Please see below details of a Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Watery Lane, Kintbury

Exact Location and extent of closure

Between the junctions with Burgess Lane and Holtwood Road

Date(s)

3rd July 2025

Times

08:00 to 17:00

Reason for closure

Permanent Carriageway Repairs

Works Promoter

West Berkshire Council

Contractor (if applicable)

Volker Highways

Contact number

01635 519080

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB144171840

Any other comments

 N/A

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area?  Visit one.network for more information.

Please see below details of an emergency Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Unnamed Road from Bath Road to Elcot, Kintbury

Exact Location and extent of closure

Approx 60MTRS North from The Barn

Date(s)

26th & 27th June 2025

Times

24hr

Reason for closure

Access to Overhead Network - cabling to restore customer service

Works Promoter

BT Openreach

Contractor (if applicable)

BT Openreach

Contact number

0330 123 4150

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Unknown

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Unknown

Link to one.network and diversion route

Causeway one.network

Any other comments

 N/A

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area?  Visit one.network for more information.

Changes to Garden Waste subscriptions

Changes to pricing aim to deliver services we’re proud of, and prioritising support for those who need it most 

We know how much residents value our garden waste collection service, and we’re committed to keeping it running efficiently for everyone. That’s why, for the 2025/26 subscription period, instead of a flat fee for the first bin, the charge will now be based on your property’s Council Tax band. 

·   Households in Bands A - C will pay less than last year 

·   Band D properties will see no change from last year 

·   Bands E - H will pay slightly more than last year 

Even at the highest rate, our fees remain very competitive compared to neighbouring councils. Around half of our current subscribers will see no change or even a decrease in their subscription fee, with around 40% of all households within the district seeing a reduction, further to the reduction made last year. 

See how much your garden waste subscription will cost:

Council Tax Band 

Charge  

A 

£40 

B 

£45 

C 

£50 

D 

£55 

E 

£60 

F 

£65 

G 

£70 

H 

£75 

The new subscription service year runs from Monday 25 August 2025 to Sunday 23 August 2026. For those that are already subscribed and pay by Direct Debit, we will soon be notifying you by email (please check your junk inbox) or letter, and your subscription will renew automatically. If you’re a new customer or ready to renew using a debit or credit card, you’ll be able to sign up online from late July at: www.westberks.gov.uk/gardenwaste.  

Last year, we removed the need for subscription bin stickers thanks to new in-cab technology that tells our crews which properties are subscribed, saving over 33,000 pieces of plastic and paper issued as well as saving money, resources, and reducing waste. Crews will continue to carry out spot checks and only collect garden waste from households who have a valid subscription.  

To assist our collection crew, please remember to: 

• Put your green bin out with the handles facing the road.

• Add your house number via a label, sticker, pen or paint, if you'd like to help identify your bin.

Last year, our crews collected 14,275 tonnes of garden waste – that’s the weight of 475 humpback whales! All of this was turned into high-quality soil conditioner at our Padworth facility, helping local landowners and landscapers be more green. 

Curious to see how we produce the soil conditioner? Watch our behind-the-scenes video: Your Garden Waste Collection Service (YouTube). 

Cllr Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for Environment and Highways at West Berkshire Council, said:

“Our garden waste service provides an easy and sustainable way for households to recycle their garden clippings, hedge trimmings and more.  

“Last year, over 33,200 households subscribed and this year, with changes that make pricing more accessible, we hope to welcome even more. The service doesn’t just make life easier; it helps us recycle more and care for our local environment.” 

To find out more, head to: www.westberks.gov.uk/gardenwaste. 

Please see below details of a Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name

Kintbury Road

Exact Location and extent of closure

Between its junction with Pebble Hill and its junction with Folly Road

Date

30th June 2025

Times

09:30 to 14:30

Reason for closure

Replace sewer cover in carriageway

Works Promoter

Thames Water

Contractor

Cappagh

Contact number

0208 947 4000 Option 3

Residential access available

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available

No

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB142970481

Any other comments

N/A

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

PARISH COUNCIL OF

KINTBURY

................................................................................................................................................

VACANCY FOR A

COUNCILLOR

1.     There is a vacancy on the above Council caused by the resignation of Councillor Chris Rimmer

................................................................................................................................................

2.     A by-election to fill the vacancy will be held if within 14 days (not counting a Saturday or Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday or a Bank Holiday) from the date below ten electors for the ward/parish give notice in writing claiming such an election to the Returning Officer.

3.                  The address of the Returning Officer is West Berkshire Council, Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD.

4.     If no such notice is given the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option.

Signed:            Dated:  6th June 2025

From West Berkshire Council 

We’re letting you know that we will soon be distributing new stickers for black bins across the district. These will clearly show what can be recycled at the kerbside, helping residents make the most of the services already available.

Thanks to the efforts of our residents and the successful introduction of food waste recycling in 2022, West Berkshire achieved a record household recycling rate of 53% in 2023/24 but we’re not stopping there. Our goal is to recycle even more and reduce the amount of waste produced by households in the district.

Recent waste analysis revealed that 42% of the contents in black bins could have been recycled through existing services like food waste and mixed recycling collections. Additionally, a recent survey found that only 49% of households are using the weekly food waste service, highlighting a significant opportunity to recycle more.

Improving recycling and reducing general waste helps to:

• Cut costs for the council and local taxpayers by reducing landfill charges and treatment costs

• Conserve resources by recovering more materials for reuse and recycling

• Protect the environment by sending less waste to landfill and energy-from-waste facilities

• Lower carbon emissions associated with waste disposal

Notably, West Berkshire ranks among the top 25 local authorities in England for the highest household waste per person, with 437 kg per person! This underscores the importance of our collective efforts to reduce waste and increase recycling.

The new stickers are part of our broader initiatives to make recycling more straightforward and to support residents ahead of the transition to three-weekly black bin collections. A copy of the sticker design is attached for your reference. We’d appreciate your assistance in sharing this information within your local community.

For more information about what can be recycled from the kerbside please visit: www.westberks.gov.uk/recyclingcollection

(WBC) Waste Management Team

road closure

Road name(s)

Irish Hill in the Parishes of Kintbury and Hamstead Marshall

Exact Location and extent of closure

Between the junctions of Holt Road and Old Lane.

Date(s)

23rd May 2025

Times

08:00 to 17:00

Reason for closure

Permanent Carriageway Repairs.

Works Promoter

West Berkshire Council

Contractor (if applicable)

Volker Highways

Contact number

01635 519080

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB143396260

Any other comments

 Short duration of works, the closure will not affect school pick times.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area?  Visit one.network for more information.

road closure at speen

Please see attached document addressing FAQ’s regarding the closure of the A4 Bath Road, Speen.

Work on site has begun today as planned. WBC's inspectors have been on site and advised that signage is present as per the Traffic Management plans, residents are getting access/egress and gatemen are present. They have requested additional ‘road not suitable for diverted traffic’ signs at the Station Road junction.

It has been reported that traffic flow is minimal meaning the VMS sigs that were installed advising of the upcoming closure have worked as intended.   

They will continue to monitor the closure and diversion route to ensure compliance.

FAQ's can be found here 

emergency road closure

Please see below details of an emergency Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name

Station Road, Kintbury.

Exact Location and extent of closure

Kintbury Level Crossing.

Dates

30th April – 2nd May 2025.

Times

22:00 – 05:30.

Reason for closure

Removal of level crossing surface and replacement to enable inspection of crossing previously lost.

Works Promoter

Network Rail.

Contractor

Western – West DU.

Contact number

077888721621.

Residential access available

Maintained if possible.

Blue light access available

Maintained if possible.

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB143230627

Any other comments

 N/A.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area?  Visit one.network for more information.

road closures

Please see below details of a Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

A4 Bath Road, Speen

Exact Location and extent of closure

From A34T and A4 East Roundabout to Station Road

Date(s)

28th April – 8th June 2025

Times

24hours

Reason for closure

Installation of utility services, tree works and S278 works to aid the David Wilson Homes housing development

Works Promoter

David Wilson Homes

Contractor (if applicable)

MV Kelly, Triconnex, Foxes Tree Services & Son Ltd, SGN, Thames Water, Chevron TM

Contact

07767440733

southern@newhomecare.co.uk.

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Wherever possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Yes

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB142344268

Any other comments

 • A full road closure is necessary due to the scale of the works and limited space for traffic to pass safely.
• Diversion routes will be in place to help manage traffic.
• A main northbound route (via the A34/A339) will be in use for most of the works.
• A temporary southbound diversion (via the A34/A343) will be active 16 - 19 May due to separate National Highways work.
• Access for emergency services will be maintained at all times.

• Residents affected by the closure will be contacted by David Wilson Homes directly

Attached documents show the two diversion routes that will be in use and over what periods

Please see below details of a Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Forbury Lane, Kintbury

Exact Location and extent of closure

Between the junctions of Blandys Lane and Unnamed Road from Holt Road to Tinkers Corner.

Date(s)

16th April 2025

Times

08:00 to 17:00

Reason for closure

Permanent Carriageway Repairs.

Works Promoter

West Berkshire Council

Contractor (if applicable)

Volker Highways

Contact number

01635 519080

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB142939676

Any other comments

 N/A

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Road name(s)

Pebble Hill, Kintbury

Exact Location and extent of closure

Between the junction of Rooksnest Lane and Heads Lane.

Date(s)

16th April 2025

Times

08:00 to 17:00

Reason for closure

Permanent Carriageway Repairs

Works Promoter

West Berkshire Council

Contractor (if applicable)

Volker Highways

Contact number

01635 519080

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB142940195

Any other comments

 N/A

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

road closure

Road name(s)

Hungerford Road, Hungerford/Kintbury

Exact Location and extent of closure

From its junction with Lower Denton and its junction with Hungerford Park.

Date(s)

14/04/2025

Times

08:00am – 18:00pm

Reason for closure

Replacing a Pole

Works Promoter

Circet on behalf of BT

Contractor (if applicable)

GM Networks

Contact number

08000859194

Residential access available

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available

Yes

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?GB142314007

Any other comments

 N/A

road closure

Please see below details of a Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Inkpen Road

Exact Location and extent of closure

Outside Midsummer House between its junction with Laylands Green and its junction with Station Road

Date(s)

7th to 9th April 2025

Times

08:00 to 17:00 each day

Reason for closure

Access required to chamber in carriageway

Works Promoter

Gigaclear

Contractor (if applicable)

Avonline Networks

Contact number

07710 098623

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Yes, where possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Yes

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB142299773

Any other comments

N/A

Kintbury Parish Council Vacancy

The Council is seeking a candidate to fill a vacancy by co-option.

