Wokingham

A whole Wokingham range of sports and physical activities for adults and children with physical and learning disabilities are taking place across the borough thanks to Wokingham Borough Council’s sports development unit.

Multi-sports and physical activity sessions for Wokingham adults with additional needs runs every Friday evening and Saturday morning at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre. Adults with disabilities can come along to the fun sessions to try their hand at a whole range of activities including table tennis, badminton, tennis, football, basketball, boccia, new age kurling, indoor golf, and the interactive gym and sports wall.

Each session costs £1.50 and the first session is free of charge. There is no need to book, simply turn up! The sessions are open to anyone aged over 18 with a disability.

And this August, there are dedicated sessions for children and young people with additional needs taking place at East Park Farm Pavilion in Charvil. Youngsters will have the chance to try out a range of sporting activities including tennis, tri-golf, boccia, basketball and new age kurling - to name just a few.

Telephone (0118) 974 6264 or 974 6265 or email: sportsdevelopment@wokingham.gov.uk for more information on both the adult and youngsters’ courses. Courses in mini-soccer, trampolining and tennis will also be starting at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley from September. These courses are open for youngsters with a disability aged under 16.

Andrea Ford, Wokingham physical activity co-ordinator, said: “We want more adults and young people with physical disabilities and learning disabilities to get active. These sessions have been specially designed for them and it’s a great chance for adults and youngsters to try out a new sport or improve on skills they already have. Disability should not be a barrier to sport and the council is committed to ensuring everyone has access to sporting opportunities. Sport is fun and a great way to make new friends! Why not come along to one of our dedicated sessions? You won’t be disappointed.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council home care worker Joyce Smith has been recognised for her hard work and dedication at a national award ceremony.

Joyce was selected as a finalist in the Ceretas National Home Care Awards for her work as part of the Wokingham Short Term Assessment and Reablement Team (START) which helps vulnerable adults maintain their independence by providing personal care and helping people regain old skills and learn new ones, for example after and illness or fall. The awards were presented by TV personality Ruby Wax at The Marriot Hotel Grosvenor Square on June 6.

Joyce, who has worked for Wokingham the Council for 22 years, was not chosen as the overall winner at the award ceremony, but START team manager Alyson Hobbs said being short-listed was a great achievement.

Mrs Hobbs said: “The team nominated Joyce because of her skill and dedication and particularly because of her enthusiasm to embrace the new challenges set before her and to undertake training to develop her skills to match the ever changing demands of care. She may not have been chosen as the overall winner, but Joyce is a winner to us and to all the people in the borough who she has helped.”

Joyce, who was short-listed in the Home Care Worker of a Specialist Service category, said: “Nothing we do the team is in isolation and so me being nominated was really the whole team being nominated – and my colleagues came on the award night, which was fun. Events such as this are good for morale but the important thing is that Ceretas has recognised that people in the Wokingham borough are getting good care from the team.”

Wokingham Borough Council has recently been awarded three stars from the Care Quality Commission.

Ceretas is a national organisation that represents all people working in the home care sector.

Wokingham Borough Council executive member for social care Cllr Chris Edmunds said: “The START team do a wonderful and important job helping people remain living at home and I am delighted Joyce has been recognised for her efforts. Helping people stay active and independent is a key part of our social care policy of providing local, personalised services and it is the frontline staff such as Joyce and the rest of the team that put that policy into practice.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council’s proposal to introduce on-street parking charges is to be put under the spotlight by the overview and scrutiny management committee, and the people of Wokingham, including residents and retailers, are being asked to contribute their views.

Detailed proposals for the introduction of on-street car parking charges within Wokingham town centre are currently being drawn up following a decision made by the council’s executive at its meeting on May 28 to look at how the town’s parking bays could be freed-up for visitors to make a quick stop to shops, banks and other businesses in a bid to bolster trade.

The Wokingham overview and scrutiny management committee’s scrutiny review is to run in parallel with the development of these proposals, so that its findings can inform the final decisions on the scheme which are to be made in September.

And Wokingham committee chairman Cllr Angus Ross is keen for people to submit their views by the end of July so they can be considered as part of the review. The committee will also be talking to business and retail organisations, police and council officers, Wokingham Town Council, Neighbourhood Action Group and other groups including residents’ associations and those representing disabled people.

Due to report back in September, the overview and scrutiny management committee review will look into:

• How charging for on-street car parking might assist retail activity in the town centre

• How traffic management associated with on-street car parking can be used to improve traffic flows and reduce congestion in the town centre

• How future enforcement of on-street parking charges should be undertaken

• How the level of the proposed tariff might affect the objectives above.

“Having considered all the evidence, including the views of local people, we will provide a recommendation to the executive in September with regard to the introduction of on street car parking charges and possible options for enforcement,” said Cllr Ross.

The reasoning behind the proposed scheme is to free up the 180 bays in the Wokingham town centre area that are designed for shoppers and visitors to park in for a short period by introducing a fee that would encourage motorists to use the spaces responsibly.

Cllr Keith Baker, executive member for highways and transport, said: “For some time now, motorists have been flouting the clear time-restrictions applicable to parking bays dotted around Wokingham town centre and so we are looking at ways of stopping this from happening in the future.

“It’s simply not fair that businesses could be missing out on trade because short-term parking bays are clogged up with the cars of commuters and town centre workers.”

Committee chairman Cllr Angus Ross is urging local people to submit their views by Friday July 31 via email to democratic.services@wokingham.gov.uk. Alternatively, they can write to him at Democratic Services, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1WH.

Wokingham Borough Council

As part of an on-going crackdown on drivers who flout the law on the Wokingham Borough’s roads an enforcement squad was out educating motorists caught speeding on Thursday June 11.

More than 44 people were stopped in four hours on June 11 as part of an education drive by Wokingham Borough Council and Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership (TVSRP) to get motorists to realise that speeding, was not only putting their lives in danger but others around them.

The cWokingham ouncil’s road safety team worked with the police on a series of speed enforcement schemes on June 11 in Lodge Road and Broadwater Lane in Hurst, Keephatch Road in Wokingham and Nine Mile Ride with the junction of Palmer Close in Finchampstead - and drivers were stopped after being caught travelling over the 30mph * speed limit.

The results of the speed enforcement campaign were:

• Lodge Road: 13 motorists stopped; four were issued with a ticket and nine were given roadside education.

• Broadwater Lane: 16 motorists stopped; three were given tickets and 13 were given roadside education.

