Wokingham

New Wokingham road markings and changes to waiting restrictions are set to improve problem parking areas in the Wokingham district, as Wokingham District Council’s decision-making executive considers proposals from the Highways Consultative Board.

The proposals reflect Wokingham Council’s wish to further protect the safety of those who use the district’s highways and the surrounding environment. Amongst the proposed changes to be considered on Thursday January 26 are:

Waiting Restrictions in The Junipers, Barkham

Thames Valley Police has requested that Wokingham council introduces double yellow lines on a section of The Junipers, Barkham. Local residents have suffered from nuisance caused by young people gathering in the area to park their cars late at night.

The proposed restrictions would require the young people to park their vehicles away from the houses, in addition to maintaining access to the Elizabeth Park for emergency vehicles. Set to cost approximately £200, if approved, the proposed works would be advertised and comment invited.

Waiting Restrictions at Station Road, Wargrave

Local business Thameside Marina of Watermans Way, Wargrave, has highlighted parking problems on Station Road. Many vehicles park opposite Watermans Way, and close to the junction with the A321 Wargrave Road, making it difficult for residents and large vehicles to manoeuvre and raising road safety concerns. The Wokingham executive will consider proposals to make the road ‘no waiting at any time’ to prevent vehicles parking. If given the green light, the work would be advertised, and if no objections are received, carried out at an estimated cost of £650.

Changes to waiting restrictions at Landen Court and Oakey Drive, Wokingham

Parking difficulties at Landen Court and Oakey Drive were first considered by Wokingham council’s Highways Consultative Board in February 2005 because of safety concerns about the level of on-street parking. Waiting restrictions were proposed, but 12 objections were received, all on the basis that people would have no alternative parking near to their place of work.

An alternative proposal was considered, but road safety concerns are the priority and the Wokingham board remains confident that the original proposal of waiting restrictions is the safest option. If approved, the proposal will be advertised and, if no further objections are received, carried out at an estimated cost of £80.

Executive member for Wokingham highways and transport Cllr Anthony Pollock said: “The council is continually exploring new ways to improve the highways service it provides to all of its road users. With the executive’s giving the go-ahead to these proposed amendments, I hope that drivers, pedestrians and everyone else using our extensive highway network will see improved safety.”

Wokingham District Council

Award-winning Wokingham volunteers from around the district gathered for afternoon tea, in Wokingham District Council’s Garden Suite in December to celebrate their achievements together.

Every month Wokingham District Council’s chairman Cllr Iain Brown gives an award to local residents who have done something special for their local community. During his year in office, Cllr Iain Brown has introduced a civic shield, which is presented each month, together with the traditional flower arrangement or gift.

Peter and Rita Gulliver won the award in June, for setting up ‘Woodley Woollies’. The Gullivers and their team make gloves, scarves, hats, sweaters and blankets, for charities and aid agencies across the world. Since its origin, the organisation has made over 20,000 garments, and now includes 30 other groups across the UK and in France. All knitting members are volunteers, and most knit from a pattern book produced by Mrs Gulliver.

Reg Prickett, volunteer green-keeper at Hurst Bowls Club, won the award in July. Mr Prickett dedicates three mornings a week to looking after the popular bowling green, and often gets up at dawn to make sure it is ready for the day’s events.

“On the day I received my award I knew that something was happening as I was told to dress in my best clothes. I was very surprised when I learnt what was really going on and it was very gratifying to receive this recognition,” said Mr Prickett.

Jim Brown won the award in October, for the service he provides on behalf of Wokingham District Council, doing ‘odd jobs’ in the homes of older residents. These jobs range from fitting grab rails and door treads to hanging curtains and fitting smoke alarms.

Although these are small jobs, they often make a huge difference to the lives of older people, helping them to stay in their own homes or return to their homes following a stay in hospital.

Having completed almost 3,000 odd jobs for Wokingham council, Jim is often highly praised by older people for having a “kind and warm attitude” and for taking the time to listen to them to find out what their needs are. He was the first handyman in Berkshire to provide a service of this kind to older people, and a number of other handyman services have since been established in other areas across Berkshire.

Heather Creswell won the award in November. Heather lost her daughter Julie to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the age of 32. Heather and her husband Bill have been volunteering for the MS Society for 13 years. Heather currently runs a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone support service from her home in Earley. Heather takes 30 to 40 calls a week from people affected by MS and also organises a special support group for those newly diagnosed with the disease.

Mrs Cresswell said: “I was thrilled to receive the flowers from the Wokingham chairman. Many volunteers, like me, spend a great deal of their time working away from the public eye, so their work is often unnoticed. However, I am just part of a hardworking team.”