Interested residents should

contact the Clerk in the first

instance for further details.

Closing date 31st March 2025

clerk@kintburyparishcouncil.org

07917485191

Please see below details of a Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Inkpen Road & Blandys Hill, Kintbury.

Exact Location and extent of closure

Between the junctions of Station Road and Forbury Lane.

Date(s)

27th March 2025

Times

09:30 to 15:30

Reason for closure

Permanent carriageway repairs.

Works Promoter

West Berkshire Council

Contractor (if applicable)

Volker Highways

Contact number

01635 519080

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB142671658

Any other comments

 N/A

Please find some updates from Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group below.

GWR WhatsApp

Due to staff shortages GWR's WhatsApp team currently has core hours of 0700-1900. Messages sent outside this time are not acknowledged. The team are migrating to a new system in the coming months which means they will have the ability to let customers know if the service is unavailable.

Thames Valley Meeting

On March 3rd Bill Wells and I attended GWR's online London Thames Valley & North Downs Local Transport Forum. Points to note that affect us:

·         There are ongoing discussions with unions regarding Sunday working. In the short term, there are some Sunday timetable reduction to help out. Nothing directly affecting us.

·         There are some improvements to the North Downs Line, improving the Reading to Gatwick service.

·         GWR continue to improve rail replacements. This is something we've pushed for. They appear to be rolling out our suggestions elsewhere e.g. signage, co-ordinators on the ground, tracking linked to CIS, better information to bus drivers (including route videos to accompany notes).

Meeting with MPs and GWR

On February 28th Bill Wells and I had a productive meeting with Tom Lydon (GWR's head of public affairs), Lee Dillon MP, Danny Kruger MP and members of their office staff. The main point of discussion was the return of IET trains to reinstate the direct off-peak Bedwyn to Paddington service.

Tom explained that the newly leased Class 175 trains are delayed in being put into service due to driver training and setting up maintenance depots. Once in service, these Class 175s will allow our three IETs, redeployed post-Covid, to be returned to Paddington. We raised the concern that GWR may use these IETs to bolster the fleet, instead of returning them to operating the direct Bedwyn to Paddington off-peak service. Tom confirmed that, although GWR's ambition is to return our direct services, this is a possibility. We therefore asked Lee and Danny to take this up with the DfT – who ultimately make the decision.

Tom also explained that alternative options, such as Network Rail's proposal to extend the Bedwyn service to Westbury (involving additional rolling stock), further electrification or battery-operated trains, are not short-term options. Tom acknowledged how our line is operated is not ideal but there isn’t the money to sort it out. At present GWR is constrained by tight governance from the DfT, all fare revenue goes directly to the treasury. It is also likely that GWR will be nationalised next year.

We also raised the issue that when the crossing at Kintbury fails passengers can be left stranded, unable to reach their cars. Tom explained that safety is always the main concern. As any solution would require a change to infrastructure, Lee Dillon agreed to take this up with Network Rail.

We also discussed our request to have Westbury to Reading (including Pewsey, Bedwyn, Hungerford, Kintbury and Newbury) included in the 'Minimum service levels for passenger rail' during strikes. Tom explained that the Labour government has repealed this legislation, therefore there is now no minimum service level during strike action.

Engineering Works

Wednesday 19th March to Thursday 20th March

From 2135 until 0200 the following morning - Services between Reading and Newbury/Bedwyn will be amended with buses replacing trains for all or part of the journey.

Thursday March 20th to Friday 21st March

The 0531 Bedwyn to London Paddington will not run. Customers should please use the next train

Saturday March 22nd

All day, due to engineering work taking place elsewhere on the network, most direct trains between London Paddington and Newbury will not run. Passengers should change trains at Reading.

Tuesday March 25th to Friday 28st March

Tuesday to Friday - The 0531 Bedwyn to London Paddington will not run. Passengers should use an alternative earlier or later service.

Saturday March 29th

All day, due to engineering work taking place elsewhere on the network, most direct trains between London Paddington and Newbury will not run. Passengers should change trains at Reading.

Saturday April 5th

Until approximately 0700 - Trains between Reading, Newbury and Bedwyn will be revised. Buses will replace trains for some journeys, running EARLIER than usual.

Sunday April 6th

The 2333 Newbury to Reading will be replaced by a bus.

Tuesday April 8th to Friday April 11th

The 0531 Bedwyn to London Paddington will not run. Passengers should travel on an alternative earlier or later service.

Monday 14th to Thursday 17th

From approximately 2145 until end of service - Buses will replace trains between Newbury and Bedwyn.

Friday 18th April

A number of trains servicing Bedwyn, Hungerford and Kintbury will not run on this day. Please check online.

Sunday 20th April

The 0806 Reading to Newbury will not run. The 0833 Reading to Bedwyn will call additionally at Reading West, Aldermaston and Midgham and run slightly later to Bedwyn.

Friday 25th April

A number of trains servicing Bedwyn, Hungerford and Kintbury will not run on this day. Please check online.

Monday 28th April to Thursday May 1st

From approximately 2130 until end of service - Trains between Reading, Newbury and Bedwyn will be revised. A few trains will run EARLIER than usual or will not run at all. Replacement buses will run between Reading, Newbury and Bedwyn.

Tuesday April 29th to Friday May 2nd

The 0531 Bedwyn to London Paddington will not run. Passengers should travel on an alternative earlier or later service.

Please see below details of a Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Templeton Road in the parish of Kintbury

Exact Location and extent of closure

Templeton Road, at the junction with High Street, outside Templeton House

Date(s)

1st – 2nd April 2025

Times

24hr

Reason for closure

To allow Gigaclear to undertake a new customer connection

Works Promoter

Gigaclear

Contractor (if applicable)

Avonline

Contact number

2382012670

Residential access available (Yes/No)

No, follow diversion route

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Yes

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tmi=GB36874858

Any other comments

Please see below details of a Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Pebble Hill, West Woodhay

Exact Location and extent of closure

Between the junctions of Heads Lane and Burgess HIll

Date(s)

19th March 2025

Times

08:00 to 17:00

Reason for closure

Permanent carriageway repairs

Works Promoter

West Berkshire Council

Contractor (if applicable)

Volker Highways

Contact number

01635 519080

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB142552485

Any other comments

 N/A

Please see below details of a Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Newbury Street, Kintbury

Exact Location and extent of closure

Between the junctions of Station Road and Burtons Hill.

Date(s)

20th March 2025

Times

09:30 to 15:30 Short duration within the hours.

Reason for closure

Lining works

Works Promoter

West Berkshire Council

Contractor (if applicable)

Volker Highways

Contact number

01635 519080

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB142579141

Any other comments

 N/A

Please see below details of an planned Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Craven Road, Inkpen

Exact Location and extent of closure

Between Weavers Lane and Sadlers Road

Date(s)

31st March – 2nd April 2025

Times

07:00 – 19:00

Reason for closure

Pre-surface Dressing

Works Promoter

West Berkshire Council

Contractor (if applicable)

Volker Highways

Contact number

01635 519080

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB142469331

Any other comments

 N/A

Please see below details of an planned Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Unnamed Road Spray Road to Upper Green, Lower Green, Inkpen

Exact Location and extent of closure

From the property known as 'Graftons' to the junction of Spray Road

Date(s)

28th March 2025

Times

07:00 – 19:00

Reason for closure

Pre-surface Dressing

Works Promoter

West Berkshire Council

Contractor (if applicable)

Volker Highways

Contact number

01635 519080

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB142289170

Any other comments

 N/A

Please see below details of a Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Inkpen Road in the Parish of Hungerford

Craven Road, Weavers Lane, Folly Road in the Parishes of Inkpen.

Kintbury Road in the Parish of Kintbury.

Exact Location and extent of closure

Between the junctions of Blandys Hill and Priory Road.

Date(s)

14th March 2025

Times

09:30 to 15:30

Reason for closure

Permanent carriageway repairs.

Works Promoter

West Berkshire Council

Contractor (if applicable)

Volker Highways

Contact number

01635 519080

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB142468179

Any other comments

This will be a rolling closure and will not affect school times.

Please see below details of a Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Lower Denford, Kintbury & Hungerford.

Exact Location and extent of closure

Between the junctions of Dark Lane and Radley Bottom.

Date(s)

14th March 2025

Times

08:00 to 17:00

Reason for closure

Permanent carriageway repairs.

Works Promoter

West Berkshire Council

Contractor (if applicable)

Volker Highways

Contact number

01635 519080

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB142388343

Any other comments

 N/A

Green giveaways for West Berkshire residents

Two fantastic environmental freebies for residents this March

Back by popular demand, residents of West Berkshire can take advantage of not one, but two give-aways - free compostable food waste caddy liners to make recycling even easier and free soil conditioner to give their garden a boost.  

Compostable food waste caddy liners

From 3 - 31 March 2025, you can collect a free roll of compostable food waste caddy liners (while stocks last) from:

• All West Berkshire Council Libraries

• West Berkshire Council Office (Market Street, Newbury)

• Tilehurst Parish Council

This offer is only open to West Berkshire residents, and we ask that you take one roll per household to give as many residents as possible the opportunity to collect a free roll. Proof of address or your library card is required.

If you’re not already a member of your local library why not sign up for a free membership at the same time as collecting your liners.

Soil conditioner giveaway

We’re teaming up with Veolia once again for a free soil conditioner giveaway! Head to Padworth Integrated Waste Management Facility (RG7 4JF) on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March, 10am - 4pm, to collect some nutrient-rich soil conditioner for your garden.

No need to book – just turn up! Simply bring proof of address (such as an ID card or a recent utility bill) to show you're a West Berkshire resident, and don’t forget to bring your own bags, boxes, or containers. The soil conditioner will be provided loose, so you’ll need something to carry it in. For safety reasons, all soil conditioner will need to be in containers/bags in vehicles. If you wish to visit the nearby household waste recycling centre you must still book an appointment.

This is a free event, and we expect it to be popular. There may be queues during busy times, so we appreciate your patience. We’ll be restocking throughout the day, so there’s no need to rush - there will be plenty to go around. To ensure as many residents as possible can benefit, please take a reasonable amount and be mindful of others to allow everyone a chance to enjoy this fantastic offer.

Restrictions will be in place for certain vehicles that will be able to access the site. No commercial vehicles will be allowed as this event is strictly for residents. Please check our Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) user guide (see page 12) for more details.

