majority of children opt to have a what they think about the lunches. All say they are on par with meal. Executive Headteacher Sally Ann Aker says there are more their mums’ although Finlay says his grandma’s spaghetti is still than nutritional benefits to this. best. Fish and chips, burgers and sausages are a firm favourite, but they also like their vegetables, especially carrots, potatoes, “It’s about life skills,” she said. “Sitting down together at and sweetcorn. Toby says he loves cucumber and broccoli – but lunchtime teaches them how to use a knife and fork, as well as not together. good table manners. They also learn how to make and share conversation.”
Igniting Writing talent - teen writing group There is a new writing “That’s why I set up Igniting Writing, a Sessions are held at group for teens at teen writing club that brings local 11 to Wokingham Library Wokingham Library. 18-year-olds together to develop their every Saturday from We get the inside writing in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. 10.30am to midday. scoop from the club’s founder, Alex “It’s a great way for teens to share their To book a place, email: Baker… work and build their confidence by [email protected] or phone experimenting with new writing skills (0118) 978 1368. “Across Berkshire there are many and genres. creative writing groups, but something More information: that has always bugged me is that none “Our first session in October focused @IgnitingWriting are targeted specifically at teenagers still on creating settings and everyone had facebook.com/groups/ developing their writing. It seems like a a great time with the writing prompts 829509490414536 real missed opportunity. There are some and exercises. Future sessions will cover • Blog: ignitingwriting.tumblr.com incredibly talented teens out there and everything from developing characters to their minds are overflowing with creative exploring the world of sci-fi, so there’s and imaginative ideas. something for everyone.” 4 Winter 2014 Elections May 2015
The General Election will be held Thinking of becoming a next year on Thursday May 7. councillor?
In addition, Borough elections are taking If you have ever considered being a local Contact us: place in Barkham, Bulmershe and councillor, you can find out more by • Electoral Services helpline number Whitegates, Coronation, Emmbrook, visiting: www.beacouncillor.org.uk. (0118) 974 6522 / 6523 Evendons, Hawkedon, Hillside, Loddon, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm If you would like to stand and want to be Maiden Erlegh, Norreys, Shinfield North, • [email protected] associated with a particular political party, Shinfield South, Sonning, South Lake, • www.wokingham.gov.uk/elections you should think about making enquiries Twyford, Wescott, Winnersh and • Electoral Services, PO Box 151, Shute now, as they will want to get to know Wokingham Without wards. End, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 1GY you and put you through their selection These parish/town councils will also be up process. for election: Barkham, Earley, Shinfield, We can put you in touch with the local Moved house? Sonning, Twyford, Winnersh, Wokingham, agents. More information about standing You must register Wokingham Without and Woodley. as an independent candidate will be to vote published in the next edition of If you have recently moved Wokingham Borough News. paying council tax does NOT register you to vote. Visit www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote. Park and ride coming Free parking this Work has started on our two much-awaited park and ride schemes Christmas – 579 spaces at Mereoak Lane in Shoppers are getting an early Christmas • Rose Street, Wokingham Grazeley, and 390 in Wharfedale Road present with free car parking in selected • Cockpit Path, Wokingham near Winnersh Station. council-owned car parks on Saturday • Headley Road, Woodley December 13 and 20 at: Crockhamwell Road, Woodley The two sites are being built • • Lytham Road (east and west), Woodley simultaneously, and plan to be ready • Polehampton Close, Twyford in March. • School Lane, Wargrave Although parking will be free on the • The Paddocks, Wokingham Saturdays before Christmas, maximum They will also offer blue badge holder, • Denmark Street, Wokingham stay limits and disabled parking bays will cycle and motorbike parking, and (council‐managed section only) still be enforced. eventually electric car charging • Easthampstead Road (east and points. west), Wokingham
Our library visits you Are you homebound, have mobility issues or caring for someone and miss visiting the library? Then the good news is our library service can visit you instead!
We can deliver books to you, including large print and audio books. It’s a greatly valued service. “My wife would be lost without her books from the home library service. I think libraries are absolutely essential,” said resident Robert Wall. Trained volunteers regularly visit readers at home, with books matching their reading tastes.
More information: • (0118) 978 1368 • www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/home Winter 2014 5 Station link road final phases Thank you again for your patience during the past few months when Oxford and Barkham roads in Wokingham were closed as part of the station link road scheme.
We know they are important routes in the town centre, but we had no choice to close them because of the complex nature of the work we had to do.
We’re dependent on Network Rail to first complete trackside work before we can carry on, and we hope to start the final phases of the whole scheme early next year.
These will focus on Wellington Road and Station Road north of the level crossing, where they meet station approach. Phase 5 is the Shute End junction.
The aim of station link road scheme is to create a 21st Century travel centre, ease local traffic congestion, and make access in an around the station safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/stationlinkroad Executive view Cllr John Kaiser, Executive Member for Planning and Highways “Residents, businesses Once finished, it will help and road users have reduce congestion in shown immense patience Wokingham town centre. and understanding in the scheme so far and I’d like “These final two stages to thank them for this. are going to be incredibly They’ve weathered any tricky and we hope people disruption caused by this will bear with us as we work because they work to get them understand the benefits completed as quickly as the scheme will bring. possible.”
Coppid Beech improvements
We’re getting ready to start improvement The work will not touch the A329(M) As soon as the details are finalised, we work early next year on the Coppid flyover. will post them on our website and also Beech roundabout. on Facebook and Twitter. We’re currently putting the final touches The roundabout gyratory and some of to the plan to reduce the impact on road You can also find out the latest road the slip roads on the A329(M) and A329 users as much as possible and make sure works by signing up to our text and email London Road / B3408 London Road we provide a safe working environment alerts at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/ interchange will be widened, traffic lights for our contractors. register. added, and cycling and walking lanes Whilst the works are taking place there improved. More information: are likely to be temporary traffic lights, www.wokingham.gov.uk/coppidbeech It is expected to take five months and lane restrictions, phased road closures once finished, the roundabout will better and some night time construction. manage current and increasing traffic levels, and reduce congestion. 6 Winter 2014 Your whole council at your fingertips It’ll soon be easier for you to search Executive view Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Executive Member for and find information about Resident Services Wokingham Borough Council online, “These are just two examples of our mission to improve your via modern.gov experience of our services, and develop new sources of funding This new web portal will have lots of details about the work of the Council to help to protect local services including agendas, reports and minutes from a variety of meetings, election despite being the lowest funded results and specifics about councillors such as their declaration of interests. unitary authority in the country.