The afternoon tea was held on December 13, as an opportunity for the recipients to meet each other, and for the chairman to present shields to those who received their awards prior to their introduction.

Shields were also presented to three long-serving governors - Alan Spratling, Beth Rowland and Alison Mitchell. Alan Spratling has accrued around 24 years service as a governor serving at a number of Earley schools, including Hillside, Radstock and Aldryngton primaries, and at Maiden Erlegh where he was, for a time, chair of governors and is still a serving governor.

Alison Mitchell has served for over 20 years at Oaklands Infant and Junior and she is currently chair of governors at Oaklands Junior. Beth Rowland, though unfortunately unable to attend the Chairman's tea party, was recognised for her 23 years service at Southlake infant and Junior (now amalgamated to Southlake Primary) and Highwood School. She is still a serving governor at both schools.

“These people do so much to improve the lives of others in their community,” said Cllr Brown. “I feel it is valuable for them to meet each other. It is also important for the volunteers in our community to know that their work continues to be appreciated.”

Wokingham District Council

The new year has seen a new look for Wokingham District Council’s community wardens who everyday take to the streets in the bid to make the district a safer and cleaner place to live and work.

Residents of the Wokingham district will now easily be able to identify the wardens patrolling the streets as they have new distinctive yellow and blue uniforms.

There are currently six Wokingham community wardens - Emma Leroy, Mark Methven, Chad Chadburn, Rebecca Eggleton, Roderick Mertens and Lesley McCambridge. The community wardens work in pairs and cover the whole of the Wokingham district. Each pair of wardens is responsible for four neighbourhoods, which are in line with Thames Valley Police’s neighbourhood policing policy. Under this new scheme, the wardens will work in close partnership with the police to deliver a more efficient service to address local issues within each area. A seventh community warden will be appointed very shortly.

Emma and Lesley will be working in Winnersh, Sonning, Charvil, Hurst and Emmbrook, Woosehill, Norreys and Wescott wards, Wokingham; whilst Rebecca and Mark will be responsible for Woodley, Shinfield, Swallowfield, Arborfield and Wokingham town centre.

Roderick and Chad will be working in Earley, Wargrave, Remenham, Twyford and Ruscombe. Local residents in Finchampstead, Barkham and north Crowthorne will also benefit from Roderick and Chad’s presence on the streets.

The wardens work in communities across the Wokingham district to reduce crime and the fear of crime, deter anti-social behaviour and care for the environment. Patrolling the streets of the district is a major part of their work and they act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of local communities.

The wardens are a familiar, friendly face to residents who want advice and information on local issues. Their role is varied and, depending on the areas in which they work, issues can include anything from reporting graffiti, visiting vulnerable residents, helping victims of anti-social behaviour and supporting neighbourhood watch groups.

Wokingham Cllr Barrie Patman, executive member for community safety, said: “With six community wardens there is an increased presence in the Wokingham district and a commitment from the district council that anti-social behaviour is not accepted. The wardens will spend time building relationships with local residents in the bid to deter anti-social behaviour. And, environmental issues such as graffiti, litter, fly-tipping and vandalism will also be tackled and the wardens can report such incidences to the relevant department here at the council.

“The wardens provide a link between residents and key agencies such as the council and the police. They spend much of their time visiting members of the community who have reported a problem and ensure they are reassured if they are feeling vulnerable. I hope that local residents will take this opportunity to find out who their warden is and if they have any concerns they should contact them - they are there to help to make the district a safer and more pleasant place to live!”

The Wokingham community wardens can be contacted by phone on (0118) 974 3798 or via email: communitywardens@wokingham.gov.uk. The wardens are happy to speak to anyone who may have concerns and any information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

Wokingham District Council

The Blue Bird Nursery Centre, in Finchampstead, Wokingham has become the first early years setting in Wokingham district to be rated “outstanding” by Ofsted.

The Wokingham nursery, which has only been open for a year, had its first inspection in November 2005 and was judged to achieve an exceptionally high quality in its care and education of pre-school age children.

Children were seen to be “highly stimulated and inspired by the excellent range of resources available to them.”

There are 94 children on roll at the nursery, with a maximum of 52 children in attendance at any one time. The setting makes provision for children with special needs and those who speak English as a second language.

Inspectors were impressed with the children’s use of resources. “They join in a diverse range of exploratory and sensory experiences. For example, investigating what sand feels like if you add water and then exploring what you can do with wet sand.”