Safety first! You’re responsible for safely carrying and loading the soil conditioner into your vehicle. The event organisers cannot accept liability for any injuries or damage while loading materials.

The soil conditioner is produced at Padworth’s In-Vessel Composting Facility and is made from the food and garden waste that we collect from households within the district. Our most recent analysis shows that food waste still makes up around 20% of black bins. By recycling your food waste weekly it not only frees up space in your black bin but is much better for the environment.

Cllr Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for Environment and Highways at West Berkshire Council, said:

"We’re delighted to again offer these two fantastic giveaways throughout March.

“These events have been incredibly popular in the past, and we hope more residents take advantage of them this year. Whether you’re recycling food waste or enriching your garden, we’re here to support you so don’t miss out – make sure you mark these dates in your calendar and help spread the word."

Dave Matthews, General Manager at Veolia West Berkshire, said:

"Veolia is pleased to be partnering with West Berkshire Council for this sixth soil conditioner giveaway. This initiative is an excellent example of the circular economy in action with food and green waste from households being converted into soil conditioner for the community at our local In-Vessel Composting Facility in Padworth.

“The soil conditioner is peat-free, meaning peatlands that store carbon dioxide are not impacted as part of its production, which helps combat climate change and protect important environments. Residents can have a positive impact on local soil health and biodiversity by using this free soil conditioner in their gardens and allotments throughout West Berkshire.”

For more information about food waste collections, please visit: www.westberks.gov.uk/foodwaste.

upcoming Road Closure

Dear All,

Please see below details of a Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Newbury Street, Kintbury.

Exact Location and extent of closure

From its junction with Burtons Hill and its junction with Station Road.

Date(s)

10/03/2025 – 12/03/2025

Times

19:00-06:00

Reason for closure

Access required to chamber in carriageway.

Works Promoter

Avonline Network Services Ltd for Gigaclear.

Contractor (if applicable)

Avonline Network Services Direct Labour.

Contact number

02382 012670 

Residential access available

Yes

Blue light access available

Yes

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tmi=GB37281096

Any other comments

Access is available up to property 17 to Unnamed Road from Newbury Street to Kintbury Lodge.

The diversion route will be symbolised with Squares.

emergency road closure

Road name(s)

UNNAMED ROAD FROM TINKERS CORNER TO HAMSTEAD MARSHALL, KINTBURY

Exact Location and extent of closure

From the Junction with Old Lane to the junction with Forbury Lane

Date(s)

30/01/25 – 03/02/25

Times

24hr

Reason for closure

Visible Leak - SIGNIFICANT FLOW VISIBLE LEAK - MAIN BURST

Works Promoter

Thames Water

Contractor (if applicable)

R&M

Contact number

0800 316 9800

Residential access available

To be maintained wherever possible

Blue light access available

To be maintained wherever possible

Link to one.network

https://one.network/?tmi=GB36995963

Road Closures

Road name(s)

Lower Denford

Exact Location and extent of closure

Between its junction with Hungerford Road and its junction with A4 Bath Road

Date(s)

27th to 28th January 2025

Times

24 hours

Reason for closure

Fix damaged fence panel

Works Promoter

Thames Water

Contractor (if applicable)

Sapphire Utility Solutions

Contact number

0800 999 2266

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Yes, where possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Yes

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?tm=GB140957071

Any other comments

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Road name(s)

Unnamed Road from Inkpen Road to Barrymore Lodge, Kintbury.

Exact Location and extent of closure

Junction of Inkpen Road, outside Malford Lodge to Barrymore Lodge - No through Road

Date(s)

23/01/2025 – 27/01/2025

Times

08:30 – 17:00

Reason for closure

Boundary Box Repair – Significant visible leak

Works Promoter

Thames Water

Contractor (if applicable)

Clean R&M

Contact number

0800 316 9800

Residential access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

Maintained if possible

Link to one.network and diversion route

https://one.network/?GB141903756

Any other comments

PARISH COUNCIL OF

KINTBURY

................................................................................................................................................

VACANCY FOR A

COUNCILLOR

1.     There is a vacancy on the above Council caused by the resignation of Councillor

 Lizzie Parrott

................................................................................................................................................

2.      A by-election to fill the vacancy will be held if within 14 days (not counting a Saturday or Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday or a Bank Holiday) from the date below ten electors for the ward/parish give notice in writing claiming such an election to the Returning Officer.

3.             The address of the Returning Officer is West Berkshire Council, Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD.

4.       If no such notice is given the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option.

Signed:  A Boyce          Dated:  13th January 2025

Residents urged to share views on local policing budget by 3 January

Matthew Barber is asking residents to share their views on which areas they would like the policing element of council tax to be focused in the 2025/26 budget by completing his ongoing local crime survey.

The Police and Crime Commissioner is due to set the 2025/26 policing budget by the end of January 2025.

The allocation of central government funding for police forces is expected to be received in December. Alongside this, the funding settlement allows Police and Crime Commissioners to increase council tax in order to make additional investments in local policing. Last year, increases of up to £13 (for a Band D property) were permitted.

Matthew Barber said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my responsibility to ensure that Thames Valley Police has sufficient resources to effectively prevent and investigate crime, support victims and protect communities.

“Setting the policing budget remains a complex process of balancing priorities and I am acutely aware of financial pressures households are under. This year, I will be setting the budget, including determining the policing element of council tax, following central Government funding decisions that are set to affect employers up and down the country.

“I have already written to Government about reviewing the police funding formula. As a result of Government changes to the rate and threshold of Employers National Insurance Contributions and the police officer pay rise over the summer, tax payers will already see an additional financial pressure of £3.6m due to a shortfall in funding.

“This is before the usual pressures of inflation, the need to invest in new technology and respond to changes in crime trends.

“Regardless, residents rightly expect an exceptional service from their police force and I want to develop greater capacity and capability to further cut crime. I want to ensure that the policing budget can support this, deliver value for money and address the concerns and priorities of our communities.

“By sharing your views, you will help shape important decisions about police funding and how Thames Valley Police can continue to work to keep our communities safe.”

For the last financial year, the increase in council tax of 25p per week has helped to deliver the following:

• Recruited an additional 150 police officers across the force, including neighbourhood and Rural Crime Taskforce officers

• Implemented a Thames Valley-wide programme to help tackle knife crime

• Continued investment in the forensic improvement programme

• Investment to help tackle retail crime through the PCC’s Retail Crime Strategy

• Continued investment in a Thames Valley-wide CCTV partnership

• Road safety initiatives across Thames Valley, including the recent launch of the Road Safety Strategy

• Prevention of reoffending through the Restart programme

Alongside the ongoing local crime survey, residents of Thames Valley are able to attend regular public meetings where the policing budget is discussed and reviewed. Further details on these meetings (including meeting notes) can be found on the PCC website.

The survey can be completed at https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90503915/OPCC-public-consultation or by visiting the PCC website.

If you would like to share your views on the policing budget for 2025/26, please complete the survey by 12pm (noon) on Friday 3rd January 2025.

Complete the policing budget surv

rail update

A quick reminder of the changes to rail services on 27-29 December (following the usual Christmas closedown on 25 & 26 December) due to HS2 work on the new station at Old Oak Common just outside Paddington. At the same time, Network Rail will also be carrying out track maintenance designed to improve punctuality and reliability of services in the Thames Valley area.

Full details are on our dedicated page www.gwr.com/christmas and while London Paddington will be closed, South Wales and South West customers will be able to make direct London journeys via our Euston diversions; we also have other alternative routes available including from Ealing Broadway and Reading. 

We also wanted to remind you of works taking place at Westbury station from Friday 27 December until Thursday 23 January. This will affect all train services via Westbury, with repairs to a viaduct also affecting services between Warminster and Salisbury. More information is available on our dedicated webpages at www.gwr.com/wessex and www.networkrail.co.uk/westbury. 

Any help you can give in spreading the message would be greatly appreciated, and if there’s anything else you need at all please do get in touch.

May we also take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Forthcoming Rail Disruption & Engineering Works

All Sundays

GWR train crew are not contracted to work on Sundays. Instead, Sunday is a voluntary overtime day. Recently GWR have been struggling to fully staff the Sunday timetable. Therefore, always check before you travel.

Sunday 1st December

0806 Reading to Newbury will not run. A replacement bus will run from Reading at 0755 calling all stations to Newbury except for Newbury Racecourse. The 0834 Reading to Bedwyn will start from Newbury. Customers should travel on the 0755 Reading to Newbury bus to connect. 0751 (departing 0747 London Paddington to Penzance will not call at Newbury or Pewsey. The 0851 (departing 0845) London Paddington to Penzance will call additionally at Newbury and Pewsey.

Tuesday 3rd to Friday 6th of December - 0532 Bedwyn to London Paddington will start from Newbury at 0550. Customers travelling from Bedwyn, Hungerford or Kintbury should travel on the next train service.

Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th December

There will be a full line closure between Newbury and Bedwyn. Bus replacements will operate. Please see the journey planners. Please also note, that Newbury station's car park will fill quickly on these days.

GWR has agreed that monthly or longer season ticket holders can use Swindon or Didcot. South West Trains have agreed to accept tickets from/to stations Basingstoke – Grateley, via Woking to London, or via Basingstoke towards Paddington. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay for your parking. Overton and Whitchurch have limited parking. Refunds can be claimed on season tickets for anyone not travelling subject to the usual terms and conditions (and where applicable, admin fees). Refunds are not available by way of compensation during these works, as GWR put mitigations in place (ticket acceptance from other stations, replacement buses etc).

A tip from another passenger is to use the Sainsbury's car park at Newbury. A day pass can be purchased at https://www.justpark.com/uk/parking/newbury/s/hectors-way-newbury-rg14-5ab/

25th and 26th December

The entire GWR network will be closed.

27th to 29th December

All lines between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington will be closed. If you wish to travel to Paddington, catch an Elizabeth Line service at Reading then change onto the Underground at Ealing Broadway.

January 2025

Due to extensive work at Westbury station, all train services running via Westbury will be affected from Friday 27 December to Thursday 23 January 2025. GWR’s long-distance services between London Paddington/Reading and the West of England will call at Frome instead of Westbury. So, if you are heading west during this period, check your trains.

Station Usage Figures

Bill Wells has examined the recently released station usage figures for April 2023 to March 2024. The following table shows pre and post-pandemic figures:

              2018/2019   2019/2020   2023/2024

Pewsey        221,712     269,352     187,072

Bedwyn        109,320 129,886 93,570

Hungerford    321,464     359,776     288,322

Kintbury      82,290      95,850      70,722

Newbury       1,665,096   1,819,730   1,380,182

These figures show that the rail industry is still suffering post-pandemic. However, the year-on-year change between 2022/23 and 2023/24 is more positive:

Pewsey        3.30%

Bedwyn        14.80%

Hungerford    25.5%

Kintbury      8.50%

Newbury       14.30%

This will help the case to re-establish our off-peak direct services to Paddington.