It features better search tools to find information quickly. You will also be “We have many other small able to set up alerts telling you when new papers in subject areas that improvement projects underway. For example, we’ve interest you become available. changed our phone system in Revenue and Benefits so It is hoped modern.gov - accessed via your mobile, tablet and laptop - will that you can now put yourself through to the person be up and running early next year. you want to talk to.” Website advertising You may have noticed adverts on the top of our website pages, as well as a link to an explanation about how advertising will boost the services we can offer you. By allowing commercial advertising on our website - and we will be extremely careful about the type we approve - up to £30,000 can be earned for the public purse every year. With £30,000 we could do one of the following:
provide 80 nights of high- fund a social collect waste and quality short break care recycling from 638 worker post clean some 26km for children with fill 429 potholes properties of roads disabilities So it really does make a difference to what we can do.
More investment for superfast broadband Executive view Cllr Anthony Pollock, Executive Member for Phase two of Superfast Berkshire is This follows on from a previous Economic Development and Finance now underway with a public sector contribution of £215,000 which was investment pot for Berkshire of invested in phase one. The additional “This is a significant £4.7million on the basis that it’s funding is anticipated to increase investment and match funded. The programme was superfast broadband coverage across improving the broadband set up to improve broadband speed the Borough from 93.85% to 98% and connectivity is one of our and coverage across Berkshire in the will help ensure that as many of our priorities and key to areas that are not commercially residents and businesses as possible securing our ambitions viable. have access to the new technology. for economic growth. This investment will We’ve agreed to invest a further This will enable a further 3,701 improve access to better £243,000 to support the roll out of premises to receive broadband internet speeds whether at home or at work, phase two to areas of Wokingham coverage taking the total number meaning our local economy remains Borough where coverage is poor. of premises across the Borough to competitive and social isolation is 64,815 before the end of 2017. reduced.” Winter 2014 7
Million pound investment plans for leisure across the Wokingham Borough Sporting facilities at Bulmershe Leisure Centre are being energised and modernised for people in Woodley.
Earlier this year we agreed 1Life - our At Loddon Valley Leisure Centre the improvements include a leisure management company - would brand new group cycling studio, new flooring in the existing take over the running of the leisure dance studio, plus 100 new pieces of gym equipment and at centre from Woodley Town Council from St Crispin’s the gym is getting a facelift and brand new equipment. December 1. So from January 2015, the great news The centre was built in the 1970s and is that both new and existing customers its facilities are tired and in need of will be able to choose whether to pay- investment to bring it up to a modern standard to help us as-they-go when using activities or support our vision ‘to create a great place to live, an even better purchase a great value membership place to do business’ and our borough-wide health and wellbeing package offering the use of four gyms, strategy. three swimming pools and hundreds of classes every week at Loddon Valley, Carnival Pool, The transformation and investment of £225,000 will pay for the St. Crispin’s and now Bulmershe Leisure Centre. installation of a brand new gym, where there’ll be all kinds of easy to use equipment and instructors on hand to help customers For more information visit: with training advice. The gym will have plasma TVs, music system www.1life.co.uk or call into any centre to and air-conditioning for customers to feel comfortable and be talk through your options, special offers entertained as they workout. In addition, the swimming pool and book a FREE trial* (terms apply). changing rooms and the reception are also being refurbished. Therefore as the centre already offers good health and wellbeing and physical activity and sports programmes – all the Executive view improvements are a real boost to the local community. We will Cllr Angus Ross, Executive Member for Environment be consulting with residents about the future of the facility in the New Year. “Bulmershe Leisure Centre is a vital sports and leisure facility for people Further investment living in Woodley, for the students of And it’s not just Bulmershe Leisure Centre that’s seeing Bulmershe School next door, and pupils investment ploughed into it. Other centres across the from nearby primary schools. Wokingham Borough - Carnival Pool, Loddon Valley and St Crispin’s - are also set for improvements over the coming “This investment into our leisure months thanks to more than £1million investment, as 1Life offering is great news for the Borough’s invests £774,000 and the Borough Council invests £345,000. At residents and the wider community who Carnival Pool a new dance studio will go a long way to meeting use our facilities. It will bring them up to a better standard. the growing local demand for classes. The existing gym will be Revenue raised will help fund local services and keep council refurbished with new equipment being installed to offer tax bills low, which is good news for everyone. We are customers a more varied training programme. And the pool looking at a rebuild or further refurbishment of Bulmershe changing rooms will also be refurbished as well as improvements Leisure Centre in the future and will be consulting on this in made to reception and seating areas. due course.” 8 Winter 2014 Building sustainable co mmunities continues in Wokingham Borough
As part of our plan to ensure the new homes needed in Wokingham Borough are provided in the right way with the right infrastructure, four areas, known as Strategic Development Locations, were earmarked back in 2010 for significant housing and new facilities such as schools and sport and community facilities.