Nursery education at the Wokingham centre was particularly praised. “Staff are skilful in using techniques to bring a story alive… [children] enjoy re-enacting “Goldilocks” and use different tones of voice to represent each bear.”

According to inspectors, the children play well together and develop negotiating skills, organising such activities as sweeping up leaves, and accurately use numbers and mathematical language in their games.

Children go on outings to places of interest such as the post office and mobile library, and there are regular visitors to the Wokingham nursery. Indian dancers came in to celebrate Diwali and the children made Indian sweets. The report says that this approach “fosters children’s spiritual, moral and cultural development well.”

Staff at Blue Bird Nursery Centre work closely with Nine Mile Ride Primary School, where the centre is situated. They also liase with the early years and childcare service at Wokingham District Council, and follow the principles for the foundation stage in Wokingham, which ensure that all children are included, valued, secured and respected.

“I am delighted to congratulate the nursery on this great success,” said Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for children’s services. “It reflects the hard work put in by staff during the nursery’s first year, and affirms the high standards our nurseries can achieve.”

Diana Kilding and Charlotte Wilkinson are joint directors of the nursery centre. “We are absolutely delighted,” said Diana. “We only had about twelve children at the beginning, but the nursery has grown so fast. This confirms that we are doing exactly what we set out to do.”

Wokingham District Council

Plans for the controversial housing and office development at Wokingham Cricket Club have been dealt a bitter blow after being unveiled to the public.

Residents have declared the buildings "plain ugly".

Developers George Wimpey UK invited Wokingham people to an exhibition at the club's headquarters in Wellington Road last Thursday to give their comments on the scheme, which would see the club move out of the town centre and the current site developed.

The club, which has been at Wellington Road site since 1825, could move to bigger premises in Sadlers End, Bearwood Road, Sindlesham.

Some 107 homes would then be built on the town centre site, including 49 one and two bedroom houses and 58 flats.

While most people agreed the Wokingham cricket club needed a new home, they were not happy about the development on the Wellington Road site.

Main worries included traffic problems, the number of homes, overlooking neighbours and the style of the buildings.

Dorothy Spratt, of Kiln Ride, Finchampstead, said: "I think they're ugly. The apartments look like offices and industrial units. I think they've done completely the wrong style for an old market town like Wokingham."

Husband Tony said: "I'm against all this extra housing because Wokingham is supposed to be a market town and it's being ruined.

"Wokingham is just losing its continuity. We're just cramming houses in for the sake of it."

The move would give the cricket club a new home which would be three times bigger than its current one.

The new site would have two fullsized cricket ovals, a new pavilion and changing rooms.

Club secretary Simon Goddard said: "We have been waiting 23 years for this so it's very exciting.

"My one ambition was to play one season on the new ground and then retire but I finally retired in 1999."

Wimpey design and planning executive William Luck said: "It's a great opportunity for development in a sustainable location. You don't get many places like this; it's convenient for the train station, bus services and the town centre.

"It's a great opportunity for the club to get the facilities that they need."

A spokesman for Wimpey's planning consultant, RHPC, said comments made by members of the public would be taken into account and architects would look into the possibility of changing the look of the buildings, easing congestion and prevent overlooking.

ic Berkshire ~ Wokingham

After a year in limbo, Wokingham is a step closer to getting a new town centre manager.

Both Wokingham town and district councils have agreed to chip in £20,000 each to fund the town's first full-time champion who they hope will start in the spring.

A Wokingham steering committee was set up in October to tackle the town centre's issues, and top of the agenda was the new manager.

The town has been without one since last January when part-time manager Philip Sachse quit after less than a year in the job.

Leader of Wokingham Town Council David Lee said: "Both town and district councils have agreed to put significant money and resources into recruiting a high-quality town centre manager at what is a crucial time for the town. The town council will host the new manager, but the role will be directed by the steering committee."

At the end of this month the committee will meet to decide the exact role of the new manager.

Wokingham District Council's community development leader councillor Dianne King said: "The funding is there to employ someone, it's just a matter of deciding what the role should be."

She added: "It's very important for the viability of the town that we get someone who really knows what they're doing. We are all very keen to find someone as soon as possible."

The new manager will take on the day-to-day issues raised by shopkeepers, businesses and people living in and visiting the town.

David Carter of Wokingham Chamber of Commerce said: "We want to get on with the job of rejuvenating our town centre, and appointing a new town centre manager is a key step towards that."

Wokingham has been waiting for its new town centre redevelopment since a planning application was made in 2002.