Tips

We always welcome tips you pick up. Here are two recent ones we have received:

Seat Reservation Guarantee Claim

If you cannot occupy your reserved seat you may be able to claim up to a 50% refund. Please see:

https://www.railhelp.co.uk/gwr/make-a-complaint/on-train/seating-capacity

Advanced Tickets for Regular Commuting

If you travel regularly (e.g., for work) and know up to three months in advance the services you will use, then look at the advanced purchase options. A single peak ticket, from Bedwyn to Paddington, can be purchased for as little as £17.50. However, you do need to plan ahead. The closer you book to the date of travel, the higher the price will be.

Best wishes

Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group

Please see below details of an emergency Road Closure on the West Berkshire Highway Network –

Road name(s)

Watery Lane in the parishes of Kintbury, Hamstead Marshall and West Woodhey

Exact Location and extent of closure

From Holtwood Road to Unnamed Road from Watery Lane to County Boundary

Date(s)

From 24th November 2024 until the road is safe to re-open

Times

24hr

Reason for closure

Fallen trees in the carriageway that pose a risk to road users

Works Promoter

West Berkshire Council

Contractor (if applicable)

Volker Highways

Contact number

01635 519080

Residential access available (Yes/No)

No, please find alternative route

Blue light access available (Yes/No)

No, please find alternative route

Link to one.network

https://one.network/?tm=GB141240557

Any other comments

We will provide an update once we are informed that the road has reopened. Works are planned for the trees to be removed.

Road users should take care and find a suitable diversion route, bearing in mind that other local roads may also be subject to flooding.

Storm Bert rail disruption

You will have seen that rail services across the GWR network are severely affected by the impacts of Storm Bert. We’re very sorry for the inconvenience and disruption to journeys.

As of this morning multiple lines are still closed due to flooding, fallen trees and other blockages, so our advice to customers is do not travel, with disruption expected to last until at least the end of today (Monday 25 Nov).

Network Rail and GWR teams are working hard across the network to inspect lines as the morning light improves, and will look to reopen lines as quickly as possible. Customers with tickets for yesterday (Sun 24) and today (Mon 25) will be able to use them on Tues 26 and Weds 27 at no extra charge, including on peak-time services, or claim a full refund.

The latest travel information is available at www.gwr.com/check and you can also find updates on our social media channels at www.x.com/gwrhelp and www.x.com/networkrailwest. we will provide further updates as our teams’ work to reopen the railway continues.

Forthcoming Engineering Works

Monday 11th to Thursday 14th November

There will be a full line closure between Theale and Bedwyn. Bus replacements will operate. Please see the journey planners. GWR, at our request, has timetabled some of the bus replacements to not call at Newbury Racecourse, Midgham and Aldermaston. This is to speed up the journey. GWR has agreed that monthly or longer season ticket holders can use Swindon or Didcot. At our request South West Trains have agreed to accept tickets from/to stations Basingstoke – Grateley, via Woking to London, or via Basingstoke towards Paddington. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay for your parking. Overton and Whitchurch have limited parking. Refunds can be claimed on season tickets for anyone not travelling subject to the usual terms and conditions (and where applicable, admin fees). Refunds are not available by way of compensation during these works, as GWR put mitigations in place (ticket acceptance from other stations, replacement buses etc). The 0725 bus from Bedwyn (0740 Hungerford) and the 0735 bus from Kintbury are the first off-Peak services during the work.

Friday 15th November

The 0532 Bedwyn (0538 Hungerford and 0543 Kintbury) to London Paddington will not run.

Saturday 16th November

Train services to and from London Paddington will run to an amended timetable. Some trains will not run and some services will not run for all of their normal journey. Many services will also depart earlier than usual. Please check your train times before you travel if your train is due to run to/from London Paddington.

Sunday 17th November

All lines between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington will be closed. If you wish to travel to Paddington, catch an Elizabeth Line service at Reading then change onto the Underground at Ealing Broadway.

Tuesday 19th to Thursday 21st November

The 0532 Bedwyn (0538 Hungerford and 0543 Kintbury) to London Paddington will not run.

Saturday 23rd November

0508 Reading to Bedwyn will be replaced with an earlier bus from Reading as far as Newbury. 0539 Reading to Bedwyn will depart at 0555 and will run non-stop to Newbury then Kintbury, Hungerford and Bedwyn. For stations between Reading and Newbury please use alternative services. 0608 Bedwyn to Reading will start from Newbury. A bus will run from Bedwyn at 0530 to connect with the train at Newbury. 0635 Bedwyn to Newbury and 0658 Newbury to London Paddington will depart slightly later than usual train times.

Sunday 24th November

The 2323 Newbury to Reading will be replaced with a bus service

Travelling off-peak after 0830

On weekdays, The 0846 from Bedwyn is the first off-peak. However, the ticket machine at Bedwyn isn’t selling off-peak tickets prior to 0846. We’ve reported this to GWR.

Using WhatsApp to Get a Connection Held at Newbury

In our newsletter of October 14th we reported that a passenger used WhatsApp to ask for a connection hold at Newbury. The WhatsApp team contacted GWR Control and got the connection held. GWR's WhatsApp number is: 07890 608043. Thanks to those of you who have reported similar success. So keep using it! The WhatsApp team is open until 2300 each evening.

Getting around the Evening off-peak from June

We’ve described this tip in previous newsletter. However, as it is proving so useful, and people continuously join our email list, we’ll describe it again.

To recap, the weekday evening peak, for trains departing Paddington, is from 1600 to 1900. This does not apply between Reading and Bedwyn, nor does it apply on the Elizabeth Line between Paddington and Reading. Therefore, if you are returning with an off-peak ticket between 1600 and 1900 there are options, it'll just be a longer journey. Here are some updated examples:

1.       Catch the 1548 Swansea train from Paddington, arriving Reading at 1613. You can then catch the 1636 Reading to Newbury, arriving 1700. You can then catch the 1724 for Bedwyn, arriving 1744.

2.       Catch the 1648 Elizabeth Line train from Paddington, arriving Reading at 1741. You can then catch the 1803 Reading to Newbury, arriving 1817. You can then catch the 1822 for Bedwyn, arriving 1842.

3.       Catch the 1720 Elizabeth Line train from Paddington, arriving Reading at 1812. You can then catch the 1837 Reading to Bedwyn, arriving 1914.

4.       Catch the 1750 Elizabeth Line train from Paddington, arriving Reading at 1842. You can then catch the 1901 Reading to Bedwyn, arriving 1930.

Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group

latest news from bedwyn trains passenger group

Meeting with Danny Kruger MP

Bill and I met with Danny Kruger MP today to discuss the reinstatement of our direct Paddington trains. There is an industry-wide rumour that GWR is getting additional stock, suitable for the Cardiff to Penzance route. This may free up the three IETs taken away from us in May 2022 (causing us to end up on a shuttle service to Newbury). We have asked Danny to write to GWR and the DfT reminding them of our expectations.

Forthcoming Engineering Works

Monday, October 28th to Thursday 31st October

The 2157 and 2247 Newbury to Bedwyn will be replaced with a bus service. The 2230 London Paddington (Wednesday starting Reading) to Bedwyn will end its journey at Newbury. A replacement bus will run from Newbury to Bedwyn. The 2225 Bedwyn to Newbury will be replaced with a bus departing earlier from Bedwyn. The 2317 Bedwyn to Reading will start from Newbury with an earlier bus connection from Bedwyn. An additional 2338 Bedwyn to Reading replacement bus will also run. The 0532 Bedwyn to London Paddington will not run on Tuesday to Friday.

November and December

Our last newsletter (October 14th) listed the engineering works in November and December.

January 2025

Due to extensive work at Westbury station, all train services running via Westbury will be affected from Friday 27 December to Thursday 23 January 2025. GWR’s long-distance services between London Paddington/Reading and the West of England will call at Frome instead of Westbury. So, if you are heading west during this period, check your trains.

road closure

Kintbury Road, Folly Road & Weavers Lane

Between the junctions of Pebble Hill and Unnamed Road from Bell lane to Lower Green.

Date(s) 29th October 2024

Times 08:00 to 17:00

Reason for closure

Drainage cleansing and ditch clearance

Details can also be found on Causeway one.network 

Latest bulletin of volunteering opportunities from the Volunteer Centre Can be found here 

miss lawrence field

We have received some enquiries regarding when Miss Lawrence field will be cut this year. I can confirm the work will be carried out over the next few of weeks. If you have any queries, please do contact the clerk on clerk@kintburyparishcouncil.org

A new vision for Waste and Resource Management in West Berkshire

Subject to approval by the Council's Executive, West Berkshire Council will soon be looking to launch a public consultation on our new draft Waste Management Strategy. We want to hear from residents about our plans to reduce general waste, increase recycling, improve our kerbside recycling offering, improve our streets, and lead the way in sustainable practices across the district.

We've made great strides in boosting recycling across West Berkshire. Our weekly food waste collection has already saved over 7,600 tonnes from landfill, which in turn has created soil conditioner right here in West Berkshire used by local landowners, landscapers and available for residents to collect during our biannual Soil Conditioner giveaways. We’re also improving our separate weekly food waste collections for flats by trialling new containers to make it easier and more appealing, which we hope will increase participation.

We have introduced new services such as: battery collection at your doorstep, coffee pod and vape recycling at our Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), plus more collection points for small electrical items, cartons, and plastic pots, tubs and trays. These new services have helped increase our recycling rate from 49% to 54% in the last year.

However, 22% of black bin waste is still food, with another 25% made up of materials that could be recycled through kerbside collection services. This shows there’s still room for West Berkshire to recycle even more, reducing the amount of waste put out for collection in the black bin.

Our vision is for a greener future and here’s what we are striving for in our draft Waste Management Strategy:

• Increase recycling rates to 60% by 2030.

• Cut residual waste to 120kg per person per year by 2042.

• Help West Berkshire achieve Net Zero by 2030.

• Keep West Berkshire a great place to live and work.

• Lead the way and set an example for residents and businesses.

The consultation will focus on key themes like:

• Reducing waste and boosting recycling.

• Improving the appearance of our streets.

• Leading the way in sustainable waste practices.