Progress on these four areas (at Arborfield Garrison; around Shinfield, Three Mile Cross and Spencers Wood; North of Shinfield, Three Mile Cross and Wokingham town and South of Wokingham town) is now underway with the first residents moving into homes. Spencers Wood (known as the South of the M4 Strategic Development Location) Arborfield: Overview:
Overview: • Approximately 3,000 homes to be built in extension to Shinfield, Three Mile Cross and Spencers Wood • Approximately 3,500 homes to be built on the • Two new primary schools (in Spencers Wood and Garrison site and land to the south Shinfield) • New secondary school opening September 2016 • New neighbourhood centre in Shinfield, including new (see page 10) community centre (see page 11) and improved • Two new primary schools neighbourhood centres in Three Mile Cross and • New neighbourhood centre with shops, community Spencers Wood centre and health facilities • Improved outdoor sports facilities • New indoor and outdoor sports facilities • New play areas and open green space • New play areas and open green space for walkers, and • Shinfield Eastern Relief Road improvements to existing country parks • Arborfield Relief Road Latest news: Latest news: Planning applications granted for: • Cutbush Lane: 126 homes and infrastructure Planning applications have been received for the • Shinfield West: 1,350 homes and infrastructure Arborfield Garrison site (approximately 2,000 homes including neighbourhood centre, primary school and application from the Arborfield Garrison Landowners supermarket Consortium) and land to the south (approximately 1,500 • Spencers Wood (Croft Road): 900 homes and home application from the Marino Family). infrastructure including primary school and nature reserve View the applications on our website at: • Loddon open green space www.wokingham.gov.uk/planning. They will be considered • Basingstoke Road (east): 100 homes and infrastructure by the Planning Committee in early spring next year. • The Manor: 126 homes and infrastructure Pre-application work is taking place on the route of the Construction work on the Shinfield Eastern Relief Road Arborfield Relief Road, following last year’s extensive (from the A327 Arborfield Road to a new bridge over the consultation. We’re working to build the road in line with M4 close to the Black Boy Roundabout) is due to begin the wishes expressed by the majority of residents. early next year. Winter 2014 9 Building sustainable co mmunities continues in Wokingham Borough
South Wokingham Overview:
• Approximately 2,500 homes to be built south of the North Wokingham town Overview: • Two new primary schools • New outdoor sports pitches • Approximately 1,500 homes being built in north of • Two new neighbourhood centres with shops and the town community facilities • New primary school • Play areas and open green space • Improved sporting and community facilities • New play areas and open green space Latest news: • North Wokingham Distributor Road • Building work underway at Montague Park (pictured Latest news: above), off London Road, for 650 homes with some now occupied • Planning consent granted for 274 homes and • Planning application for new primary school approved infrastructure at Kentwood Farm East; and 230 homes • Public consultation carried out on South Wokingham and infrastructure at Kentwood Farm West Distributor Road this summer (see below) • Planning application received for approximately 760 • Vision is for approximately 1,850 homes to be provided homes and accompanying infrastructure (including south of the railway line. No detailed plans yet agreed primary school) at Matthewsgreen • We’ve bought Grays Fruit Farm to provide a new • Building work nearly complete for 180 homes off outdoor sports pitch hub. The farm will still operate Plough Lane and Buttercup Close, with many now until 2017 occupied Following an extensive public consultation earlier this year, Following the extensive consultation last year, we’re now we are due to agree our preferred option for the route of focusing on the North Wokingham Distributor Road (which the South Wokingham Distributor Road (which will link the will link the A329 London Road near Coppid Beech A329 London Road with the A321 Finchampstead Road via a roundabout the A329 Reading Road near the M4 bridge). new railway bridge at Montague Park and the development This is what people told us they wanted. areas south of the railway line).
Note: Latest news correct at time of going to press. 10 Winter 2014 New secondary school in Arborfield on track
Plans are progressing well to open a new secondary
The school will be part of the Arborfield Garrison school in Arborfield in Strategic Development Location, for which the planning application was submitted by the Arborfield Garrison September 2016. Landowners Consortium in October. A planning application providing a more detailed design for the school is due to be Help make Wokingham town an even submitted separately by the Borough Council more fun place in the future in early January.* Parents are playing a key role in the As Wokingham town grows with the new development of the project. A Reference homes being built in the coming years, Group comprising local parents has been there will also be exciting opportunities meeting regularly with Council officers to for new leisure facilities in and around develop key aspects of the school, such as the town – and you are being asked Your to help plan for these. its ethos and curriculum. views They will also be involved in the selection of We’re currently asking residents of matter the ‘preferred provider’ of the school. This is all ages to share their views and the organisation that will run the school and experiences of leisure activities available is expected to be chosen by next summer. locally – both within Wokingham Borough and beyond – and to tell us what new or More information: improved facilities could be offered. • www.wokingham.gov.uk/arborfield-school • [email protected] The consultation runs until Friday January 9 and can be completed online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/leisureconsultation. * correct at time of going to press Winter 2014 11 Real communities with strong social connections
Making sure the new homes and facilities being built in the Borough become real communities with strong social connections, is a key part of our plans.
With this in mind, we recently consulted on our Shaping our New In Shinfield, the parish council is leading on a project to provide Communities document, which sets out ways new communities a new community centre on the site of the disused Royal British can be brought together and what facilities should be provided. Legion site in the village’s historic centre at School Green. Previously, it had been planned to build the new centre in the The results of this consultation are being studied and will help Shinfield West development - away from the village centre. form an action plan, but community facilities are already being considered as the developments are taking shape because they are so important.
Business start-up course Why not join a In partnership with leading community forum? housing associations, we are offering residents the training they Community forums have need to start a successful business. been set up in each of the four areas of There will also be an opportunity major development. to bid for a small start-up loan as part of a Dragons’ Den style-event These forums are which will take place at the end open to all residents of the programme. who want to find out more about the Residents aged 18 and over can developments, and apply to take part in the training programme, offered in partnership with have their say on issues Enterprise Cube, between January and March next year. It’s delivered such as the community and through 10 one-day workshops which provide practical help and guidance. sporting facilities to be provided or transport and Sonya Thomas, who attended a previous course for help setting up her highways matters. interior design company, said: “It really was a fantastic course, Paul and As more and more of the houses, infrastructure and Richard who ran the course were incredibly supportive and gave us practical facilities are built, the forums will also increasingly advice and information which was both easy to understand and useful. be used to help residents monitor building work The course has really boosted my confidence and has helped me get my to make sure contractors are working at the right business set up for success. I know I wouldn’t have got this far if it hadn’t times and are keeping to approved planning been for all their help. conditions.