The district council's planning committee approved plans to build new shops and flats in Rose Street, Peach Street and Market Place in July 2003. But developers Rockmartin now have more ambitious ideas which they are trying to iron out with district planners.

ic Berkshire ~ Wokingham

Half-term Activity Days 15 – 17 February

Drop in Event 11 am – 3.30 pm

Soldiers have to be fighting fit. Are you fit? Test your sight and hearing! Learn to March. Survive Sir’s Mini Assault Course - all at the REME Museum’s 'Project Craftsman’ half-term family activity days: Wednesday 15 to Friday 17 February 2006 between 11.00 am and 3.30 pm.

Are you brave enough for our Big Bug Hunt in the Prince Philip Vehicle Hall? Search out Rations in the RAT PACK quiz. Other activities include making an amphibious DUKW, designing a REME Vehicle and creating your own Trade Peg. Use field telephone, send Morse Code, make flying saucers and use a camera obscura!

Q. Why Project Craftsman?
A. Because REME are fighting soldiers and skilled craftsmen who repair Army equipment.

For more details about workshops and family events or to book places please call the Education Officer on 0118 976 3375. To find out about other forthcoming MINTI Club workshops and family events check out our web site at www.rememuseum.org.uk

REME Museum, Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield, Berkshire
RG2 9NJ

Households in Wokingham are enjoying a warmer winter this year, thanks to a joint initiative between Wokingham District Council and insulation company Miller Pattison.

The Wokingham district council has been inviting residents to warm up with savings on home insulation, working with Miller Pattison and British Gas. Wokingham council is offering discounted loft and cavity wall insulation in order to encourage people to save energy, as well as saving money on their heating bills. And more than 150 households have taken up the scheme in the district, with three in Wokingham being particularly pleased with the results.

Mr Griffiths of Gypsy Lane in Wokingham, who had loft insulation, pipe lagging and draught-proofing installed through the discounted scheme, said: “I was very impressed by Miller Pattison, it was an excellent service from start to finish. They were quick, thorough, offered excellent customer service and good quality control. This is a great little scheme, I thoroughly recommend it.”

And Mr Jones of Defford Close in Wokingham, who had cavity wall insulation installed, said: “Miller Pattison offers a very efficient service. I'm very satisfied; my house is now much warmer and I'm looking forward to reduced gas bills as a result.”

If a home is not energy efficient, money can be wasted every day as heat is lost through walls and roofs. This joint scheme between the council and Miller Pattison aims to reduce this energy loss, and help people save money on their energy bills, by offering all homeowners in the district substantial discounts on cavity wall and loft insulation.

Wokingham district council’s executive member for community safety Cllr Barrie Patman said: I’m pleased to hear that so many people are taking advantage of this initiative. And to hear all the reports from families who are satisfied with the work that has been carried out through the scheme is even more welcome. I hope that even more people will find out more about the scheme and help to save energy, as well as some money on their heating bills!”

Homeowners wanting to take advantage of the ongoing offer should call freephone 0800 56 44 56 and quote ‘Wokingham District Council Insulation Scheme’. Miller Pattison will then arrange a free home survey. Typical costs for cavity wall insulation are between £75 and £95 for those with electric heating and between £145 and £190 with gas heating, depending on the type of house. Loft insulation varies between £175 and £195 with electric heating and £195 and £220 with gas heating, depending on the thickness of the insulation and the type of house.

And those Wokingham homeowners who are in receipt of certain benefits, for instance income support, housing or council tax benefit, attendance allowance and disability allowance, may be entitled to some of the work for free. More information is available by calling freephone 0800 56 44 56.

Wokingham District Council

Wycombe Wanderers' 21-year-old midfielder Mark Philo has been killed in a Wokingham, car accident.

Philo, who made 17 appearances for the Chairboys since joining as a trainee, was involved in a two-car crash in Wokingham early on Saturday.

Manager John Gorman did not tell his players about the accident until after their 2-0 win over Notts County.

He said: "He was a fantastic kid. He lived for football and always had a smile on his face."

A statement on Wycombe's website said Philo had suffered head injuries, adding that the player would be "sorely missed".

The gate at the team's home ground, the Causeway Stadium, is to be left open over the weekend for fans to leave flowers and tributes.

Police said Philo was taken to hospital after his Vauxhall Astra car was in collision with a Renault Megane at the junction of Sandhurst Road and Finchampstead Road in Wokingham, Berkshire.

Fire crews had to cut Philo and his two male passengers out of his car. The passengers were both unhurt. Police have not yet named the other driver, who died at the scene.

BBC Sport ~ Wokingham

Cricketing hero Kevin Pietersen was today preparing to delight youngsters at a special needs school in Wokingham, Berkshire with tales of England's victory over Australia in the Ashes series last summer.