• Keephatch Road: nine people were stopped; all nine were given roadside education.

• Nine Mile Ride with the junction of Palmer Close: Six people were stopped; one was given a ticket and five were given roadside education.

The Wokingham team handed out penalty notices, consisting of a £60 fine and three penalty points, to eight of the people stopped, including those travelling over 40mph.

Julie Pillai, the Wokingham council’s road safety officer, said: “This year we have carried out regular checks with the help of Thames Valley Police, and even though there is lots of education and campaigning about dangerous driving many motorists are still continuing to break the law – which is why these education and enforcement sessions are so vital.”

Cllr Keith Baker, executive member for Wokingham highways and transport, said: “By working with the police we are able to educate drivers who break the law and take enforcement action if it is appropriate. We want to encourage them to think about their bad habits in future so that Wokingham Borough can continue to be a safe place. We will continue to educate those drivers who threaten to make our roads more dangerous by speeding and not wearing a seatbelt and we will not be afraid to take enforcement action to make our roads safer.”

Wokingham Borough Council

On Monday (June 22) Wokingham Borough Council showed its support and appreciation to the men and women from the Armed Forces, past and present, by raising a flag in their honour.

At a special ceremony Wokingham Borough’s Mayor Cllr Barrie Patman raised a special Armed Forces Day flag at the civic offices, Shute End, Wokingham, as the borough council joined town and parish councils in celebrating the first ever Armed Forces Day.

The Wokingham Mayor was joined in the celebrations by local dignitaries as well as serving armed forces personnel and local veterans. Following the flag raising, Captain Ian Robinson and Colour Sergeant Keith Nieves from the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment spoke about their tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2007.

Both talked openly about their time in Helmand province where the Battalion faced daily pressures from suicide bombers and attacks. During their time in Sangin in Helmand Province, the Battalion helped to reconstruct the town and assist the authorities to govern it by setting up health clinics and encouraging trade in the town’s shops. They also helped to open a school, which girls now attend allowing many of them to have an education for the first time.

Captain Robinson also talked about the bravery of the 600 soldiers from his Battalion who went to Afghanistan in 2007, some of whom were killed. Colour Sergeant Keith Nieves gave a first hand experience about his time in Afghanistan and talked frankly about how he was injured and how this affected his military life as well as his personal life.

Wokingham Cllr Barrie Patman, Mayor, said: “This day is about honouring the UK’s service personnel from current serving members of the armed forces to veterans. We are indebted to our armed forces for the services they provide in tremendously difficult conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We heard personal stories of what it’s like to serve your country in Afghanistan and the immense pressures our armed forces face on a daily basis. All of our Armed Forces personnel deserve the nation’s support and gratitude for the personal sacrifice they and their families have made in the past, or continue to make now in the interest of making our country safe. I hope that we will always celebrate this day and recognise our armed forces in this way."

Captain Ian Robinson said: “The Armed Forces have received fantastic support from the rest of society over the last few years. Days like this mean a great deal to those of us still serving as they give us the opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support not only of us but also our families.”

Colour Sergeant Keith Nieves said: “I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to share my experiences with members of the public and I would like to thank everyone for their continued support.”

Wokingham Borough Council

In celebration of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, Wokingham Borough Council has served an ace to its residents by offering six of its tennis courts at Cantley Park free of charge on Sunday June 28 and Friday July 3.

And if that wasn’t game, set and match by the Wokingham council, tennis coach Mike Hilton will be offering free coaching to adults and youngsters between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday June 28 and between 6pm and 7pm on July 3.

The six Wokingham tennis courts will be open between 8am and 7pm offering beginners and improvers of all ages the chance to practise their backhand, drop-shots and serves. There is no need to book either the courts or the coaching session, simply turn up during the day.

Anyone interested can also purchase a Wokingham borough council tennis season ticket, which costs from £18.90 for a child aged under 18 and £52.50 for an adult – there are also rates for the whole family or a couple. The season ticket allows people to play tennis at Cantley Park and Chestnut Park in Wokingham and East Park Farm in Charvil. Visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/leisure/sports/leisure-facilities/tennis/ for more information or call (0118) 974 6341.

Beverley Thompson, Wokingham sports development and leisure co-ordinator, said: “The council is committed to getting all its residents fit and active. During the two weeks of Wimbledon, there is always a huge interest in playing tennis across the borough. And what better way to practise than by taking advantage of free courts at Cantley Park. I am delighted we are able to offer expert coaching on each day and hope to see many people coming along to learn more about tennis.”

Julia Woodbridge, Wokingham horticulture and amenities co-ordinator, said: “The parks and open spaces team are delighted to be able to provide a free facility on these dates and give everyone a chance to play tennis and even have some coaching too. We are hoping that this will encourage people of all ages to try out the game and see what we have to offer at Cantley Park. Season tickets will also be available for those that are interested. If you would like to book the facility for any other event, please email pitch.booking@wokingham.gov.uk”

Wokingham Borough Council

Following Wokingham hands-on planning workshops held last weekend (June 19 and 20), Wokingham Borough Council is asking more local people whether they would like to take up the opportunity to have a say in the development of the borough’s future new communities.

Four main new communities are set to be built in the Wokingham Borough over the next two decades – one south of Wokingham (2,500 homes), one north of the town (1,500 homes), one at Arborfield Garrison (3,500 homes) and one south of M4 (2,500 homes). And the council is keen for local people to get involved and help decide how each community will look and what facilities are needed to make them good, safe places in which people will want to live, relax, work and play.

The results of Wokingham workshops held last weekend (June 19 and 20) and coming up on July 25 will help shape the plans being prepared by the council for each site.

Wokingham Council leader Cllr David Lee said: “Wokingham’s residents have already been involved in agreeing the strategy for housing development in our borough for the next 20 years and we would like them to continue to play a major role in influencing this important ongoing work.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to shape places of the future. We are looking to our residents to help us to make these communities an integral and vibrant part of the borough, which is currently one of the best places in the country to live. And we want to keep it that way. Help us to build real communities and not just buildings,” he added.

Next month’s workshops are to be held on Saturday July 25:

• North and South Wokingham: Saturday July 25 from 9.30am to 1pm

• Arborfield and South of the M4: Saturday July 25 from 1.30pm to 5pm

Venue: Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham

Cllr Gary Cowan, executive member for Wokingham local and regional planning, said:
“This is a unique opportunity for residents to have a real say in how Wokingham Borough evolves over the next twenty years. I welcome all resident involvement and I will ensure that any comment submitted during this process will be properly considered.