“The weekly sessions were a great focus for me and I really enjoyed See future community forum dates at: working with other people who were also starting up businesses. www.wokingham.gov.uk/communityforums
“The graduation day was very inspiring and I left brimming with More information: confidence having met some wonderful people. The feedback I received Community and Engagement Manager David Allen from the panel was really positive and gave me the encouragement to at: [email protected] push on even harder.”
More information: If you are interested, you will need to complete an application form. Contact Andrew Nicholls, Economic Development Officer, on (0118) 974 6018 or [email protected] 12 Winter 2014
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READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL READING BLUE COAT An independent day school for boys, with a co-educational Sixth Form Sonning, Berks RG4 6SU www.rbcs.org.uk Live Well in Wokingham Borough Winter Wellbeing All I want for Christmas is…
Christmas can be a difficult time for many. If a loved one has been lost, then the very focus on family life can be painful; Christmas can magnify feelings of isolation or loneliness.
We are urging you to look out for behaviour that could show someone is under pressure or in need of help.
Our Public Health Team has also put together an easy three point plan to help protect mental wellbeing for those of us overwhelmed in the run up to Christmas.
Don’t be afraid to give and accept support – being P available for others if they need it should encourage them to be there for you too P Make time for family and friends Know who you are: keep in mind what makes you P happy and learn to accept what you can and cannot change about yourself
Older people who live alone are also more likely to become isolated in the winter. During this period there are just over 24,000 avoidable deaths each year in England and Wales. With a little effort, this is something we can all work to reverse. By signing up to Wokingham Winter Friends, a scheme run in partnership with Optalis, The Link Visiting Scheme, Wokingham Volunteer Centre and our Public Health Team, you can pledge to look in on your friend, family member or neighbour.
10 ways to be a winter friend 1. Introduce yourself and get to know your winter friend 2. Speak clearly 3. Put the kettle on 4. Help with shopping How to make a pledge 5. Give them a lift 6. Help with household tasks To make a pledge or to get more information email: [email protected] or call: 7. Take them a meal 07766 214 886. 8. Get them moving 9. Check they’re warm enough 10. Watch out for signs of illness Winter 2014 13 Live Well in Wokingham Borough
Are you eligible for a free health check?
If you are looking to make a change to your lifestyle, or focus on your wellbeing this New Year, then the free NHS Health Check could be just the motivation you need.
If you are aged between 40 and 74 you are likely to be Martyn said: “I suffer from ‘white coat syndrome’ - a fear eligible for a free NHS Health Check. It takes just 30 of doctors! I only have to see medical paraphernalia like a minutes and could help you reduce the risks of kidney blood pressure machine and my blood pressure literally goes disease, heart disease, diabetes, stroke or dementia. through the roof! However, the pharmacist was brilliant. She took two readings, and used the second one which Diane Farmer, Public Health Projects Officer, said: showed a more accurate picture as I’d had time to calm “The good news is these conditions can often be down. The cholesterol test was a pin-prick test, so that prevented even if there’s family history of them. A free was easy. I was weighed and my height was measured to NHS Health Check will help you take the steps you need calculate my Body Mass Index (BMI). The pharmacist was to take to maintain or improve your lifestyle.” then able to explain what my BMI meant in terms of risks, Wokingham Borough Council and your local GP are what was normal, and the things I should be aiming for. sending out invites for the NHS Health Check. If you are in “Although I’m rarely ill, and I try to keep myself relatively fit, the target age group you will receive one, either this year, I felt the health check would be a good way to understand or in the next couple of years. long-term risks to my health. There is a strong family history of diabetes. I have a sweet tooth, so it was good to look Martyn’s Story: at my behaviours and discuss whether any changes were Martyn from Shinfield received his invitation for his free necessary. NHS Health Check through the post in the summer, and he took it up at a local pharmacy. He said: “I was really “I was guided through a questionnaire that allowed me surprised that I could have the NHS Health Check at a to explain my family’s medical history and to talk about pharmacy. This proved far more convenient for me, as I the things I do that may contribute to increased risks. We was able to pop out during my lunch hour, just a short trip talked about exercise, how much I drink and about my diet around the corner rather than making an appointment at in general. my GP surgery, when I know they’re so busy there.” “It was a very positive experience: I feel more confident All pharmacies operating the NHS Health Check have a about my health and I’m far more aware of where I should private consultation room providing a confidential quiet be making changes, and how to go about these. I went space to have the appointment. straight back to work and encouraged my colleagues to get one.”
14 Winter 2014 Live Well in Wokingham Borough
Are you eligible for a free health check?
What is the NHS Health Check? • It’s a conversation about a person’s lifestyle and family medical history and includes measuring cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and height • The health check provides people with an indication of their personal risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes • Participants are given an overall score showing their risk of developing heart disease • Advice is given and referrals made if the risk is high
Quotes from people who have had their NHS Health Check “Very pleased. I attended as the check revealed I R Checklist have atrial fibrillation. Subsequent to the check an There are a wide choice of venues in the Wokingham ECG confirmed this. Medication has been prescribed Borough to have your check including pharmacies, and an appointment for an echocardiogram is in the community locations, and the mobile health bus. pipeline to be arranged. Many thanks.”
Please speak to your GP surgery, local pharmacy or contact our Public Health Team on (0118) 908 8195 for more details. “This is a great opportunity to get checked out. The length of time taken to see a In the meantime you could visit Wokingham Information doctor is far too long and puts people off Network at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/win to search for from going, so this is a great way to know healthy activities happening in your community. if you’re in good health or not.” There is so much on offer, including a Health Walk around “Coming here and speaking to Dinton Pastures lake every Tuesday during January at 10am staff has really motivated me in and over 50s Latino dancing every Wednesday in February changing my lifestyle.” between 7pm and 8pm at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre.
Winter 2014 15 Live Well in Wokingham Borough A shot worth having If you are in one Children aged two to four and the over-65s can get the of the ‘at risk vaccination from their GP surgery. Carers and those aged groups’ or between 18 and 65 with long term conditions can go to a eligible for the pharmacy or GP for the vaccination. Fluenz Tetra, the flu flu vaccination vaccination, does contain porcine gelatine and there is no but haven’t alternative. However there is broad acceptance from faith groups. already taken up The current briefing regarding porcine gelatine from PHE can be the offer, it’s not found at www.gov.uk/government/news/vaccines-and-gela- too late. tine-phe-response.