The England batsman, who scored an innings of 158 on the final afternoon of the epic five-match series at The Oval, is due to visit High Close School in Wokingham tomorrow morning.

Mr Pietersen is a supporter of children's charity Barnardo's which runs the Wokingham residential school.

The South African-born cricketer donated £118,000 to the charity in September after city firm BGC Partners gave him the cash in recognition of his outstanding performance in the Ashes.

However, the tour of the school tomorrow will be his first official visit to a Barnardo's project.

Mr Pietersen said: "I'm really looking forward to visiting High Close. It will give me the opportunity to really get to grips with the organisation and see the great work that it does at first-hand."

Rose Mahony, acting principal at High Close School, said: "All the staff and pupils at High Close are really pleased that Kevin has chosen our school for his first official visit.

"We hope that this will be the start of a long and beneficial relationship with Kevin and Barnardo's."

The Press Association ~ Wokingham

A First glimpse of the homes and offices planned for Wokingham Cricket Club will be offered next week.

Developer George Wimpey wants to build 58 flats, 49 houses and 1,449 square metres of offices on the current Wokingham cricket ground in Wellington Road and people will be able to study the plans at an exhibition next Thursday. (January 19).
Representatives of Wokingham cricket club, George Wimpey and the designers will be at the consultation exhibition at the ground, between 3pm and 8pm, to speak to visitors and comments made at the exhibition will be passed on to Wokingham District Council.

Rob Huntley, planning consultant for the Wokingham project, said: “This exhibition is in addition to the formal consultation the local authority is carrying out. “We are providing a venue and time that is more convenient for local people to attend and give their comments.” The blocks of flats will be built in one five-storey block, one four-storey block and three three-storey blocks and will be a mix of affordable and private housing.

The existing ground is earmarked for redevelopment in Wokingham council’s Local Plan, but the work cannot take place until the 180-year-old club finds a new home. It hopes to relocate to improved facilities in Sadlers End in Sindlesham. Wokingham cricket club has been searching for a better ground since 1990 when it decided facilities were sub-standard and the limited pitch space meant fewer home games could be played.

The proposed ground in Sadlers End will provide high quality pitches, four courts for Wokingham Tennis Club – the cricket club’s tenants – and larger changing rooms. A spokeswoman for the district council said it has received 60 letters regarding the Wellington Road application and 30 letters about the Sadlers End application.

About 30 of the Wellington Road letters are in support of the proposal saying it would make the most of a brown field site in Wokingham town centre. The remaining objection letters include comments on increased traffic and the loss of an important amenity to the area.

Responses about the Sadlers End site are also mixed, with some saying it is an important natural spot and should not be built on and others saying Wokingham cricket club would be a welcome addition.

Simon Herrington, chairman of Wokingham Cricket Club, was unavailable for comment as The Times went to press.

Get Wokingham

Scores of Wokingham customers turned away on busy night. New Year revellers were plunged into darkness and silence when a series of power cuts struck pubs and restaurants in Wokingham on their busiest night of the year.
Businesses reported punters drinking up and walking out when they got tired of waiting for music and lights to return, although some customers enjoyed the candlelight atmosphere. Short power cuts at about 7.30pm and 10pm on New Year’s Eve were followed by a more serious outage at 10.50pm which lasted nearly five hours. Some Wokingham homes were without power until 4.30am on Sunday, January 1, prompting Southern Electric to send out portable generators as a temporary solution.

Sharon Miller-McKenzie, a spokeswoman for Southern Electric, said this type of power cut was rare and an investigation into the cause was taking place. The company said Easthampstead Road, Waterloo Road, Honey Hill, London Road and Froghall Drive, Wokingham were all affected, but businesses in Peach Street, Market Place and Denmark Street also reported loss of power.

At The Plough pub in London Road, Wokingham 20 drinkers walked out in search of a better atmosphere after 30-minutes without disco lights and music. Manager John Wright said: “We had already done the buffet so it didn’t effect food. My tills went down so we went back to the old fashioned method of pens and paper. “I probably lost 20 people who got fed up of not having any music or lights.”

At Hilton St Anne’s Manor Hotel in London Road there was no power for nearly an hour, according to Wokingham duty manager Ian Tatum. He said food continued to be served because the kitchen has gas cookers but there were several complaints from diners asking for refunds, which the hotel is currently considering.

Tricia Taylor, manager of The Redan pub in Peach Street, Wokingham said the power flickered on and off at least four times during the evening which was “not appreciated” by punters. She said: “It went off around four times for a couple of minutes at a time. All the lights went off and the music went off as well. “My customers didn’t really appreciate it because it’s not what you want on New Year’s Eve but fortunately none of them left.”