“If we have to accommodate these houses, then we must think now about how we want our borough to be in the future, maintaining and enhancing what we currently appreciate about it as well ensuring we have what we need for the lives of our communities in the future. This will involve all manner of new infrastructure as well as quality design and all the factors required to improve our communities that will also benefit our existing residents.

“Anyone or any organisation interested in having their say that cannot make the July 25 workshop should contact me as I genuinely do want to hear what local people have to say on this important issue. I am happy to visit residents’ associations or other organisations to explain the process and to receive feedback. Please contact me to arrange a meeting via (0118) 974 6005.”

Anyone wanting to register their interest in taking part in the July 25 workshops, should go to: www2.wokingham.gov.uk/planning-news to complete an application form by July 20. Alternatively, they can contact masterplanner Cris Lancaster at: cris.lancaster@wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham Borough Council

More than 2,200 residents have taken the opportunity to tell Wokingham Borough Council what it is really like to live in the borough and 88 per cent of residents who replied said they were satisfied with the local area as a place to live - some eight per cent higher than the national average of 80 per cent!

Known as the Wokingham Place Survey, the questionnaire was sent to a randomly selected sample of 5,000 residents and it is a new consultation that all local authorities are required to carry out every two years. The survey asks residents for their opinions about aspects of quality of life in their local area - such as community safety and local services - that are known to be important to people. The survey also looked at how involved residents are in local decision-making process and how respect and consideration of others is taken into account locally.

Some 39 questions were asked, 18 of them are national indicators, which the council is assessed on every year. For 11 of the 18 indicators, Wokingham Borough is the highest performing local authority in Berkshire by achieving the highest levels of satisfaction among residents in the county.

Some 86 per cent of Wokingham residents believe that people from different backgrounds get on well together, whilst 57 per cent feel they belong to their neighbourhood. Nearly 70 per cent of residents feel that local public services are working to make the area safer and nearly 60 per cent agree that local public services are working to make the area cleaner and greener. Of those who responded, 27 per cent volunteer at least once a month.

With the council being the key provider of public services in the Wokingham Borough, some 62 per cent of residents said they were satisfied that the borough council keeps public places clear of litter and refuse, with 80 per cent saying they were satisfied with the refuse collection service. Kerbside recycling also scored well with 73 per cent of residents surveyed saying they were satisfied.

Some 71 per cent were satisfied with the borough’s libraries, and 73 per cent with parks and open spaces in the borough. Overall, half the residents stated they were satisfied with how the borough council runs things compared to 45 per cent satisfied across England.

Wokingham Resident satisfaction has improved in a number of areas when compared with a similar survey previously conducted in 2006/07*. Of those who responded to the Place Survey 17 per cent of people said that not treating each other with respect and consideration is a problem, and this compares with 53 per cent in 2006/07. There has also been a drop in the number of residents who think people being drunk or rowdy in public places is a very / fairly big problem – 18 per cent in 2008 (29 per cent nationally) compared with 30 per cent in 2006/07. And 15 per cent of those surveyed think that people using or dealing drugs is a very / fairly big problem (31 per cent nationally in 2008), compared with 39 per cent in 2006/07. Some 60 per cent of residents feel safe outside after dark, whilst 94.4 per cent feel safe outside during the day.

The top two Wokingham community safety concerns residents had in the borough were teenagers hanging around the streets and vandalism, graffiti and damage to property and vehicles. And, nearly one third of Wokingham residents - the highest proportion across Berkshire - agreed that the police and other local public services are successfully dealing with these issues. Some 25 per cent of those residents who responded agreed police and the local council seek people’s views about anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter in the area.

For the older residents in the borough, 86 per cent of those aged 65 or over are satisfied with their home and area as a place to live. Some 84 per cent of residents said their health is good / very good, whilst 79 per cent say that they have been treated with respect and consideration by local public services.

Cllr David Lee, leader of the Wokingham council, said: “We had a really good response rate to this survey which gave residents the chance to have their say about the quality of life and local public services in the Wokingham Borough. We very much value the views of our residents and were keen to hear what people think about the services they receive from the council and what they feel needs improving. The survey is helpful in making the borough an even better place to live, work and visit and I am very pleased that our residents seem more satisfied.

“The council and its partners will use the findings to see how well we are doing at delivering the services that matter most to residents and to decide what needs doing differently in the future.”

The survey was conducted between September and December 2008 and the survey had a response rate of 44 per cent.

Wokingham Borough Council

In addition to English, more than 100 languages are spoken in Wokingham Borough schools and to celebrate the diversity of the community, a video art presentation has been created based on the artwork of pupils.

The project, led by Wokingham Borough Council, involved some 25 bilingual pupils from Whiteknights, Earley St Peters and Hillside Primary schools who attended a workshop to explore their identity, feelings and experiences through art.

The Wokingham pupils worked with Real Time, a video arts organisation, and visual artist Zeljana Schonauer. The children were filmed talking about their paintings in English and the other languages they speak to produce the video art presentation which reflects the borough's rich cultural heritage and celebrates the similarities of all people. The other languages they speak include Spanish, Japanese, Italian, Gujurati, Urdu, Chinese, Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Sinhala, Yoruba, Hebrew, Arabic, Swedish, Tagalog, Shona, Ndebele, German and Russian.

The Wokingham video art presentation will be displayed at the council’s offices in Shute End in the near future and at schools around the borough as a celebration of all the languages, including English, which are spoken in the local area. It will also be used by the council’s community safety team to highlight the borough’s diversity and show how this can be celebrated.

Wokingham Curriculum development adviser Emily Waddilove said: “We wanted to produce the video art presentation in order to celebrate the many languages that are spoken by children in Wokingham Borough schools and to celebrate the importance of language and communication to all of us.

“I think many people living in the local area are probably unaware that so many different languages are spoken in Wokingham Borough. According to the last school census in January this year, 111 different languages are spoken in our schools. We hope that many people will see the video art presentation and get a better understanding of how our languages help to make us the people and the community that we are.”

Cllr Rob Stanton, executive member for Wokingham children’s services, said: “This is a fine example of some of the innovative projects that take place in our schools. We hope this video art project will reach as many schools as possible throughout the borough. Encouraging pupils to respect and value each other’s languages is a great start to encouraging them to respect one another as they grow up.”