Flu is a highly infectious disease Vaccination: Who is eligible? with symptoms that come on very suddenly. Healthy individuals usually recover in two to seven days but for some, the disease • Those aged 65 and over can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death. • Those aged six months to 64 years with a long-term health condition If you’re part of a high risk group, you are eligible for the free • Pregnant women flu vaccine. Even if your long-term condition, such as asthma or • All 2, 3 and 4-year-olds diabetes is well managed, it’s still important to take up your free • Those in long-stay residential care homes vaccination. • Carers • A health worker with direct patient contact Pregnant Women • Social worker Those considered most at risk and in need of the vaccine, include pregnant women who can suffer because of flu from serious complications such as pneumonia, miscarriage or having a baby Local Pharmacies where you can get the flu vaccination: too soon. • Boots Vikki Rimmer from Wokingham experienced full-blown flu in the Unit 2, Asda Mall, Lower Earley seventh month of her pregnancy. She said: “I began to feel 40 Market Place, Wokingham unwell. I was shivery and had a severe headache. I took two 89-91 Crockhamwell Road, Woodley paracetamols and went to bed. I ended up staying in bed for • Day Lewis Rankin Pharmacy more than a week with extreme flu symptoms. I was too fatigued 15 Maiden Lane Centre, Lower Earley to get up, and do the smallest thing. Making myself a drink, 19 London Road, Twyford exhausted me. 1 -2 Loddon Vale, Hurricane Way, Woodley
“My midwife visited me at home and explained flu can be more • Fields Pharmacy severe when you’re pregnant and can cause serious consequences 1A Longfield Rd, Twyford for mother and baby. She explained that a pregnant woman’s • Finchampstead Pharmacy immune system is compromised and it takes longer to get better. Finchampstead Surgery, 474-478 Finchampstead Road I have to admit I was frightened, but the midwife gave me some • Jats Pharmacy good advice; such as drinking plenty of hot fluids and resting. I 422A Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead was lucky the flu shifted, but it did take me four weeks to feel normal again. I wish I’d had the flu vaccination, it was a worrying • Lloyds Pharmacy 48 Victoria Road, Wargrave time for me and my partner.” Unit 1 & 2 Library Parade, Woodley Vaccination • Morrisons If you suffer from heart problems, a chest complaint or breathing Woosehill Court, Wokingham difficulties including bronchitis or emphysema, kidney or liver • Newdays disease, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as 1 London Road, Twyford steroid medication or cancer treatment), if you have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack, a neurological condition such as • Tesco Pharmacy Multiple Sclerosis or cerebral palsy, or a problem with your Finchampstead Road, Wokingham spleen (for example sickle cell disease) then it’s important that • Wokingham Pharmacy you get the flu vaccination. 33 Broad Street, Town Centre, Wokingham 16 Winter 2014 Winter 2014 17 Forest students design green aid Students at The Forest School in Winnersh created this environmental poster (below) thanks to our Borough Mayor Cllr UllaKarin Clark.
The Mayor hosted a business to third sector networking event Year 10 students Sam Hensley-Book and Harrison Bradshaw earlier this year, which led to a collaboration between Forest worked on the poster. Sam said: “I do Forest Design because it’s Design, a pupil-run business at The Forest School and Berkshire really good for my CV. I learn new skills with every project I do.” Local Nature Partnership (LNP). Harrison added: “I am working for Forest Design to help me The LNP asked if Forest Design could design a poster explaining complete the skills aspect of my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.” the environment of Berkshire ‘at-a-glance’ that could be used as an education tool. Annie English, Berkshire Local Nature Partnership Officer, said: “The poster is great. It helps us to communicate the benefits The students, who work on posters and flyer designs using that the natural environment provides our community (clear air, computer-aided-design for both internal and external clients, water, shade and space to exercise to name a few), along with the were pleased to assist. challenges that we will all face in protecting these benefits for the future.” Carol Ryall, Communications and Enterprise Manager at the school, said: “We put them in touch with Forest Design, and it’s More information: then left to the students to contact the client and progress it and • www.forest.wokingham.sch.uk/Forest-Design agree a price. This way, students learn real life business skills.” • www.Berkshirelnp.org 18 Winter 2014 Our bright future The regeneration of Wokingham town centre is set to take a major step forward this month as we re-submit the Peach Place planning application.*
The original applications were withdrawn in December last year to give us time to make changes to the designs in response to Executive view your comments. Cllr Philip Mirfin, Executive Member for Regeneration and This next phase (subject to planning permission) would see the Communities remainder of Peach Place demolished and re-built, replacing the 1960s concrete colonnade with an improved range of shops, “During the past year, we’ve been busy residential properties and a new pedestrianised public square. looking in detail at comments received on our original proposals. Our designs Wokingham continues to buck now include more varied roof lines along national trends with an incredibly Peach Street, more regular window low number of vacant units in the patterns, and also include more town centre. In the past year, several traditional elements in the designs along new shops have opened including Rose Street to reflect the existing the Grape Escape and a new artisan buildings. The new proposals also retain butchers, Stefans, on Denmark Street. the Redan, Haka and M&S buildings to help create the desired variety along Peach Street. Our plans for Peach Place support this, as we would build retail units to “We’ll carry out further consultation on the Elms Field and attract a better mix of shops Carnival Pool site proposals in 2015 to make sure the right concentrating on the independent facilities are delivered to support a rapidly growing town.” and niche retail, offering something different to larger neighbouring towns. The new public square would We’ve also launched a new regeneration microsite and social also offer space for relaxation as well media platforms to keep you up-to-date with all the latest news, as the ability to potentially expand the local including details on the planning application and more market and host special events – all of which would encourage information about the project. Details about future consultation more people to visit. events will also be available next year. More information: Next steps for Elms Field and Carnival Pool site • www.regenerationcompany.co.uk Plans for the remaining phases at Elms Field and the Carnival Pool • @RegenCompany site are also progressing well. We’re looking at a range of options *correct at time of going to press including increasing the amount of open green space, retaining more mature trees and bringing in a stronger leisure