We’re exploring several options to improve waste management, increase recycling rates, and reduce our carbon footprint, through the draft Waste Management Strategy, with some of the actions under review including:

• Changing waste collection frequency.

• Reviewing household waste containers.

• Expanding the range of items we recycle.

• Boosting education on waste management, especially in schools.

• Stepping up efforts to tackle littering and fly-tipping.

Cllr Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for Environment and Highways at West Berkshire Council, said: “Our draft Waste Management Strategy is a crucial part of our efforts to reduce waste and increase recycling across West Berkshire, and continue our route, as a council, to net zero. We’ve made incredible progress so far, but with your input, we can do even better and go further.

“Your feedback will help shape a sustainable future for West Berkshire, ensuring it remains a greener and cleaner place to live, learn, work and play for generations to come. So please get involved and have your say when the consultation goes live soon.”

Subject to approval by the Council's Executive, our aim is to open the consultation in late September and let it run for 6 weeks. You will be able to share your views online or request a paper copy. Stay tuned for more information and be ready to share your views.

network rail improvements

Network Rail will be carrying out improvement work on the line between Newbury and Westbury, with further works to follow later in the year. This is to replace life-expired track as well as flood alleviation work at Newbury, ensuring the railway remains safe and reliable for use.

From Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 September, the line between Newbury and Westbury will be closed. Trains will still run between London Paddington/Reading and Newbury, with replacement buses operating between Newbury and Bedwyn, and between Pewsey and Swindon.

Our long distance services between London Paddington and Devon & Cornwall will be using an alternative route via Swindon on these dates, with longer journey times as a result. There will also be a reduced train service on the TransWilts line between Westbury and Swindon, with replacement buses also running between Westbury and Chippenham.

Further work will also be taking place between Theale and Westbury from Monday 11 to Thursday 14 November, as well as between Newbury and Westbury from Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 December. We’ll be in touch with further details on these works closer to the time.

Online journey planners have been updated, and we’re also making customers aware through social and traditional media (including our media release here: https://news.gwr.com/news/rail-journeys-to-be-affected-by-engineering-works-in-the-newbury-area) and through on board and station announcements, and station posters. More information is also available at www.gwr.com/upgrade.

This weeks penny post news article

• Guerrilla development again

On several occasions over the last few months (in particular on 27 June, 8 August and 15 August – see below and/or the archive sections) we’ve written about some unauthorised development that’s taken place near Kintbury station.

I described it as a land grab because that’s in many ways what it has turned out to be. The site is owned by Network Rail which had rejected proposals from Kintbury Parish Council (KPC) to sell it so the station car park could be extended. Fast forward to 2024 and someone moved in and started work without permission. Network Rail, perhaps deciding that evicting them will be too much hassle, indicated that it’s happy to consider selling it. For a. number of reasons, KPC is not very happy about all this.

The problem continues. Although there’s no confirmation that the land has been sold (something KPC would like to have an option for) or permission granted, It seems that work is continuing. It recently sent the following email to Network Rail and awaits a response.

“KPC is disturbed to note that work seems to be still going on at this site. Over the last couple of weeks a stack of pallets has been located there and works vehicles, belonging to the individual who tried to claim the land, are regularly being parked there. We also believe more trees and shrubs have been cut adjacent to the river bank.

“We, as a PC, are concerned that this is being allowed to continue. We’d be obliged if you would answer these questions below so we can update parishioners on this matter please:

• Can Network Rail advise us if they have given permission for the individual to carry out further work, store pallets and park a works van on the site?

• Why is the individual being given free rein of the land when they have told enforcement at West Berkshire Council by email that, if they were told it was owned by Network Rail, then they would leave the land?

• We understand that Network Rail has told the individual it is not part of their operational network and therefore allowing them to occupy it, and yet claiming they have Permitted Development rights which allow the new access point/gate/cutting down trees. We understand PD rights exist only on your operational infrastructure so why are you allowing this?

• We understand that Network Rail is liable for compensating for the impact of this work in terms of Biodiversity Net Gain given the removal of trees and habitats. Are you aware of this cost to you?

• Given KPC and GWR approached Network Rail back in 2019 about purchasing the land for car park expansion, why is our interest on behalf of the community being ignored by Network Rail?

• We would like to request that Network Rail install a lock on the gate, after the individual has removed all of their belongings, to bring the site back into their own control until the matter is resolved fairly. This would mitigate against any further environmentally damaging work, unauthorised parking and the use of the site to store unwanted items.”

If – or rather, when – there are further developments, we’ll let you know.

• Elcot’s padel

Until yesterday, I didn’t know what a padel court was and I’m still not sure how to pronounce it – does it rhyme with “addle” or “bell”? Further research reveals it to be kind of tennis. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about it.

However you say it and whatever it is, Elcot Park is thinking of installing two padel courts and a “sports canopy”. You can see the details of the application and comment on them by clicking here and entering the reference 24/01147/FUL.

At its meeting on 5 September, Kintbury Parish Council (KPC) objected unanimously to the proposal for the following reasons:

• The short distance to the adjacent residential properties.

• The building will be situated in a Georgian walled garden

• Trees would need to be destroyed to accommodate it.

• The effect it will have on the wildlife could be damaging.

• The building is approximately 22.5 metres by 25 metres and the canopy is 8 metres high. The walled garden is approximately 50 metres, the structure would cover over half the width of the existing garden.

• The light pollution and the noise disturbance to the local residents – this would be running for a number of hours a day, seven days a week.

• There would be an increase in traffic.

• It is totally unfair to the neighbours.

Bear in mind that KPC is only a consultee in the process and it’s the planning authority (WBC) that will make the decision. This will either be by officers; or (if the officers are minded to approve it but there are two or more objections or if the ward member decided to call it in) by planning committee. Comments can be made on the above web portal until the matter has been determined even if (as often happens at present) the determination deadline is passed with no decision. However, if you have a view for or against the proposal, it would be as well to get this made as soon as possible. Like the parish council, residents are (if they wish to be) consultees in the planning system as well.

The Parish Council would like to thank Pennypost for covering the story about the land on Station Road, for raising many pertinent questions and continually following up on the situation. Please see below the last report dated 15th August 24.

• Land ahoy

Last week, we returned to the odd story of a plot of land near Kintbury station. This was recently developed by someone without permission, so attracting the attention of Kintbury Parish Council (KPC), West Berkshire Council’s planning enforcement team and eventually the owners, Network Rail (NR). A few weeks later it then seemed that rather than asserting its rights, as some might expect, NR is proposing to sell the land to the developer.

I contacted NR about this. A spokesperson from its press office got back to me immediately and courteously (not always the case when dealing with large organisations). A day or so later, I received the following statement:

“The sale of railway land is treated on a case-by-case basis, looking at whether it represents the best value for the taxpayer and how it would impact the safe running of the railway.

“While NR has not definitively reached a decision on whether to sell the parcel of land in question, we are currently looking at the best options to resolve the issue, including whether a sale is appropriate. The approval process for a sale involves multiple teams within NR and the wider rail industry, who will make an assessment on whether or not to sell the land. This process is the same for every disposal of land. We are in contact with KPC on this matter and will continue to keep them updated.

“The land does not provide access to the railway and therefore any sale would not pose an operational risk to the safe running of trains.”

(Having spoken to KPC on 15 August I can confirm that the two organisations are indeed in communication on this matter.)

This statement addresses some of the issues but not all. I understand that the land has been owned by NR or its predecessors since the line was built in 1840s and so must at some time have had a purpose. The statement suggests that it doesn’t have one now though I’m told that an offer to buy it about five years ago was rebuffed for just this reason of operational necessity. What’s changed?

There’s also the question of “best value for the taxpayer”. If NR has such unwanted plots on its books then selling them makes sense. “Best value” can, however, only be obtained by having multiple bidders for an unencumbered asset. If you were buying a car, you’d not want to pay top dollar if the owner told you that it had recently been stolen and that your first job would be to recover it. Such a situation puts the thief in a strong position. If a sale does take place here, the “developer” will probably have got it for less than would have been the case on the open market and with the owner not being in a sense forced to sell. The gamble seems to have paid off.

That said, I agree that, given where we are now, selling the land probably provides the best (or, perhaps, least bad) outcome for the taxpayer. What the statement doesn’t say, though the inference seems obvious, is that the costs of an eviction need to be taken into account as well. Possession is, as the saying goes, nine-tenths of the law.

I don’t know how many times NR has had to deal with such cases and how many it’s chosen to fight, but to avoid a repeat it might want to consider offering the land it doesn’t want for open-market sale. The clear message would then be that the rest of its plots are needed and that guerrilla developers move in on them at their peril.

Vacancy Notice 

Kintbury Parish Council Vacancy

The Council is seeking a candidate to fill a vacancy by co-option.

Interested residents should

contact the Clerk in the first

instance for further details.

Closing date 30th September 2024

clerk@kintburyparishcouncil.org

07917485191

Emergency road closure

Rooksnest Lane in the Parish of Kintbury is currently closed and will reopen 2nd September 2024, the closure is between the junctions with Heads Lane and Pebble Hill.  This emergency road closure is to enable Thames Water to repair a leak.

A plan of the closure can be found at: https://one.network/?tm=GB140097533

road closure

High Street in the Parish of Kintbury will be closed from 30th July to 1st September 2024, the closure will be between its junction with Inkpen Road and its junction with Hungerford Road.

The purpose of this closure is to enable Gigaclear to install fibre cables.

Residential and business access will be maintained throughout, and the diversion will be signed on site.

Please note blue light access will not be permitted.

All enquiries should be directed to MKJ Group Ltd on 01488 73393.

A plan of the closure can be found at https://one.network/?tm=GB138530015.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

road closure

Station Road in the Parish of Kintbury will be closed on 11th & 12th July 2024, between the hours of 08:00 – 17:00, the closure is between the junctions of A4 Bath Road and High Street.  This closure is to enable Volker Highways to carry out drainage works on behalf of West Berkshire Council.

A plan of the closure and diversion can be found at: (click on link): https://one.network/?tm=GB139397539

All enquiries please contact West Berkshire Council on 01635 519080.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

UPDATE

KPC has been in ongoing discussions with WBC enforcement regarding this land. It transpires that Network Rail do indeed own the land, as we advised the individual last March, and we understand Network Rail are taking steps to confirm this. What action they take remains to be seen but KPC is keen that the land is restored to how it was before this act of environmental vandalism took place. What steps will be taken by the relevant authorities regarding the unauthorised tree and hedge felling in bird nesting season remains to be seen.