The video art project will be touring Wokingham Borough schools. Those schools not already signed up to the tour can contact Julie Sargeant, project support officer, on (0118)974 6199 or by email Julie.sargeant@wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham Borough Council

The second summer late night opening and entertainment evening in Wokingham town centre will take place on Thursday July 2.

The Wokingham Summer Season of late night shopping and family fun is being organised to help highlight what Wokingham has to offer and the first evening on Thursday June 4 saw crowds salsa dancing in the streets and enjoying entertainment from the Wokingham Youth Theatre.

July’s Summer Season event will feature salsa dancing with Red Hat Salsa that proved very popular on the first late opening night, and dancing demonstrations from Laura Henderson Dance Academy and from students from Bracknell and Wokingham College’s Belly Dancing course.

There will also a young musicians’ showcase featuring Phoebe Wright and Keiran Irvine at Wokingham Library and street entertainment for children including magic tricks, balloon shapes and juggling.”

Wokingham Borough Council area manager for Wokingham town Wendy Crosson-Smith, who has worked with traders and Wokingham Town Council on the events, said: “The first evening was fun and the entertainment was good but we really want to build up the shopping aspect now. Wokingham town centre has some great shops and events such as this are a chance for people to see what they have to offer.”

Branch manager of Waitrose in Wokingham Richard Oughton said: “Businesses and retailers within the Wokingham town centre are looking forward to the second Summer Season event. Our town has so much to offer, and as new shops start to open, we look forward to welcoming customers and demonstrating the diversity of the town centre's appeal.”

Individual shops in the town centre are also organising entertainment to draw in shoppers on the evening.

Wokingham Borough Council

The cost of the national Senior Railcard has been increased by the Association of Train Operating Companies but older people in the Wokingham Borough are set to continue to get them discounted thanks to the council’s voucher scheme. And the discount is likely to increase from £4.80 to £5.20.

The Association of Train Operating Companies has put the price of the national Senior Railcard up, but Wokingham Borough Council’s Senior Railcard Voucher will still be available to any resident aged 60 or over at a 20 per cent discount if this is agreed by Wokingham Borough Council’s decision-making executive when it meets on Thursday June 25.

The national price of a railcard has increased by £2 (from £24 to £26 per year) but the council’s discounted voucher is set to only increase by £1.60 (from £19.20 to £20.80) for Wokingham Borough residents. This means that residents currently get a £4.80 discount if they buy the council’s voucher – this is set to increase to £5.20 if given the green light by the executive. The new voucher can be exchanged for a Senior Railcard that allows the user up to one third off most off-peak rail fares in the UK.

Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for corporate services Cllr Liz Siggery said: “We are not pleased that the Association of Train Operating Companies has increased the cost of the railcard but at least our voucher scheme softens the blow and, in fact, Wokingham Borough residents will get will a larger discount if agreed by the executive. If they buy their railcard at the station it would cost £26 but if they buy our voucher it would cost them £20.80.

“In addition to the voucher scheme Wokingham Borough Council is the only local authority in Berkshire to offer concessionary travel tokens to its older residents.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Council tenants across the Wokingham Borough are set to receive welcome news about this year’s rent increase.

Wokingham Borough Council’s special council executive is set to agree to reduce the proposed 6.35 per cent rent rise to an average of 3.2 per cent when they meet later this month on Friday June 26.

Council leader Wokingham Cllr David Lee said: “I very much hope that the special council executive gives the rent rise cut the green light. Everyone needs every penny they’ve got at the moment in order to survive the recession, and tenants are no exception. I’m delighted that the reduction in the proposed rent rise looks set to happen to help tenants through the current economic downturn. If it does, we will inform tenants of their new rents as soon as we can.

“We will also continue to lobby central government on the so-called ‘tenant tax’ which sees the council having to pay almost half of the housing rent collected from tenants over to the government – some 41 pence in every £1. This negative subsidy has in the past meant that the council has had to make savings in the tenants’ budget by reducing services.

“This is money that could be better spent on basic maintenance to our tenants’ homes."

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council’s former Mayor has donated £3,000 to Wokingham Job Support Centre.

Earlier this year, Wokingham Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons decided not to hold the Mayor’s annual civic reception, which is normally arranged to thank the hundreds of parish and town volunteers.

Wokingham Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons said: “I did think long and hard about whether to hold a traditional civic reception this year given the current economic climate and the hardship that people are suffering. In the end, I decided not to hold the annual event in the spring and, I have donated the £3,000 earmarked in the council’s budget for a civic reception to Wokingham Job Support Centre.

“They provide invaluable support to many of the borough’s residents. In the past year alone, the number of people coming through the door at Wokingham Job Support Centre has almost doubled. This money will go someway to help them continue to provide much needed help and advice during this particularly difficult time.”

Wokingham Job Support Centre is an independent local charity that provides adult job seekers living in borough with a free and confidential advice service. The charity has been running since 1992 and has helped over 6,000 job seekers during this time.

The facilities available for Wokingham job seekers include job-search and careers databases, computers for word processing and to access the internet, telephone, fax, photocopier, stationery and stamps, newspapers and journals and an extensive library.

All advisors are qualified in providing information and advice services and having in-depth knowledge of the resources available are always on hand to advise residents on all aspects job hunting and assist them to access the information they require and make best use of the IT and other facilities.

Wokingham Job Support Centre is based at The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue in Wokingham and is open 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays). Residents can also contact Wokingham Job Support Centre on (0118) 977 0517 and visit www.wjsc.org.uk for more information. The service has also been expanded to Woodley and for one day a week residents can seek advice at the Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, on Tuesdays between 10.30am and 1.30pm.

Chairman of the Wokingham Job Support Centre Iain Brown said: “"Wokingham Job Support Centre is extremely grateful for the generous support given to it by Wokingham Borough Council. All the funds that we receive are channelled into the service we provide.

"This extra boost to our funds could not have come at a more appropriate time with more people than ever before seeking help. We have just expanded the numbers of computers available to clients at the Cornerstone, employed an additional member of staff and, with the support and co-operation of Woodley Town Council, we are now providing an out-reach service to residents in Woodley.

"We rely on financial support from the borough council and the town and parish councils within our area but we are always seeking voluntary helpers who are our main resource in helping people to find a job."

Wokingham Borough Council

This month (June) Wokingham Borough Council will be showing its support and appreciation to the men and women from the Armed Forces, past and present, by raising a flag in their honour.