and cultural element to the town centre. Winter 2014 19 What’s on this winter….. …in your local library Islamic Art Just borrow and read three books and Apply a wide-range of Islamic floral enter our mega-book prize draw. Just drop New Year, new you! patterns on cards with water or Gouache into your local library and get reading. colours. If you’re looking for something different More information: Cost £7.50 per session. Please contact to do in the New Year, why not join one of • www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/ individual libraries to book a place. our library clubs? They offer a range of events activities including knitting, crochet, • www.facebook.com/wokingham beading, crafts, bridge, cribbage and boroughlibraries board games. Wokingham, Woodley and •@WBC_Libraries Twyford libraries also run Reminiscence Clubs where people meet to discuss times gone by. Christmas Carols This year’s annual Most libraries now have their own book carol concert hosted groups. by the Borough Mayor February 4 takes place at St Paul’s February 5, 12, 26 and March 5 Women of Adventure Church, Wokingham Lower Earley Library 10am to 1pm Dressmaker and costume historian on Friday December Meredith Towne explores the expanses of 19 from 4pm rather than at the Civic February 28 Offices, Shute End. You are very the Arabian Desert and the necessity of a Wokingham Library 10am to 1pm decent frock when travelling. welcome to join the Mayor Cllr UllaKarin Wokingham Library, 2pm. Cost £5, please March 14 Clark and Berkshire Maestros South call (0118) 978 1368 to book your place. Woodley Library 10am to 1pm Youth Brass Band to sing in the festive period with some Christmas favourites. Half term - February 16 to 20 Christmas reading challenge (0118) 974 6004 Did your children take part in the Mythical It’s all about adventure with books on Maze this summer and enjoyed the display, and adventure activities all week. reading challenge? If not, don’t worry, you With so much going on for everyone, Contact your local library to find out more. have another chance to take part in our be sure to check out our website for Christmas mini-challenge running at a full listing of what’s going on and all Wokingham Borough libraries from around the Borough. December 12 to January 6. www.wokingham.gov.uk/events
Blue bags coming in the Garden waste renewals new year
If you want to carry on using Watch out for your 80 blue household waste bags the brown-wheeled bin garden for 2015/16 which will be delivered before March 31. waste service from April, you These should last you for 12 months. must renew your subscription If you’re a larger household of five or more and you’ve (£60). already registered, you don’t need to do anything, your For those of you wishing to renew, extra bags will automatically arrive by the end of July. If you haven’t we will contact you directly in the registered, please email: [email protected] or spring. To register for 2015/16 visit: call (0118) 974 6000. www.wokingham.gov.uk/ gardenonline from March 1, 2015. Kerbside recycling information
You can also buy 75-litre compostable Yes please – Food tins; drinks cans; paper and sacks for £1 each and we’ll collect P card; plastic bottles (no lids) and aerosols them. Don’t forget, Christmas waste and O No thanks – Glass; food tubs, trays and pots; You can now buy them at even recycling information Tetra Pak and plastic bags* more places across the Borough on the back page of *Your recycling may be left if you include any of these including council offices and Wokingham Borough items. libraries. News If you need a new or replacement black recycling box, www.wokingham.gov.uk/rubbish please get in touch via the website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/rubbish 20 Winter 2014
People in Gorse Ride lead the way
People in Gorse Ride are coming together to tackle the big issues affecting their lives in a project, being led from the ground up.
The Gorse Ride Community Forum is open to all local people and “Younger people can raise our issues but we also hear about will be looking at five key areas, chosen by the forum members things that affect other residents.” themselves. These are: housing, education, young people, transport and anti-social behaviour. Jim said: “I think that’s an important point because we cannot look at things in isolation – all the five themes are linked. Public Forum sessions are led by Jim McGrath, a community transport affects young people’s ability to access education and development expert. also social activities as well as affecting older people. One of the benefits of the forums is to bring people together in an open, At a recent forum, Jim discussed the project with some of those friendly environment and so I’d like to know whether people feel taking part. comfortable speaking at these forums?” Jim said: “This is new as we are working with local people from Phyllis Franks said: “As one of the older members, I do feel I can the start. We are galvanising the energy of people in Gorse Ride have a say but there may be times when people don’t want to in order to give them a voice. How does that feel to members?” speak in front of the whole group.” Steve Bowers said: “I think it is great that we are getting people together, but I do think it needs to be focussed on outcomes – we Jim said: “It is important that we use different techniques at the do need to know what is going to be done.” forums to make sure everybody has a say. We have smaller group discussions and, if somebody does not want to ask a question in Jim said: “That’s right. This is about the Council and other front of everybody, it can be asked on their behalf.” organisations taking accountability and, following discussions here, they will be coming back with real action. There needs to The Gorse Ride Community Forum meets monthly (generally at be an understanding that not everybody will like every decision, Gorse Ride Junior School). but the key will be that local people will have a real voice in More information: decisions.” Contact Community Development Manager Rachel Bond on Georgia McEnoy-Denham (one of the young forum members) (0118) 974 6311. said: “It is good to bring a range of people together because I hear about issues that I would not have considered before. Winter 2014 21 Embracing integrated care The Better Care Fund is part of a national shift in the way local authorities work to support elderly and vulnerable people in their communities.
Local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups pool their existing funding to provide more integrated, joined-up services. The fund covers a range of health and care related services supporting people at risk in the community, reduce hospital and care home admissions and help people to be discharged smoothly and safely from hospital. The Better Care Fund is part of the Care Act reforms too.
We’re embracing integrated working and are already making the principles of the Better Care Fund a reality by bringing together health and social care to simplify access to services and improve outcomes for local people.
By asking frontline staff to bring their expertise and ideas to the table, Wokingham Integrated Social Care and Health (WISH - pictured below) was born, drawing on the expertise of three teams - Health Liaison, Intermediate Care and Short-Term Assessment and Re-ablement.