Work on Station Road just beyond the Network Rail Car Park.

The Parish Council are aware that work has been carried out on a piece of land just beyond the white 5 bar gate, which is at the entrance to the village, and next to the Network Rail car park on Station Road. 

We had not been made aware of any planning application being submitted to WBC regarding development of this land, or any subsequent approval, and therefore were as surprised, as we know many of you were, to see this work progressing. We contacted the appropriate Authorities. As the PC does not own this land, such as our District Councillors; WBC and the Environmental Office of WBC, along with Network Rail, who we understand does own the land.

It has now come to light that a parishioner, who lives near to the site, wanted somewhere to park his car and tractor and believes that this land is not owned by anyone and so he has the right to occupy and use it. He has informed us that he did submit a planning application but when following this up some time later was told by WBC that they did not have a planning application to review and he would have to submit/resubmit one. He has informed us he has done so.

However, without waiting for a response from WBC planning which would have included the thoughts of the PC, the gentleman has gone ahead and brought equipment in and levelled a section of the land which has included cutting back trees and removing hedgerow and other bushes and then laying a hard surface. All of which we believe to be totally inappropriate and possibly illegal. This is especially so as we understand that this land is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and therefore protected from any sort of development.

We will continue to speak with Network Rail and WBC, hopefully, to reach a satisfactory conclusion and we will also, via this site, keep you informed of developments as they occur. 

road closure

Pebble Hill in the Parish of Kintbury will be closed on 3rd July 2024, between the hours of 08:00 – 17:00, the closure is between its junction with Kintbury Road and Rooksnest Lane.  This closure is to enable Volker Highways to carry out permanent carriageway repairs on behalf of West Berkshire Council.

The diversion will be signed on site, access will be given to residents.

All enquiries please contact our Highways Maintenance Team at West Berkshire Council on 01635 519080

A plan of the closure and diversion can be found at: https://one.network/?tm=GB139337613

emergency road closure

Newbury Street in the Parish of Kintbury is currently closed and will reopen on 26th June 2024. The closure is from the junctions with Station Road and Unnamed Road from Tinkers Corners to Hampstead Marshall.   This closure is to repair a leak.  

As this is an emergency the diversion route is not known, the diversion will be signed on site.

This closure is to enable Thames Water to repair a leak.

Residential access will be maintained throughout

Please note blue light access is not known at this time.

All enquiries should be directed to Thames Water on 0800 316 9800.

A plan of the closure can be found at:   https://one.network/?tm=GB139302387

Road closure

Station Road in Kintbury will be closed weekdays only from 15th to 29th July 2024, the road will be open to all traffic at weekends.  The closure will be between its junction with Mill Bank and its junction with Inkpen Road.

The purpose of this closure is to enable Gigaclear to install fibre cables.

Residential access will be maintained throughout, and the diversion will be signed on site.

Please note blue light access will be permitted.

All enquiries should be directed to MKJ Group Ltd on 01488 73393.

A plan of the closure can be found at https://one.network/?tm=GB138634780. 

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area?  Visit one.network for more information.

Please note that the District Councillors have asked for a meeting regarding this closure, due to concerns. 

emergency road closure

Station Road in the Parish of Kintbury is currently closed and will reopen on 22nd May 2024.  The closure is between its junction with A4 Bath Road and Newbury Street.

This emergency road closure is to enable Thames Water to repair their network.

Residential access will be maintained throughout, and the diversion route will be signed on site.

Please note blue light access is not known at this time.

All enquiries should be directed to Thames Water on 0800 316 9800.

A plan of the closure can be found at https://one.network/?tm=GB138827287

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area?  Visit one.network for more information.

road closure

Blandy Hill in the Parish of Kintbury will be closed on 18th May 2024, between the hours of 08:00 and 17:00hrs. The closure is between the junctions of Forbury Lane and Inkpen Road.  

This closure is to enable Volkers Highway carry out urgent permanent carriageway repairs.

The diversion will be signed on site.

We apologise for the short notice.

A plan of the closure can be found at: https://one.network/?tm=GB138755229

All enquiries please contact the Highways Maintenance Team at West Berkshire Council on 01635 519080.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

road closure

Burtons Hill in the Parish of Kintbury will be closed on 16th May 2024, between the hours of 08:00 – 17:00, from the junction of Newbury Street to the junction of Gainsborough Avenue.  The closure is to enable Volker Highways to carry out trial hole to investigate subsidence on behalf of West Berkshire Council.

The diversion route will be signed on site. 

All enquiries please contact the Highways Maintenance Team at West Berkshire Council on 01635 519080.

A plan of the closure can be found at: https://one.network/?tm=GB138631338

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

road closure

Church Hill and Unnamed Road from Bath Road to Orpenham Farm in the Parishes of Welford and Kintbury will be closed from 08:00 to 17:00 hours on 23rd April 2024, from the junction with B4000 Baydon Road to the junction with A4 Bath Road.  The closure is to enable Volker Highways to carry out drainage works on behalf of West Berkshire Council.

The diversion route will be signed on site. 

Please note blue light access is not known.

All enquiries please contact the Drainage Team at West Berkshire Council on 01635 519080.

A plan of the closure can be found at https://one.network/?tm=GB138407423.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

Flood Grants

Flood grants – please note the following information about grants which are available and has been promoted by West Berkshire Council.  Many households and businesses were impacted by Storm Henk between 2 to 12 January 2024. WBC understand the challenges you're facing, and are here to offer support through various flood recovery grants.

Here's a summary of the assistance available but please note each grant has a different deadline date:

1.       Flooded households in eligible affected areas, who can apply for up to £500 cash to help with immediate costs.  

2.       Households and businesses significantly affected, who will be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least 3 months.

3.       Small-to-medium sized businesses in eligible affected areas, who can apply for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual.  

4.       Eligible flood-hit property owners, who can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.  

5.       Farmers who have suffered uninsurable damage to their land will be able to apply for grants of up to £25,000 through the Farming Recovery Fund towards repair and reinstatement costs for farmers adversely affected by exceptional flooding.

If you're a resident or business in West Berkshire and believe you qualify, please visit our website for further information and to complete the necessary forms: Flood Grants - West Berkshire Council. We're here to support you through this challenging time.

The information about the grants including eligibility and the forms are on the Councils website: Flood Grants - West Berkshire Council.

Any queries in relation to the grants etc should be directed to the following email address: floodgrants@westberks.gov.uk. (monitored office hours only) 

Road Closures 

Sadlers Road in the Parish of Inkpen will be closed on the 16th to 18th April 2024, the closure will be between its junction with Totterdown and its junction with Byway 52.

There is no alternative route for vehicles affected by this closure, therefore resident and blue light access will be maintained.

The purpose of this closure is for Thames Water to carry out repairs to their network.

All enquiries should be directed to: Thames Water on 0800 316 9800

A plan of the closure can be found at: (click on link) https://one.network/?tm=GB138086151

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

Pottery Lane in the Parish of Inkpen will be closed on the 17th to 19th April 2024, the closure will be approximately 50 metres back from its junction with Post Office Road.

As there is no alternative route for those affected, therefore resident access will be maintained throughout.

The purpose of this closure is for Thames Water can carry out repair and maintenance works.

Please Note: Blue light access permitted throughout these works.

All enquiries should be directed to: Thames Water on 0800 316 9800

A plan of the closure can be found at: (click on link) https://one.network/?tm=GB138086563

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

vandalism to the public conveniences 

The Parish Council are disappointed to report that the recently refurbished public conveniences have been vandalised. We are reluctantly resigned to loo roll being pilfered but this week some serious damage was caused to the gents urinals and children's changing mat.

If this continues the PC will have to consider whether it continues funding this resource.

emergency road closure

Bell Lane in the Parish of Inkpen is currently closed and expected to be reopened on 22nd March 2024, the closure is between its junctions with Unnamed Road from Upper Green to Spray Road and Unnamed Road from Bell Lane to Lower Green.  This is an emergency closure to enable Thames Water to carry out repairs on a leak.

The diversion will be signed on site.

All enquiries should be directed to Thames Water on 0800 316 9800.

Please Note: Blue light access is not known.

A plan of the closure can be found at: (click on link): https://one.network/?tm=GB138054688

VILLAGE LITTER Pick Saturday 13th April 2024

 from 10:00 to 12:00

Meeting at Gladstone Sports Ground Car Park

Please come and help clear up any litter from our village.

All gear provided; Gloves, Pickers, Sacks/Hoops, High Viz Jackets.

Please let me know if you are interested in taking part.

Mike Stapley

Email : Michaelstapley@Kintburyparishcouncil.org

Kintbury Parish Council: 2024/25 Precept.

Over the last year most services subcontracted by the PC were re-tendered to ensure the parish continues to receive value for money. However; all the services provided by the PC have seen significant cost rises during the previous year, these were mainly due to wage and material inflation. Examples include maintenance and operation of the public conveniences, maintenance of Miss Lawrence field, some street light repairs, administration costs, contributions towards the mobile library and the supply and maintenance of dog waste bins. In addition the PC continue to support the Gladstone Trust which manages facilities such as the playground, skatepark and supports the KJC, bowls, tennis and football clubs. 

The annual precept had not been increased since 2017/18 so PC reserves, which had covered previous years shortfalls, were running low. Accordingly, and after much consideration and debate, the PC has decided to increase the precept by 5%. You will note this increase on your council tax bill from West Berkshire Council under ‘Kintbury Parish Council”

In addition to the usual statutory and discretionary services the parish council delivers we will be undertaking a number of special projects this year, more information on these will be published in forthcoming annual newsletter. For the avoidance of doubt it is worth noting that funding for these initiatives comes from ring fenced CIL (Community infrastructure levy) receipts and grant awards. These projects are not paid for by precept receipts.

If you have any questions or if you would like to contact the parish council then please contact the Clerk:  Angela Boyce 07917485191  clerk@kintburyparishcouncil.org

The SNG Commercial Support Fund

Do you run a charity shop that’s in need of a facelift? Or a community cafe whose tables could do with a refresh? If you trade for social good and have a shop front premises, then we might have the solution.

The SNG Commercial Support Fund has been developed specifically for social enterprises that trade from premises (owned or leased) within communities where SNG residents live.

We know that social enterprises that gain most of their income via trading on the high streets have been hard hit post COVID and grant funding for costs that fall outside specific project running costs are hard to come by. SNG is offering a grant of up to £4,000 to pay for costs associated with running a premises that exists for social good within communities.