At a special ceremony on June 22, Wokingham Borough’s Mayor Cllr Barrie Patman will raise a special Armed Forces Day flag at the civic offices, Shute End, Wokingham, as the borough council joins town and parish councils in celebrating the first ever Armed Forces Day. Local veterans have also been invited to join in the celebrations.

The Wokingham Mayor will be joined by local dignitaries as well as serving armed forces personnel. Following the flag raising, Captain Ian Robinson and Sergeant Nieves from Royal Anglian Regiment 1st Battalion will speak about their tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Cllr Barrie Patman, Wokingham Mayor, said: “This day is about honouring the UK’s service personnel from current serving members of the armed forces to veterans. Each and everyone of them deserve the borough’s support and recognition for the work they carry out for their country, often putting their own lives at risk on a daily basis. I do hope many veterans will join us at the flag raising ceremony.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Ensuring Wokingham Borough Council’s children’s services are of the highest quality and giving top priority to its vulnerable children are top of the agenda for the council’s new general manager children’s services Andy Couldrick, who was appointed on June 8.

As the official director of children’s services, Andy, who is currently head of service, children and families at Oxfordshire County Council, will lead the transformation of Wokingham’s children’s services department, aiming to make it one of the best in the UK.

Appointed after a rigorous selection process, involving a number of interviews, assignments and presentations, Andy plans to take up his position at Wokingham in September.

His key responsibility will be to lead Wokingham council in delivering service improvements and ensuring that everything we do is focused on the wellbeing of children, young people and families. He will play a key role in the leadership of the council and adding unique experience to the strategic leadership board. He will also add direction and confidence to children’s services by supporting staff in order for the service to continue to improve.

Andy has over 25 years’ experience in children’s services. Prior to working for Oxfordshire County Council, Andy was head of children’s services at West Berkshire Council. He has held a number of positions in very different local authorities, including service manager at Milton Keynes Council and at Reading Borough Council. In his early career, he spent 16 years at Berkshire County Council holding posts of residential care officer, care manager and social worker and assistant area manager.

During his time at Oxfordshire County Council, Andy brought together universal and specialist services into a single department. He was also instrumental in leading the implementation of Oxfordshire’s children’s centre programme, ensuring they offer support to the community’s most vulnerable children and families.

As head of children’s services at West Berkshire Council, Andy led a performance improvement plan culminating in a judgement seeing the council ‘serving most children well, with excellent capacity for improvement.’

Andy originally qualified as a social worker and has a degree in applied social studies.

Speaking on his appointment Andy said: “I am delighted to be joining Wokingham at such an exciting time. There is much to do, and a number of challenges face us, but it is clear that the ambition for children and young people in the borough is high, and that our most vulnerable children are an absolute priority for everyone. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners to turn our ambition into reality.”

Cllr David Lee, leader of the Wokingham council, said: “We had an excellent response to this vacancy and all the candidates on the shortlist were very experienced and of high quality. I have no doubt that Andy will prove an outstanding asset to the council. Andy has a track record in transforming services and developing long term vision for child protection services. I am sure the children’s services department will flourish under his strong and innovative leadership.”

Cllr Rob Stanton, executive member for Wokingham children’s services, said: “I am pleased with Andy’s appointment as he brings with him a wealth of experience. I look forward to working with him. We are committed to creating an environment of confidence and support in our children’s services and Andy’s appointment will help us enhance our performance and drive us towards excellence in all areas of our integrated children’s services.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough residents are being urged to take extra care when employing contractors to prune their trees this summer after the council’s tree specialists were alerted to a potential rogue trader operating in the area.

The Wokingham council’s tree and landscape team have been made aware that a company has been hand delivering leaflets on tree pruning to residents over the past few weeks and cajoling homeowners into having their trees pruned. However, it isn’t clear if this company has adequate insurance and concerns have been raised about the rate charged and quality of the work carried out.

Jon Matthews, Wokingham team leader trees and landscape, said: “At this time of year many residents are looking to prune back their trees and there is a company operating in the area which is taking advantage of this by hand delivering leaflets and coaxing residents into having work done.

“While it isn’t clear if this company is legitimate or not, there are some concerns as to whether staff carrying out specialist tree pruning are insured and have the right protective equipment. There is also some concern that the work carried out is inappropriate and of poor quality too, therefore I’d advise residents to make sure they take some simple steps to ensure they are not caught out by any rogue traders this summer.”

No formal complaint has been made to Wokingham council about this specific company but the tree and landscape team has issued the following advice to residents so anyone wanting their trees pruned can employ a legitimate company that prices appropriately and carries out work to a good standard.

Tree specialists can be referred to as arboriculturists, arborists or tree surgeons. When selecting a contractor to carry out work on trees, Wokingham residents should:

• Avoid using anyone that ‘cold calls’ your property

• Avoid contractors that use the words ‘lopping’ and ‘topping’, which are not technical or appropriate terms

• Try to visit a few of the contractors’ recently completed jobs and if possible, speak to the owners about the work
• Check if the contractor is known by the council’s tree team – for details contact the Trees and Landscape Team on (0118) 974 6464 or (0118) 974 6767

• Get at least three written quotes and be aware that the lowest quote may not be the best value

• If contractors say they are members of a trade association check that they really are - the Arboricultural Association has a list of approved contractors available by calling (01242) 522 152 or visiting www.trees.org.uk

• The contractor should provide proof of at least £5million public liability insurance cover

• Reputable contractors will be happy to answer all of your questions, as they have got nothing to hide

• Once you have selected a contractor, get the work to be carried out and the agreed charge in writing from them.

• Confirm with the contractor as to whether things like cut branches and timber will be included as part of the quotation.

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Sports teams wanting to book a pitch for the 2009/10 football season are being urged to keep their eye on the ball by filling in their booking forms early.

Teams wishing to book a sports pitch should email pitch.booking@wokingham.gov.uk, or call Wokingham Direct (0118) 974 6000. All teams that played last season will receive their booking forms within the next two weeks together with the sports pitch booking conditions.

The forms need to be returned to Wokingham council by Friday July 17 so that the allocation process can begin. The deadline has been extended this year owing to a reduction in the number of pavilions that will be available for the new season.

Once forms have been received the parks and open spaces team will be allotting pitches for the leagues/teams and Wokingham Direct will be handling the weekly bookings and fixtures.