Businesses in Peach Street also told The Times that burglar alarms were set off and engineers had to be called out to reset them.

Tony Head, assistant manager at The Crooked Billet in Honey Hill, said the pub was affected by the power cut for an hour.
But he said customers sang their own songs by candlelight which “made the night a bit different”.

Customers at Baranda in Peach Street, Wokingham also felt the effects of the power cut, with delays to food orders and some customers leaving as a result.

Mrs Miller-McKenzie said: “We would like to apologise to customers who found themselves without electricity. “We are investigating what we believe to be a fault on an underground cable. “As soon as we knew what the problem was we were on site, but we had surprisingly few calls from customers complaining about the power.”

Get Wokingham

Heart warming support has been shown for a Wokingham band in dire financial straits to keep it performing in Wokingham for another 75 years.

A generous donation of £1,000 from a Wokingham company has lifted the spirits of members of St Sebastian’s Brass Band who feared the band would become a “shadow of its former self” without extra financial support.

The Times reported last month how the band, which has been running since 1931, is struggling to cover increasing costs to keep going. Members put in a request to Wokingham Town Council, which currently provides funding of £2,000 a year, asking for an extra £1,000 per year to keep the band afloat. After reading about the band’s plight the owners of RG Services, a facilities management company in Wokingham, decided to stump up the cash to show their support for the brass players.

Damon Eames, band secretary, said: “It was very heart-warming and very encouraging to the rest of the band.”
Mr Eames said the band members received word of the donation the day they had been playing a charity concert at Wokingham District Council’s Shute End offices, raising £1,400 for a cancer charity. He said: “I think the band had worked very hard that night. We played a hugely popular concert and I got home and there was a telephone message from these folk saying they had read the article in The Times and were concerned and wanted to offer support.”

The band has set out a proposal for Wokingham Town Council saying in return for extra funding it would perform a concert in aid of the mayor’s charity and wear the town’s crest. This will be discussed at the next town council finance and general purposes committee and civic advisory committee meetings.

Mr Eames said the band members have a few “anxious months” ahead of them waiting for news of the council’s decision.
If the proposals are approved the band’s future will be more secure and the donation from RG Services will be spent on new banners with the town’s crest for the band to display when they are performing.

Mr Eames said: “It’s going to be a very important year for the band. We are marking our 75th anniversary and hopefully putting into place a new relationship with the council which should safeguard the band for another 75 years. “You could say it’s just a little town band but what’s remarkable is that whilst we may be struggling financially, what Wokingham band has got a full compliment of very able and enthusiastic players?”

Get Wokingham

A Wokingham Woman was left shocked and distressed after a motorist pulled over in a Wokingham street and exposed himself to her.

The woman was walking alone through Evendons Lane, Wokingham early on Thursday morning when a car pulled up beside her and a male driver asked for directions.

As the woman leaned over to speak to him he exposed himself and performed a lewd act. The pervert drove off after the woman fled from the roadside at just after 8.45am. Wokingham Police carried out an extensive search of the area as soon as the woman raised the alarm. Officers conducted door-to-door enquiries to see if anyone else had spotted the man in the area.

Sergeant Mike Cull, from Wokingham police, said: “The woman was walking along Evendons Lane when a man stopped his car and asked her for directions. “She leaned over and saw that he had exposed himself and was performing a lewd act. Obviously this is very distressing. “We searched the area on that morning for clues but we need to talk to anyone who may have any information.” He said that the woman had given a clear description of the man which could prove vital in tracking him down.
He is described as in his mid-20s with short, blond, spiky hair and a chubby face. He was wearing a blue top and jeans at the time of the incident.

Police have said he was driving some type of blue Volkswagen when he called the woman over – possibly a Polo. Sgt Cull added: “We have a good description of him which will help with our enquiries but I would urge people to be vigilant and if anyone has information to get in contact with us.”

Call Wokingham police on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wokingham was riddled with minor assaults over the festive period despite a major police crackdown on Wokingham town centre violence. More than 10 people suffered cuts and bruises in a series of scuffles and scrapes around the district in the period before Christmas and leading up to New Year.

The violence started on Christmas Eve when an 18-year-old was punched so hard he fell to the ground outside Burger King in Wellington Road, Wokingham in the early hours. The teenager was left shaken with cuts and bruises to his head and back after being assaulted by a male described as in his 20s of stocky build with spiky hair at around 12.40am.