We want to ensure that shops and other trading spaces set up for social good continue to play a long-term role in creating vibrant commercial and community spaces in neighbourhoods and continue to provide impact to SNG customers and communities. Organisations must be able to demonstrate that they fall into one of the categories below:

• Helping people enter employment and training – funds can be used for training volunteers who are SNG residents, or costs associated with work placements (training in areas such as health and safety).

• Supporting vulnerable or under-represented groups or communities – for example, a dementia cafe or a social space for ethnic minority groups.

• Addressing poverty and inequality – for example, charity shops, community stores and shops in the centre of our neighbourhoods or in rural locations.

The Commercial Support Fund will close on Friday 1 March 2024 at 5pm.

If you have any questions about this grant, please contact our grants team who would be happy to help on grants@sng.org.uk.

Click the following to apply -  how to apply!

soil conditioner give-away event

Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March 2024 there will be a soil conditioner give-away event at the Padworth Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF), Padworth Lane, RG7 4JF, between 10am and 4pm where residents will be able to pick up Veolia's locally produced soil conditioner for free! In addition we will have recycling collection points for old or unwanted vapes, small electricals and batteries.

The soil conditioner is produced at Padworth from food and garden waste collected across West Berkshire and is being provided free of charge to West Berkshire Council residents through its partnership with Veolia.

Residents must bring along their own bags/boxes to load the compost into their cars and will be responsible for collecting and loading the soil conditioner from the site to their car. All soil conditioner must be contained in bags or boxes and cannot be loaded directly into cars.

No booking is necessary, however we will be asking that attendees bring along ID or a bill with them to prove they are a resident of West Berkshire. Depending on demand there may be a need to queue for the soil conditioner. We also ask that attendees only collect a reasonable amount to ensure everyone has an opportunity to make use of this offer.

Please note there will be vehicle restrictions in place. Vehicles listed as prohibited in the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) user guide on page 12 will not be allowed. No commercial vehicles will be admitted; this is for householders only. Residents have to take necessary precautions for carrying the soil conditioner safely to their vehicle. The event organisers accept no liability for any injuries that may be sustained by residents loading their vehicles with the materials. Residents wishing to visit the household waste recycling centre must still book an appointment.

More information including FAQ’s can be found on www.westberks.gov.uk/compost.

soil conditioner give-away event 

road closure

Station Road in the Parish of Kintbury will be closed on the 15th February 2024, between the hours of 08:00 – 17:00, the closure is between its junctions with A4 Bath Road to the junction of Inkpen Road. This closure is to enable Volker Highways to carry out drainage works due to the flooding in recent weeks on behalf of West Berkshire Council.

Diversion will be signed on site.

All enquiries please contact West Berkshire Council on 01635 519080

A plan of the closure can be found at: (click on link): https://one.network/?tm=GB137447548

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

8th February 2024

Irish Hill Road and Hampstead Marshall Footpath 14A in the Parish of Hamstead Marshall are currently closed and expected to be reopened on 12th February 2024. The road closure is at the junction to the Footpath 14A with no access to the Footpath.

This is an emergency closure to enable BT to repair a customer connection.

All enquiries should be directed to Kier on 07542858435

A plan of the closure can be found at: (click on link): https://one.network/?tm=GB137498359

station road update

The Parish Council have been working with West Berkshire Council and District Councillors over the last week to ascertain what the delay in opening the road is and over the last 2 days, to understand the issues preventing the vehicle being removed. Unfortunately this is something the Parish Council do not have any control. As much as we try, we are reliant on responsible agencies to resolve the matter. We have made clear the inconvenience caused to both Kintbury Residents and visitors. 

emergency road closure

Titcombe Lane in Kintbury is currently closed and will reopen on 24th January 2024.  The closure is from its junction with Kintbury Road.

This emergency road closure is to enable Gigaclear to restore service to customer.

Residential access will be maintained throughout.

Please note blue light access is not known at this time.

All enquiries should be directed to Gigaclear on 01865 591100.

A plan of the closure can be found at https://one.network/?tm=GB137266913.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area?  Visit one.network for more information.

road closure

Kintbury Road in the Parishes of Inkpen and Kintbury will be closed from the 5th February to 19th April 2024 the closure is expected to be between its junction with Folly Road and its junction with Titcombe Lane. 

The diversion route is expected to be via - Pebble Hill, Rooksnest Lane, Great Common, Unnamed Road from Upper Green to Rooksnest Lane, Post Office Road, and vice versa.

Residential access will be maintained throughout, and the diversion will be signed on site.

The purpose of this closure is for Thames Water to carry out works to upgrade the main supply and disconnection of redundant infrastructure.

Please Note: Blue light access will be available throughout.

All enquiries should be directed to: Morrison Water Services on 08003 169 800

A plan of the closure can be found at: (click on link) https://one.network/?tm=GB137243888

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

station road update

We have received the following update from the West Berkshire Council engineering team: After site investigation at Station Road, Kintbury I can confirm the road is certainly passable in a vehicle however there are still areas of standing water between all the hump back bridges and below is a summary of my findings.

• Abandoned vehicle that has been in situ for over 10 days according to a local resident. I am currently trying to arrange for this to be removed.

• 24 hour order raised today for maintenance works. I have arranged for Volker to attaned site tomorrow (23rd) to undertake 500m of siding works and 30m of grips. This will help reduce the water on the highway. Plus, all gullies, kerb weirs are blocked with detritus such as mud, silt, leaves etc. They will be rodded accordingly.

• White entrance gates have been uprooted and are in bad condition. The renewal of these gates will be required at a later date. Volker will collect them when on site tomorrow.

• Cracking within the hump back bridges however a colleague from the Structures team met me on site today to assess and he determined no immediate concerns or further deterioration from the last bridge inspection last year.

• National Rail have closed the barriers as there have been incidents with motorists being abusive and driving over the Volker barriers and signage! They will continue this practice until road closure lifted.

• I have also inspected the diversion route into Kintbury along Hungerford Road and raised a few temporary carriageway repairs. I will re visit this location further once the weather improves to assess any further damage.

Once Volker have completed the planned works tomorrow and we can remove the abandoned car I will then instruct Volker to lift the current road closure. I hope this is lifted soon however until further confirmation regarding the vehicle I cannot specify further

weather alert 

SSEN moves to Yellow Alert status in central southern England ahead of Storm Isha

  Please see below the latest update from SSEN

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution has moved to Yellow Alert status in central southern England ahead of a period of severe weather which is forecast for Sunday night (21 January) and into the early hours of Monday morning.

Our current weather model for this region shows south-westerly gusts increasing in strength during the second half of Sunday, with peak gusts of 60-65 mph expected between 2100 on Sunday night and 0300 on Monday morning. Thereafter speeds will drop, but high winds will persist into the Monday morning rush hour.

SSEN has been monitoring this weather system for several days, and we have already activated our well-rehearsed contingency plans. We are bringing in extra teams to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults, which may interrupt customers’ power supplies. 

Our team that responds to customer inquiries is also being bolstered in preparation for the storm’s arrival.

We will now be getting in touch with almost 250,000 of our more vulnerable customers who live in the Yellow Alert area in central southern England to offer them tailored help and advice.

We will continue to monitor this storm closely as it develops, and we will issue further updates depending on the forecast.  

The same weather system that is bringing this unsettled period of weather to central southern England is also forecast to hit our north of Scotland distribution area; we are also monitoring the potential impact this may have on our network there closely.   

If you see any damage to our equipment, please stay back, don’t touch it and instead report it to us directly by calling 105, or via our Power Track website, and our engineers will investigate as soon as possible.

Can I ask that you support by sharing the following messages with your communities: to help them prepare for the possibility of disruption to supplies by:

• Saving the emergency power cut number - '105' - to your phone to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network

• Visiting our Power Track Website to give you details of power cuts and restoration times. You can also report power cuts and network damage through Power Track.

• Visiting the "Preparing for a power cut" section on our website, where there is a wealth of advice and information, or to chat live to one of our advisors via the Webchat service

Customers are also eligible for our Priority Services Register (PSR) if they:

• Are deaf or hard of hearing

• Have a disability

• Live with children under five

• Are blind or partially-sighted

• Have a chronic illness

• Use medical equipment/aids reliant on electricity

• Are over 60.

To find out more about the PSR, click here or call 0800 294 3259.

We will continue to keep you updated on our activities relating to the impacts of Storm Isha and our response, links to our Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter) channels can be found below.   

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks | Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/ssencommunity 

Profile / X (twitter.com)

road closure on station road 

The Parish Council have received a number of email and phone enquiries regarding the road closure on Station Road. Although the PC is not responsible for road closures, we do appreciate the impact this is having on the local residents and have asked West Berkshire Council for an update as a matter of urgency. Please see the link below to the one network which has details of all road closures, responsible body and timeframes.

For the latest updates click here 

Road Closure

Pebble Hill and Rooksnest Lane in the Parish of Kintbury will be closed from the 2nd January to 2nd February 2024. Pebble Hill will be closed between its junction with Rooksnest Lane and its junction with Kintbury Road. Rooksnest Lane will be closed at its junction with Pebble Hill.

Please note – Commencement may be delayed by a few days; advance warning signs will inform you of any date change.

Due to the closure of both roads, there will be more than one diversion route, these will be signed on site.

Residential access will be maintained throughout. The purpose of this closure is for Thames Water to carry out Mains renewals and disconnection works.

Please Note: Blue light access will be available throughout.

All enquiries should be directed to: Morrison Water Services on 07970 159 790

A plan of the closure can be found at: (click on link) https://one.network/?tm=GB136794614

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information

emergency road closure

12th December 2023

This closure has been extended, the road is now due to reopen on 14th December 2023.  This is due to works taking longer than expected as the main burst again and heavy-duty machinery is needed to extend the dig to carry out repair. 

Watery Lane in Kintbury Holt is currently closed and will reopen on 12th December 2023.  The closure is approximately 550m West of Smith’s Bridge between its junction with Burgess Lane and its junction with Holtwood Road. 

This emergency road closure is to enable Thames Water to carry out main cut out works.

Residential access will be maintained throughout, and the diversion route will be signed on site.

Please note blue light access is not known at this time.

All enquiries should be directed to Thames Water on 0800 316 9800.

A plan of the closure can be found at https://one.network/?tm=GB136735218.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area?  Visit one.network for more information.

road closure

Templeton Road in the Parish of Kintbury will be closed on 24th November 2023, between the hours of 08:00 – 17:00, from the junction of Inkpen Road to the junction of Hungerford Lane. This closure is to enable Volker Highways to carry out permanent carriageway repairs on behalf of West Berkshire Council.