Nick Christo, area manager for Wokingham countryside, sports and amenities said: “It’s really important for all sports teams to get their pitch applications for the new season in to the council as soon as possible so that we can make sure everyone gets a pitch to suit their needs. As always, the council will do its best to make sure teams are allocated their preferred venue for training and matches, but in order for that to happen a completed pitch booking form must be received the parks and open spaces team by July 17.

“This year there are four sites with pavilions to choose from for the adult teams and junior teams can select any of the eight grounds available throughout the borough.”

Adult teams that require a pavilion for players to change in and toilets for players and guests can select from the following sites:

• Cantley Park, Wokingham

• Chestnut Park, Wokingham

• Chalfont Park, Earley

• East Park Farm, Charvil

Junior teams that require a pavilion can also select a pitch from that list or, if they do not wish to hire a pitch with a pavilion, they can also choose from:

• Laurel Park, Woodley

• Bigshotte Park, Crowthorne

• Elizabeth Road, Wokingham

• Barkham Road Recreation Ground, Wokingham

Neil Carr, head of Wokingham neighbourhood services, said: “The council has reduced the number of pavilions operating for the next season as many were underused and expensive to run. Approximately £27,000 of taxpayers’ money was spent on water bills, electricity and cleaning of four pavilions, which did not represent good value for money, considering they were only booked up for about 10 per cent of the week.

“There are still four very good pavilions available throughout the borough, which are of a better standard but won’t cost teams any more to hire, and because these have also been underused there is plenty of room to accommodate more teams at these sites. If you are involved in running a local sports team and would like to go through what pitches may be suitable for your club next season please do contact the parks team as soon as possible for helping in filling in the pitch hire form.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Dog owners in the Wokingham Borough are invited to attend the grand finale of the Dog Days Out roadshow later this month to get some free treats for their canine chums as well as some pet care advice.

The Wokingham roadshow has been organised by the borough council’s animal warden and environmental health team to help dog owners understand how to train their pets, care for them and how to get the right medical advice.

For dog owners who would like advice on how to keep their canine in tip-top health or for details on how to get their mutts micro-chipped, the event will offer a wealth of information.

The Dog Days Out roadshow will run from June 24 to 27 from 10am to 5pm and will feature free advice and help from the PDSA at:

• Cantley Park recreation ground, Wokingham on June 24

• Ashenbury Park, Woodley on June 25

• Laurel Park, Lower Earley on June 26

• Dinton Pastures, Hurst on June 27

The finale of the Wokingham week will be the grand Dogs Day Out on Sunday June 28 at Norreys Barn, Ashridge Road, Wokingham. At the event there will be free and reduced rate micro-chipping, free dog health checks, free training and free goody bags with dog treats, food samples and toys!
The Dog Days Out are free to everyone in the Wokingham Borough with a pet pooch and there’s no need to book – just turn up.

The event is being sponsored by a range of animal welfare charities and companies including:

• Pet Fayre – the one-stop-pet-shop based in Lower Earley

• Pedigree – dog food suppliers

• Arden Grange – natural premium dry dog and cat food suppliers

• Allianz – insurance company that offers comprehensive pet insurance

• Rosewood Pet Products – dog and cat toy and accessory specialists

• Company of Animals – behaviour and training specialists

• Pascoes – natural pet food manufacturer

• Eukanuba - nutritional pet food company

It is also being supported by the RSPCA, the PDSA, Dogs' Trust, Valley Vets and Cats' Protection League.

Mandy Dorman, Wokingham animal warden, said: “The grand finale of the Dog Days Out promises to provide pet owners with a host of information, advice and even some freebies! If you do have a pet dog and would like details on issues such as micro-chipping, training, nutrition, obedience and exercise then why not pop along on June 28 to speak to pet care specialists and vets who will only be too happy to help with any doggy dilemma.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council has taken the decision to close The Emmbrook Infant School in Wokingham from June 10 for six days following the announcement yesterday that one pupil from the adjoining junior school was confirmed at the weekend to have contracted influenza A (H1N1) – Swine Flu. A number of concerns have been raised by the infant school community and the borough council has taken action to address these.

Cllr Rob Stanton, executive member for Wokingham children’s services, said: “A number of anxious and concerned parents have contacted the borough council and the infant school owing to the close proximity of the two schools and the fact they share the same site.

“Whilst we do not want to cause further concern or alarm, we have listened to the views of the school community including parents and have taken the decision to close the infant school from tomorrow morning until next Tuesday (June 16) in response to their concerns. Pupils at schools in Wokingham Borough have access to online learning materials and the schools concerned will be making work available to their pupils via the internet so disruption to their education will be kept to a minimum.”

Wokingham Headteacher at Emmbrook Infant School Emma Clarke said: “It is a difficult decision but in the interest of the school community and concerns of parents and staff, I believe we are right to close the school in response to their anxieties.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Schoolchildren from the Wokingham Borough walked enough miles to get halfway to the moon in just five days as part of Walk to School Week 2009.

Youngsters at the Wokingham borough’s primary schools walked approximately 126,000 miles as part of the national initiative – which aims to promote healthier lifestyles and environmentally friendly travel – between Monday May 18 and Friday May 22.

Their efforts mean that collectively they walked over half the distance to the moon, which is around 238,000 miles from earth. If the mileage is broken down into daily distances then the children walked enough to get from London to Sydney and back each day.

Julie Pillai, Wokingham road safety officer who helped organise the borough’s Walk to School Week, said: “The schoolchildren made a great effort to walk to class each day as part of the national project and I am pleased that so many of them learned why it is important to walk to class in terms of health and the environment during the week.

“Research shows that children who walk to school are much more alert and ready to learn and go on to have a healthier lifestyle in their adult life. Plus, by reducing the number of cars on the road at morning and afternoon peak times the amount of harmful carbon emissions, which cause greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, is greatly reduced.”

More than 8,400 children took part in Walk to School Week in the Wokingham Borough – with the average distance to school being 1.5miles each way.

Wokingham Children from nursery, infant, junior and primary schools took part in the event and were presented with ‘Walk ‘n’ Talk’ stickers and bookmarks in recognition of them taking the healthier way to class, with the theme highlighting the social aspect. Schools were also provided with wall charts and stickers to monitor how far classmates had walked over the week.

Cllr Keith Baker, executive member for Wokingham highways and transport, said: “I’d like to say a big well done to all the children, parents and teachers who took part in Walk to School Week.

“Walking to school is an important part of educating children on the importance of an active and eco-friendly lifestyle. To think that the children walked enough miles to get halfway to the moon is incredible and I’m pleased that so many of them gave up their usual transport to actually try walking to class!”