The project was partly driven by staff’s frustrations by working apart, combined with the experiences of those who use the services, who were referred to different staff across a number of Changing the way we charge for adult locations. This meant our customers spent too much time trying to find the right way to access services by different routes. social care – thanks for your thoughts
The first step was to move the teams under one roof at the Old Thanks to everyone who gave their views during the recent Forge in Wokingham, near to the Health Hub, making working consultation on the way we charge for adult social care together more seamless and helping to pool resources. services.
Already patients are benefiting including fewer steps in the Some non-residential social care services are currently various processes, along with a vast reduction in the number of subsidised and others are provided at full cost, meaning the phone calls needed. level of contributions is inconsistent among those who need to pay for their services. During an eight-week period, we More information: asked for your thoughts on charging for non-residential care Call 0300 365 1234 including day care services in day centres, respite care and meals on wheels.
Under the proposed changes, everyone who receives ongoing social care services would have a financial assessment. We aren’t proposing to change financial assessments and would continue to carry them out under the Fairer Charging guidance.
Consultation feedback is due to be considered by our Executive next month (January). Any changes agreed would not take effect until next April and people who use the service would be informed before this date.
www.wokingham.gov.uk/careact 22 Winter 2014
New chapter in Emmbrook School’s future Students and staff celebrating The Emmbrook School’s 50th anniversary this year, are excited our construction of their new £2million English block is well underway.
The foundations of the new block have been dug and laid, piling put in, and work to create the three-storey building is starting. It’s due to be finished in spring.
The new purpose-built block, containing 12 classrooms and ancillary space, will replace tired and temporary teaching rooms. It will create more opportunities for an active, creative and Top results for students collaborative teaching and learning environment. and schools Lucy Fyfe, Head of English, said: “We’re a big department, so for the first time we will be working together in one area. It’s very Congratulations to students of all ages across the exciting for us all.” Borough, and their teachers, who have worked hard this year, as seen in the 2014 provisional A-level language and literature student Emily Heath will be one results. of the students to benefit from the new building. “I’m looking forward to having a brand new space to learn in,” she said. The number of pupils attaining five GCSEs at grades A*to C, including English and maths GCSE English student Simeon Titus agreed. “It will be great having increased to 72.9% - the highest our schools have bigger classrooms.” so far achieved. Our A-level pass rate increased slightly to 99.1%; nationally it dropped to 98%. Headteacher Nigel Matthias says he is positive about the benefits all current building work on campus will bring. We are also Even though the number of students achieving investing in a £500,000 roof upgrade, and new £60,000 energy A* to C grades this year fell to 79.8% from 81.6% efficient boilers. in 2013, we are still well above the national 76.7%. The aim of this work is to help it continue on its journey as a good and improving school. We announced two years ago the school would be staying on its current site in Emmbrook Road, Wokingham. Winter 2014 23
Mayor’s search for a talented teen
Each year, the Borough Mayor chooses a charity to support for their term of office. This year, Cllr UllaKarin Clark is setting up a fund, in association with local charity More Arts, to support and mentor deserving teenagers in the Borough who are showing an aptitude for the arts but don’t have the resources or opportunities to reach their potential.
The Mayor and More Arts are searching for a potential star and if you are aged between 14 and 19, live in Wokingham Borough and sing, dance, paint, play, photograph, sculpt, write or perform then the Borough Mayor wants to hear from you!
Applications need to be received by December 31, and auditions will be held around the Borough in February half-term with the finals and showcase of art being held during next Easter holidays. Borough Mayor Cllr UllaKarin Clark The Cultural Partnership: More Arts is a local independent arts development charity that champions all arts forms, and was created to empower and deliver more arts cultural activities and experiences at the local level, for the benefit of all.
More information and application forms available from: • [email protected] • www.wokingham.gov.uk/Mayor • (0118) 974 6004 • @WBCMayor
Have you considered fostering as a career? We are recruiting foster carers who have experience of caring for or working with children and can give family homes to children aged 8 to 17 Executive view who may have some disability or have had difficult Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, Executive Member early life experiences. for Children’s Services You would be supported by our professional staff as “A happy and fulfilling school life is vitally well as those in the children’s schools. important. Good results open the doors to children’s futures. You must have a spare room, be over 25 and your own children, if you have them, are over 16. “Schools are also where their talents are nurtured and developed by dedicated teachers, to help them reach their full In return we offer a retainer of £490 per week, plus potential and become successful adults. child allowance up to £242.08 per week when a child is placed, therapeutic training and “Providing loving and stable home lives for our children is equally consultation, ongoing support, as well as the crucial. But some children don’t have a warm, safe and caring chance to study for vocational (QCF) and home environment. You could give them this, so please consider professional qualifications. becoming a specialist foster carer and make caring for children your career.” More information: • [email protected] • (0118) 974 6204 • www.wokingham.gov.uk/specialist 24 Winter 2014
New ‘Fosters’ going well
With planning permission now granted for the new ‘Fosters’ £5million extra care housing scheme in Woodley, work has been busy behind the scenes moving things along.
Along with Optalis and Wokingham Housing Ltd, we’ve been working with expert designers to create the specialist interiors needed for the 34 self-contained flats the older residents will call home.
We’ve also been running a tender process to select a contractor to build the scheme, replacing the former Fosters Care Home on that site, and we plan to start construction next spring.