On the same night the manageress at The Lord Raglan pub in Denmark Street, Wokingham was set-upon by two males after staff refused to serve the yobs booze because they were too drunk. The thugs caused bruising to her chest, arms and head after the assault at around 1.25am.

In the early hours of Christmas morning a 21-year-old man was punched in the head in Market Place, Wokingham by another reveller who was arrested and cautioned for the assault by police patrolling the area.

A scuffle broke out in the Molly Millars pub in Station Road, Wokingham on Boxing Day when a 20-year-old was hit in the mouth by his friend’s brother at around 11.20pm. Also outside the Molly Millars a man suffered head injuries and had to be rushed to hospital after he was assaulted at 2.05am on Thursday, December 29. His attacker sped away from the scene in a black S-reg Volkswagen Golf.

A vicious street attack erupted outside the Wokingham Carnival Pool in Wellington Road on Thursday morning at around 2.35am. A 20-year-old male was punched in the head several times and kicked by an 18-year-old who was part of a gang of youths.
The attacker is described as having blonde hair and a big nose. He was wearing a white T-Shirt and diamond stud earrings at the time.

A 25-year-old clubber was punched on the nose on Friday, December 30, in an assault outside Chameleon nightclub in Wellington Road at around 2.05am.

At 3am on New Year’s Day two 18-year-old women assaulted a 21-year-old woman at a kebab van outside Wokingham St Paul’s Church in Reading Road. The victim was queuing up for a kebab when she was pushed face down on the counter. Her attackers then pulled her hair and punched her on the back of the head causing bruising and swelling.

At 2.15am on New Year’s Day outside the BP Garage in Reading Road, Winnersh, a 17-year-old girl was assaulted by another female who dragged the victim to the ground and kicked her in the face. The attacker is described as 5ft 5ins, with blonde hair and was wearing a mini skirt.

In Rainbow Park in Winnersh at 2am on New Year’s Day police were called after reports of a large number of people fighting at the park, including one wielding a baseball bat.

Sgt Mike Cull from Wokingham police said officers were patrolling the streets as part of Operation Forge, a crime-busting initiative running over the Christmas period and at weekends and that the increase in assaults was hopefully just due to people boozing too much over the festive period.

Get Wokingham

Residents of the Wokingham district are being encouraged to make a green start to 2006 as the district council encourages people to take advantage of its green waste scheme.

People are being reminded to recycle their Christmas trees either by taking them to one of four collection points in the Wokingham district on January 28 or, if they are part of the district’s green waste collection scheme, by leaving their trees alongside their normal green waste collection bags.

For those Wokingham residents in areas which aren’t included in the current green waste schemes, Christmas trees and other green waste can be dropped off at the following collection points between 8am and 11am on Saturday January 28:

*Wyevale Garden Centre, A4 Bath Road, Wargrave

*Cantley Park, Wokingham

*Coronation Hall, Headley Road, Woodley

*Swallowfield Parish Hall, Swallowfield Street, Swallowfield

Christmas trees should have all decorations removed and should not be dropped off in advance. Artificial or trade/commercial trees cannot be accepted. Trees can also be taken to the tips at Longshot Lane, Bracknell or Smallmead, Reading, which are open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm.

Executive member for environment services Wokingham Cllr Rob Stanton said: “I really hope that residents will make use of both the green waste service and the special drop-off points for their Christmas trees and other garden waste. Every tree recycled helps us on our way towards tough government targets and I hope residents will support us in our efforts to recycle and compost more than ever before.

“And, if you’re in one of our pilot areas and haven’t used the green waste service before, why not make it a resolution for 2006 to recycle your garden waste?”

In its trial area, the green waste scheme allows residents to put their garden waste out for collection in a reusable bag. This garden waste is then collected every fortnight, on the same day as normal household rubbish and on the alternate week to their black box recycling collection.

Wokingham District Council recycled and composted nearly 27% of the district’s household waste in 2004/5, which, against comparable authorities, is a strong position. However, the council now has to reach a target of 30% by the end of March 2006.

The scheme is operating in parts of Arborfield, Barkham, Finchampstead, Earley, Twyford, Winnersh, Wokingham, Wokingham Without and Woodley and replaces the current garden waste service in those areas.

Those Wokingham households not taking part in the trial scheme can still have one bag of garden waste per property collected free of charge each week. Alternatively, residents not taking part in the trial can purchase blue garden waste sacks from the council at a cost of £1 each. The council also encourages people to home compost – more details are available by calling 0845 130 6090.

The Wokingham council’s waste team is happy to answer any queries on the green waste scheme and can be contacted on (0118) 974 6307.