Wokingham Borough Council

Music, sunshine and family fun were the order of the day at the first late night shopping evening in Wokingham town centre on Thursday June 4.

The Wokingham Summer Season of late night shopping and entertainment evenings got under way with open air dance lessons in Market Place provided by Red Hot Salsa. Passers-by joined in the fun to have a go at salsa and meringue. This was followed by a performance from the Wokingham Youth Performing Arts Group.

Wokingham Children were also entertained by a face painter and street performer Oojamaflip who brought his balloons, magic tricks and juggling balls.

The events are being organised to highlight what is on offer in Wokingham town centre – whether it is bars and restaurants or shops and cafes and the Summer Season will continue with another late night opening on Thursday July 2 and Thursday August 6.

Wokingham Borough Council area manager for Wokingham Town and the south east of the borough Wendy Crosson-Smith, who is working with Wokingham Town Council, town centre traders and residents’ associations to organise events, said: “To see people dancing in the street in Wokingham town centre was wonderful and it was a great fun evening for those who came along. This was just the beginning and we hope that as more people hear about these evenings more people will come and enjoy them because Wokingham has a huge amount to offer.

“It has been a pleasure working with many of the shops and businesses on this because there is a real enthusiasm to showcase Wokingham town centre in a fun way. Of course, nobody is naïve enough to think that evenings of entertainment – no matter how well supported – will alone get us through the economic downturn. But being positive and focussing on the great things we can offer has got to be the right way ahead.”

Any Wokingham shop, businesses or resident wanting to be involved in the forthcoming Summer Season events can contact Wendy Crosson-Smith on (0118) 974 6261.

Wokingham Borough Council

A creative writing workshop at Wokingham Library will help budding Agatha Christies and Colin Dexters get into the mind of criminals in order to create credible villains this month.

The Wokingham workshop will be led by acclaimed thriller writer Margaret Murphy - whose work includes The Dispossessed and Now You See Me - and who is the founder of the Murder Squad group of crime writers.

Wokingham Borough Council reader development officer for adults Heather Dyson said: “Our writing workshops are always well-supported and thrillers are among the most popular books on our shelves – so this workshop promises to be a great success. Many people think about writing a novel and workshops such as this can fire their enthusiasm and, who knows, the next blockbuster author could get their inspiration at Wokingham Library.”

The Wokingham Creating Credible Villains workshop will focus on how to make your bad guys realistic and understandable and all those taking part will have the chance to try out different ways of introducing characters in their writing.

The workshop will run from 10am to 1pm on Saturday June 13 at Wokingham Library in Denmark Street.

Advanced tickets cost £5 and are available from the library 0118 978 1368.

Wokingham Borough Council

A creative writing group is being launched at Wokingham Library this month.

The Wokingham group will be an opportunity to share creative ideas and writings with other like-minded people and will meet from 10.30am to midday on the third Saturday in the month and the first meeting will be on Saturday June 20.

Wokingham Borough Council reader development officer for adults Heather Dyson said: “The group will be very informal and will be a chance to discuss ideas and share thoughts about your writing. We are looking to create a supportive atmosphere where people are confident to share their work and hopefully develop their writing.

“The group is for anybody interested in creative writing, whether they are halfway through a novel, an undiscovered poet or just keen to have a go.”

Romance author Julie Cohen will be the special guest at the first meeting. Julie was born in the USA but now lives in Berkshire and has had several romantic novels published including Honey Trap, One Night Stand and Driving Him Wild, which won the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romance Prize.

The group is free but places must be booked from Wokingham Library on 0118 978 1368.

Wokingham Borough Council

Winnersh Village Fete 2009
Saturday 20th June between 12:30 and 4:30pm
Bearwood Recreation Ground, Mole Road, Sindlesham, Wokingham, RG41 5DU
More info: 0118 978 0244

Traditional family fete with stalls, arena displays children’s competitions and other attractions.

The fete last June, the first for over 35 years, was a real success and was enjoyed by both participants and visitors alike.

Over 40 local organisations and groups from within the village will be running stalls and performing in the arena.

The fete raises money for local causes as well as providing a great opportunity for residents of Winnersh and Sindlesham to get together for a very enjoyable afternoon. So don’t miss out - join us on 20th June. Entry is free and so are many of the attractions.

John Southgate
Chairman, Winnersh Parish Council

More than 150 young trees across the Wokingham Borough will be given an additional helping hand to flourish from this month as June marks the start of a nurturing project to make saplings strong for the future.

The Wokingham Borough Council’s parks and open spaces team has joined up with the trees and landscape team to provide extra special care for the young trees over the summer months to make sure they survive the warmer weather and tend to any ailments caused by the winter and spring months.

Trees that have been planted in the Wokingham borough, whether at schools, parks or in neighbourhoods over the past three years will be included in this maintenance programme, undertaken by the Council’s tree contractor, Heartwood Tree Services. The seasonal post-planting maintenance work ensures that the growing trees are inspected, watered, weeded and any essential work like pruning is carried out.

Jon Matthews, team leader for Wokingham trees and landscape, said: “The Wokingham Borough is well known for having lots of trees and is a very green place to live, work and visit. However, in order for it to remain so leafy we need to make sure that all our young trees are well looked after to ensure they are healthy trees for the future.

“What we are starting this month is a programme of watering and weeding our saplings that have been planted in the past three years to help them grow. It takes a long time to cultivate strong trees but the result is a pleasant environment for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The project is linked to the national Tree Council initiative called Tree Care Campaign which encourages local authorities, organisations and residents to look after their young trees.

Jon added: “There are a few simple steps that residents can take to make sure their trees continue to be happy and healthy. Just making sure they are watered each week and are weeded could improve their health and longevity.”

With the warmer weather starting this month there are a host of ways Wokingham residents can help their trees flourish, including:
• Checking newly planted trees are still firm in the ground – adjust support stakes and ties if necessary
• Applying wood chip or bark mulch to the base of the tree to stop weeds and improve the soil
• Watering trees every week from June to September with 10-15 litres of clean water. If it’s a very hot day it may require additional water
• Pruning away dead and broken branches
• Weeding around the tree to stop weeds and grass reducing moisture getting to the roots.

Wokingham Borough Council

Young people across the Wokingham Borough will be hoping the hot weather lasts into next month for their Big Splash on the River Thames.