The flats will have either a private balcony or ground Extra care housing allows older people to live independently floor terrace. There will also be communal facilities in their own home, with the added reassurance of additional including a lounge and dining room, as well as a specialist facilities and care staff if needed. dementia service. Executive view Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing Eustace Crescent update “Our older population is want to go down the Demolition of Eustace Crescent in Wokingham growing and people are route of traditional is going well, and the site has been levelled and living longer. So we must residential care. This cleared of the 1960s blocks. prepare for the extra scheme will do just that, demand this will place and goes a long way to The planning application for the 68 new homes on our services. We want offering local people a was approved last month (November), and to be able to increase choice in how and where Wokingham Housing Ltd will take control of the accommodation choices they want to live.” site to start construction. and independence for older people who don’t The legal process to rename the development Phoenix Avenue has started. £1.5million homes for vulnerable people Thanks to £1.5million investment from us and the Home and Communities Agency, a new housing scheme for people with learning and physical disabilities in Shinfield is now fully occupied. Built on a former mobile homes site at Hillside Park, the scheme offers comfortable and safe new flats for nine people with learning and physical disabilities, as well as one which can be used by carers, and two bungalows for older people. It’s the first scheme to be built by our housing company - Wokingham Housing Ltd - and allows residents to live as independently as possible. Residents are supported by care workers from our social care company Optalis. Winter 2014 25 Broadening the range of activities in our country parks
Broadening the range of activities at Dinton Pastures in Hurst for all to enjoy is key to the vision for our country parks.
During the past three years improvements including a new play We are now looking at the introduction of a number of different park, an activity centre and refurbished café have seen the activities on the site that will complement the offer currently country park popularity grow and grow. available at the Dinton Activity Centre, including Footgolf, Triathlon, mountain biking , volley ball, archery and Segways. The café has seen an increase in turnover of 67% in four years, We are also hoping to improve pedestrian access into the country and the activity centre turnover has increased by 53% in three park and picnicking and event opportunities. years. We will be holding full consultation on our proposals, please keep More and more people are visiting the park, and it was recently an eye on our website for updates on how to get involved. awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
Despite the popularity of the country park, the number of golfers using Hurst Golf Course (situated within the country park) has Chance to recover reduced following reconfiguration of some of the holes for safety reasons. Many golfers moved to more competitive courses Due to the popularity of the new play leaving the course running at a financial loss. Regrettably we have area at Dinton Pastures, which caused decided to close it. some wear and tear, we need to re-sow grass seeds in certain areas and do some work to the willow tunnels. This means that sections of the play park will be closed whilst California tastebuds work is carried out. It will fully open in the Easter holidays in April. Why not visit California Country Park in Finchampstead and check out the new restaurant? We’re also exploring the options to invest in additional features; such as artificial grass, cargo nets on the mounds, It’s open from 6pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Saturday and as well as other modifications; that will not only prevent serves food with locally sourced ingredients along with lengthy closures in the future, but provide children and locally brewed pale ales and stouts. The café is also open young people even more exciting challenges. daily during the winter period from 9am to 4pm (roast dinners available on Sundays between noon and 4pm) and We understand you offers a varied menu from light refreshments to meals. may be disappointed but winter is the best More information: time of year to do www.facebook.com/jacksonscalifornialake this. The rest of the country park remains open and visitors can enjoy a range of events on offer at the activity centre, walking, and great food; as well as observe wildlife.
And, don’t forget there’s a wonderful play park at California Country Park off Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead.
More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/parks/countryside 26 Winter 2014
Tell us what you think
Winter 2014 27 Communities working together
In Wokingham Borough, Shinfield Parish examination in front of an independent Neighbourhood plans and Remenham Parish are producing examiner. If the Plan meets a set of basic are providing their own Neighbourhood Plans while conditions, it will then be the subject of Arborfield & Newland Parish and Barkham a local referendum. If the referendum communities with an Parish have teamed up to produce their agrees to the Plan, we will then adopt it as plan. part of the Local Plan for the area. opportunity to work As a first step, an application must be More information: together to decide submitted to us to designate a We have a designated Neighbourhood Neighbourhood Area. This means setting Planning Officer, Rebecca Bird, who is able how their local area out on a map what geographical area the to support parish councils to produce a plan will cover. plan. Anybody interested in one of the should develop and local plans being designed or in creating Following this, local residents can work one in another area can contact Rebecca grow. together (with our support) to build up at [email protected] or an idea of their priorities and concerns and call (0118) 974 6456. Plans must mirror the spirit of the policies then put together a draft Neighbourhood of the Wokingham Borough Local Plan for Plan with policies that reflect local More information on neighbourhood their area and national planning policy, but concerns. planning including FAQs can be found at: people can make them more relevant to www.gov.uk by searching for ‘giving When a draft Neighbourhood Plan is the local area. communities more power in planning produced it must be submitted for formal local development’. Gearing up for winter…
The most-used roads in the Borough are part of a primary salting network. This means they will be routinely gritted when it freezes. A secondary network is made up of additional roads that are gritted during periods of extended severe weather. We have five gritting lorries, which can also have snow ploughs fitted. And at times of extreme weather some 20 members of staff are on-call to grit the roads. This can take up to three hours for all the primary routes and a further two for all secondary zones. Pre-gritting and snow clearance of the primary routes is carried out based on information received from the weather forecasting service. We concentrate on keeping primary and secondary routes – which make up more than 200 miles of road – as safe as possible. Other routes will be treated and the Borough’s 45 salt bins replenished once these routes have been cleared. More information: • www.wokingham.gov.uk/news Details of the primary and secondary routes are available in our • www.wokingham.gov.uk/winter winter service plan, available on our website. •@WokinghamBC News of any road or school closures will also be posted on our • www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil website. Waste and recycling collections - Christmas and New Year 2014/15 Waste, recycling and green waste collections
Normal Collection Day* Will Be Collected On Delay Monday December 22 Monday December 22 No change Tuesday December 23 Tuesday December 23 No change Wednesday December 24 Wednesday December 24 No change Thursday December 25 Saturday December 27 2 days Friday December 26 Monday December 29 3 days Monday December 29 Tuesday December 30 1 day Tuesday December 30 Wednesday December 31 1 day Wednesday December 31 Friday January 2, 2015 2 days Thursday January 1, 2015 Saturday January 3, 2015 2 days Friday January 2, 2015 Monday January 5, 2015 3 days Monday January 5, 2015 Tuesday January 6, 2015 1 day Tuesday January 6, 2015 Wednesday January 7, 2015 1 day Wednesday January 7, 2015 Thursday January 8, 2015 1 day Thursday January 8, 2015 Friday January 9, 2015 1 day Friday January 9, 2015 Saturday January 10, 2015 1 day
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