Wokingham District Council,

A Finchampstead, Wokingham lake owner is battling with a local farmer to prevent his 150-year-old nature haven drying up.
Kingsmere, Wokingham , a 10-acre lake off Nine Mile Ride, was in dire straits earlier this year following a dry winter and being prevented from abstracting water from nearby Queen’s Mere.

Change in laws relating to abstraction licences means the lake’s owner has not been able to abstract from the other lake since 2002. He has since applied to the Environment Agency for a licence but faces opposition from a nearby farmer who has abstracted from Queen’s Mere to keep Emm Brook flowing on his property since 1977. The owner of the lake, Pete Guntrip, said he was unaware of the change in abstraction laws when he took over the site in 1998.

Mr Guntrip told The Times the deed to the property said he could continue to abstract water as long as Queen’s Mere was not left with less than six inches from the margins. The Water Resources Act of 1991 introduced abstraction licences so regular removal of water from Queen’s Mere would be illegal. But the owner of Kingsmere, Wokingham has been allowed to abstract a limited amount of water from Queen’s Mere each day and water levels have improved since the dry summer. He has now applied for a licence but must prove there is enough water in Queen’s Mere, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), for both sites to abstract from.

Mr Guntrip said: “If it was not for this farm we would have got our licence by now. “Even though history means Kingsmere, Wokingham pumped from Queen’s Mere for 150 years because the law has changed we are stuck in this process. “The next stage is they have asked for us to provide data information of the water flow out of Queen’s Mere. We have got to pay for a survey to provide the information.” In March The Times reported how the wildlife populating Kingsmere, Wokingham had disappeared but many of the ducks and swans have returned now water supplies have replenished slightly.

A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said: “The farmer who currently has a licence that we regulate has had that for quite a number of years. “He has got concerns there won’t be enough water for him if there is another abstractor. “We are now asking for a survey of the water flow. If we are to grant an abstraction licence it has got to be sustainable. Water is a finite resource. “We have to balance the needs of the abstractors but also the needs of the environment. We are still in a drought officially and this is why these licences are so important.” A decision on the licence will be made after the survey has been carried out.

Get Wokingham

A Wokingham business which had a safe full of vital documents and cash stolen in an early morning raid has stumped up a £10,000 reward to help catch the crooks.

A1 Wokingham Car Spares and Scrap Metal was broken into early on Friday morning by a gang of thieves who stole a heavy metal safe full of licences, documents and cash. The break-in has prompted the owners and manager to offer a £10,000 cash reward to anyone who can help with the successful prosecution of those responsible, The Times can exclusively reveal. The reward has been offered after huge disruption was caused to trade over the busiest time of year with suppliers having to be turned away empty handed and vital documents having to be applied for again – which could take months to come through.

Terry Coke, who manages the Wokingham family-owned scrapyard and car spares business, said: “It is just the sheer audacity of it that gets me. “It has had an effect on business because all the money was in the safe to pay people and there were really important documents in there like driving licences and site licences which we’ll have to get copies of and could take weeks to come through what with it being Christmas. “Fortunately there were no MOTs in there and there was not that much money – perhaps a few hundred pounds but no more than that. “We’re offering a £10,000 cash reward for anyone who can help with the successful prosecution of those who did it because of the inconvenience and sheer audacity of it.”

It is believed the yard off Highlands Avenue, Wokingham was targeted by a gang of up to four people who broke in through a door panel early on Friday morning and made off with the company’s safe. But it was not discovered until 7am when a member of staff noticed a door panel had been smashed in. A distinctive looking red L200 Mitsubishi pick up with no number plates and graffiti on the side was also taken during the raid.

Mr Coke said: “It must have taken at least four of them to lift the safe because it is so heavy. “I’m not sure why they would have wanted to take the pick up but they can’t take it that far – I’m sure someone must have seen it because it is so distinctive.” Scenes of crime officers were at the Wokingham ascene looking for fingerprints and have started to examine CCTV images to look for the culprits. Mr Coke added he was “fairly sure” that the thieves had used the company before and had noticed the safe – which was just next to the counter in the front office. “They knew what they were looking for when they broke in because that was the only thing taken and they removed it so carefully,” she said. “There were no marks on the doors or anything like that.” He said that he was “deeply frustrated” by the break-in as there had never been any trouble at the business before and because it was having a knock-on effect on the business. He said: “Of course it has had an effect on business there is no doubt about it which is why these people need to be prosecuted.”

Anyone with information should call Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Terry Coke can be contacted at A1 Car Spares on (0118) 989 4652.

get Wokingham