Wokingham Borough Council’s community wardens and youth service will be keeping a careful eye on the young people as they enjoy a day on the water and learn about water safety at Wokingham Waterside Centre on Sunday July 5.

This will be the fourth annual Wokingham Big Splash and each time the event gets bigger. This year, as well as races for youngsters in unsinkable katakanu boats, there will be a bungee run, face-painting, a barbecue and sports organised by the Council’s sports development team.

Circus Scene, which runs circus workshops, will be on hand to teach some tricks and representatives from the fire service and Just Around the Corner - a group that provides mobile youth activities in Woodley - will also be joining in the fun.

As well as the fun and games, staff from the Wokingham Waterside Centre will give water safety advice and instruction to the young people taking part.

After the races, there will be a free go on the katakanu boats for anybody who wants to join in.

Wokingham Borough Council

As part of its Putting People First programme to transform the way social care is provided, Wokingham Borough Council has set aside £15,000 for grants to support new local small businesses that provide care and support in the borough.

Putting People First aims to give Wokingham people who need social care more choice and control over the services they use through self directed support, which allows them to take control of their social care budgets, and, to achieve this, new, independent, services need to be developed to ensure there is a wide range of services available for people to choose from – and the grants will help with this.

The money will be available as one-off start up grants of up to £2,000 to help social care businesses that employ five or fewer people and provide social care to people in the Wokingham Borough.

Wokingham Borough Council’s commissioning and development manager James Burgess said: “Giving people more choice means we need to promote new services and we think this is a great way to do this.”

The council has also teamed up with national charity NAAPS, formerly the National Association of Adult Placement Schemes, which promotes and supports those delivering small, localised, individualised, community services. NAAPS will be able to provide expert advice and guidance to those businesses that successfully bid for grants.

The Wokingham project is being managed by Steve George, the council’s social enterprise development manager, who said: “This is a really good opportunity for the council to stimulate the local economy at the same time as helping vulnerable people in the borough choose from a wider range of services. We want people who have ideas for new services to come forward and we will see if we can help them get up and running.”

NAAPS’ head of projects Angela Catley said: “NAAPS supports providers of very small family and community based services. We have a feeling that self directed support has the potential to totally transform people’s lives for the better. However, we are concerned by the lack of support and services available nationally for people to buy once they have their own budget.

“Having control of the money is only half the answer; there must be a range of services available to purchase in all areas of the country that truly reflect the diversity of people’s lives, needs and aspirations. This initiative by Wokingham Borough Council to offer financial support to local entrepreneurs is a really positive way to begin to achieve this.”

The Wokingham council is holding an event on Thursday July 2 at the Marketing Suite, Winnersh Triangle, where people can find out more about the grants.

If you would like to attend or want more information contact James Burgess on 0118 974 6235 or email: james.burgess@wokingham.gov.uk or Steve George on 077 865 349 22 or email: steve.george@wokingham.gov.uk.

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Residents are being urged to find out all about an energy saving trial due to start in June, which will reduce the amount of harmful greenhouse gases pumped into the environment as well as saving taxpayers’ money.

Wokingham Borough Council is following in the footsteps of several other councils* across the country by trialling a part-night lighting scheme and is now urging all residents and visitors to find out the facts about the project by logging on to www.wokingham.gov.uk/part-night

The Wokingham council owns and maintains 16,000 street lights across the borough, but in a bid to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and save money (up to £18,000 per year per 1,000 street lamps) the council will be trialling a scheme where 1,000 of these lights are turned off when most people are not out and about.

Throughout the Wokingham trial the part-night lights will only be switched off from about midnight to 5.30am – they will work as normal outside these times, which is when most people are walking, driving or cycling around the borough.

All the lights selected for the trial have been carefully chosen according to an extensive list of exemption categories, which were consulted upon with parish and town councils. Thames Valley Police has also been consulted on the exemption categories and supports the criteria.

Wokingham Residents’ safety and wellbeing is important and so lights have only been selected for the trial if they are not covered by one or more of the exemption categories. The exemption categories are as follows:

• Lights at major junctions/ roundabouts
• In town centres where there is CCTV, high security businesses like banks, and/or lots of people at night, for example near nightclubs and train stations, outside community facilities like the British Legion or leisure centres
• Areas where street lights are needed to reduce road accidents
• Areas where there could be an increase in crime through reduced lighting, like pubs and specific residential areas
• Remote alleys linking residential streets
• Near traffic islands, pedestrian crossings, footbridges, subways or where the council has a specific duty of care
• In public car parks
• At bus stops
• At level crossings, speed humps, traffic lights
• Where there is sheltered housing for the elderly

The Wokingham locations have also been subject to an independent and police safety review. The sites will be regularly monitored by the council and Thames Valley Police throughout the trial.

Mark Moon, general manager Wokingham place and neighbourhood services, said: “The trial will not only save energy and therefore taxpayers’ money, it will also reduce carbon emissions, which are hazardous to the environment.

“All the 1,000 trial lights have been very carefully selected excluding the exemption categories. These categories have been set out so that lights, which are essential in maintaining the wellbeing and safety of residents and motorists and/or reducing crime are not affected. We don’t want to make people feel unsafe during this trial so I’d like to reassure residents that we will not be turning off any lights near pubs, bus stops, pedestrian crossings, elderly peoples’ homes, near nightclubs, in town centres, in subways or remote alleyways and at major roundabouts or road junctions or where lights are needed for road safety. We will be working closely with the police to monitor the trial as it progresses.

“The trial isn’t due to start until June 8 so in the interim I’d urge residents to log on to www.wokingham.gov.uk/part-night to find out all the facts.”

Chief Inspector Denise Blackburn, local police area commander for Wokingham, said: “Wokingham Borough Council is following in the footsteps of several other councils across the country by trialling a part-night lighting scheme in an effort to reduce energy and Thames Valley Police has been consulted widely on this particular proposal, therefore affording the opportunity to provide information and data relating to crime and disorder. From this exchange of information, only areas which are suitable for the trial will be affected by reduced lighting, and we will of course continue to monitor incidents in these areas at a time when the lighting is reduced to ascertain whether there is any increase in recorded crime incidents or fear of crime.”

Brightly coloured posters will be put up at the entrance and exit of streets where at least one street light is being used in the part-night trial. Individual stickers will be put on all affected street-lights prior to the trial starting.

Letters to residents living in streets affected by the trial will also be sent out before it starts so that they have the full facts and can get more information if necessary.

Wokingham Borough Council