Please seek alternative route.

All enquiries please contact Highways Maintenance at West Berkshire Council on 01635 519080

A plan of the closure can be found at: (click on link): https://one.network/?tm=GB136487223

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

Please be advised the closure detailed below has been cancelled. 

High Street in the Parish of Kintbury will be closed from 15th November to 4th December 2023, the closure will be between its junction with Inkpen Road and its junction with Hungerford Road.

An alternative route is via Hungerford Road, Unnamed Road from Hungerford Road to Inkpen Road, Inkpen Road, Craven Road, Weavers Lane, Folly Road, Kintbury Road, Blandys Hill, The Green, Inkpen Road and vice versa.

The purpose of this closure is to enable Gigaclear to install fibre cables.

Residential access will be maintained throughout, and the diversion will be signed on site.

Please note blue light access will not be permitted.

All enquiries should be directed to MKJ Group Ltd on 01488 73393.

A plan of the closure can be found at https://one.network/?tm=GB135893016. 

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area?  Visit one.network for more information.

As well as asking for updates from West Berkshire highways, the Parish Council have asked to meet with Gigaclear and hope they come to the next meeting. 

Emergency Road Closures - Inkpen Road and Blandys Hill in Kintbury

Inkpen Road and Blandys Hill in the Parish of Kintbury are currently closed due to severe flooding.  The roads are expected to reopen at 19:00 hours today, 8th November 2023.  The closure is between its junction with Station Road to its junction with Forbury Lane. 

The diversion will be signed on-site.

All enquiries please contact our Drainage Team on 01635 519080.

A plan of the closure can be found at https://one.network/?tm=GB136326061.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

Road Closure

Templeton Road in the Parish of Kintbury will be closed on 14th November 2023, between the hours of 08:00 – 17:00, from the junction of Inkpen Road to the junction of Hungerford Lane. This closure is to enable Volker Highways to carry out permanent carriageway repairs on behalf of West Berkshire Council.

Please seek alternative route.

All enquiries please contact Highways Maintenance at West Berkshire Council on 01635 519080

A plan of the closure can be found at: (click on link): https://one.network/?tm=GB136284703

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

Cost of living Fair

Click here for link

Overgrown Hedges

As we come to the end of the growing season the Parish Council would like to remind everyone to please ensure foliage on your property boundaries is cut back to allow access on pavements, footpaths and roads.

The Parish Council receives a number of complaints regarding overgrown hedges restricting paths and, although this is technically a matter between the landowner and West Berkshire Council, the Parish Council requests residents to address this for the benefit of all Parishioners.

How to report a overgrown hedge or hedgerow to West Berkshire Council and who is responsible

If you have noticed a hedge or hedgerow that is blocking a path or road, you can report it online, here. If it's something we look after, West Berkshire Council will investigate it.

Kintbury Parish Council Dog Waste Bins

From 23rd October 2023, Tactical Facilities Management Ltd will be emptying all our dog waste bins. Should you need to report a problem, please contact Kintbury Parish Council Clerk as we are now directly responsible for the contractor.

Please see below a link to the location map of the dog waste bins, using this information to report an issue will help us quickly locate the bin to investigate any issues further.

Location Map Dog Waste Bins

The bins we are responsible for are follows:

Bin   Location

533A Station Rd, beside allotments

533B High Street, behind blue ball pub

533C Irish Hill Road

533D Holt Rd/ Harold Rd/Craven Way junction

533E 35 Burtons Hill / Craven Way junction

533F Gainsborough Avenue

533G Lawrences field Inkpen Rd entrance

533H Lawrences Field, Morrish Grove entrance

533I Lawrences Field, Hop Gardens entrance

533J Bradley Close

533K Wallingtons Road

533L Kintbury Lock (Canal)

533M Kintbury Station House (Canal)

Please report any issues to clerk@kintburyparishcouncil.org

Road closure

Kintbury Level Crossing, Station Road in the Parish of Kintbury will be closed between the hours of 00:30 to 04:30 on 31st October 2023.  This closure is to enable Network Rail to carry out annual testing.

During the closure, all traffic will be diverted via Station Road, A4 Bath Road, Charnham Street, Bridge Street, High Street, Park Street, Hungerford Road, High Street, Station Road and vice versa.

Please note blue light access will not be maintained.

All enquiries please contact Sunbelt Rentals on 0370 0500792.

A plan of the closure and diversion route can be found at https://one.network/?tm=GB134638394.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information.

Gigaclear Notice of works

The following works will be taking place in the village 

Road Closure

The closure of Laylands Green (below) has been extended to the 5th September, the closure is expected to be lifted by Midday, if not sooner.

This is to allow reinstatement works to be completed.

Apologies for the inconvenience this may cause.

Laylands Green, Kintbury, will be closed from the 21st August to 1st September 2023, (during school holiday) the closure is expected to be between its junction with Dunn Crescent and its junction with The Millards.

The diversion route is expected to be via - Inkpen Road, High Street, Newbury Street, Burtons Hill, and vice versa.

Residential access will be maintained throughout, and the diversion will be signed on site.

The purpose of this closure is for Thames Water contractors to carry out Water Main installation.

Please Note: Blue light access will be via the diversion route only.

All enquiries should be directed to: Morrison Water Services on 08003 169 800

A plan of the closure can be found at: (click on link) https://one.network/?tm=GB135223213

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information

Road closure

Station Road in Kintbury, will be closed from 18th to 22nd September 2023, the closure will be between its junction with Forge Close and its junction with Mill Bank.

An alternative route is via Bath Road (A4), Milkhouse Road, Road known as Park Lane, Unnamed road from Holtwood Road to Hamstead Marshall, Unnamed road from Tinkers Corner to Hamstead Marshall, Unnamed Road from Holt Road to Tinkers Corner, Holt Road, Newbury Street and vice versa.

The purpose of this closure is for Thames Water to carry out sewer repairs and maintenance works.

Residential access will be maintained throughout, and the diversion will be signed on site.

Please Note: Blue light access will be available.

All enquiries should be directed to: Onsite Central Ltd on 07771 820 790

A plan of the closure can be found at: (click on link) https://one.network/?tm=GB135502625

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information

road closure

Station Road in Kintbury will be closed between 29th and 31 August 2023.  The closure is between its junctions with Newbury Street and its junction with Mill Bank.

This expedient road closure is to enable Virgin Media to install a new chamber and connect to existing network. 

Residential access will be maintained throughout, and the diversion route will be signed on site.

Please note blue light access will be maintained. 

All enquiries should be directed to Virgin Media on 01954 770895.

A plan of the closure can be found at https://one.network/?tm=GB135278219.

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area?  Visit one.network for more information.

Public conveniences at Kintbury Lock

Kintbury Parish Council are delighted to inform you that the major work on the refurbishment of the public conveniences has now been completed. There are some minor works to be completed, including some external tidying but KPC hope, the new clean, efficient and convenient facilities will be appreciated by both residents and visitors.

Our thanks to GWR and WBC who provided grants towards the refurbishment and to our contractor, AMT, for all their hard work in completing the project.

Village survey results

You may be aware that Kintbury Parish Council conducted a parish wide survey over the last 3 months to gather suggestions and ideas as to what people want to see being developed in the village

Thanks to all those who responded to the survey, a summary of the top selections reproduced below. As you’d expect there were many great suggestions, plus a few the PC can’t do as they’re not within our remit. 

The Parish Council is now looking at developing these ideas further. A meeting is being arranged, facilitated by the PC to discuss a village fete/event next year. If anyone is interested in taking part and being involved please let us know and join fellow parishioners at the meeting.

PC initiatives this year include tidying up the village entrance signs and gates, the first phase of these should be completed by the end of the summer. Likewise we’ll hopefully see some planters being installed shortly which we can evolve into the Kintbury in bloom theme.

The PC will be considering how we can work with West Berks Council on safe cycle routes and will explore the car club. Related to the latter we are planning on installing 2 EV chargers at the Recreation Ground later this year.

road closure

Kintbury Road in the parish of Kintbury, will be closed on the 8th to 9th August 2023, the closure will be between its junction with Folly Road and its junction with Pebble Hill. 

The diversion route is expected to be via - Pebble Hill, Rooksnest La, Great Common, Unnamed Road from Upper Green to Rooksnest Lane, Post Office Rd, and vice versa.

The purpose of this closure is for Thames Water to carry out repairs & maintenance works.

Residential access will be maintained throughout and the diversion will be signed on site.

Please Note: Blue light access via the diversion route only.

All enquiries should be directed to: Thames Water on 0800 316 9800 or 07747 648 554

A plan of the closure can be found at: (click on link) - https://one.network/?tm=GB135031998

Did you know you can sign up to receive alerts for roadworks in your area? Visit one.network for more information

Kintbury Public Conveniences

Kintbury Parish Council is responsible for managing and maintaining the public conveniences located at Kintbury Lock. The PC is undertaking a major refurbishment of these facilities so over the next few weeks work will be ongoing. We hope to keep the disruption to a minimum, and toilets will be accessible at all times, but our apologies if there is any inconvenience experienced by users.

The refurbishment includes new baby changing facilities, new and updated sanitary ware, improvements to the hot water supply, new doors and a complete redecoration.

We are grateful to West Berkshire Council and Great Western Railway who provided grants towards this work, the balance being paid by Kintbury Parish Council 

The Parish Council would appreciate your input into this form so that we can gauge opinion around the village and plan and prioritise improvements for next year. 

Please click here to complete our survey. 

YOUR OPINION MATTERS!

The Town and Manor of Hungerford charity would like your thoughts and that of your Parish on its proposal to create a wetland reserve on a site known as Undy's Meadow, between the Charnham Park road and the river Kennet. The proposed wetland will be within walking distance of Hungerford town centre, will be open to the public and will include an Education & Information Centre. The attached leaflet will give you more details about wetlands and our proposal. Kennet Valley Wetland Reserve 

We would like your input on this proposal. Your feedback is important to ensure we make this project as relevant and appealing as we can. Your responses to our survey will remain anonymous – only the statistics from the surveys will be used in any future material. It will only take 5 minutes or less to complete.

The proposed site is close to Kintbury so the feedback from the residents of Kintbury is very important to us in developing the proposal.  Thank you for your help.

https://tinyurl.com/hungerfordwetland-Survey

We are also asking for donations via The Good Exchange for important ecology, landscaping and biodiversity surveys needed for planning permission.  If you wish to donate you can find our funding page at the link below. Donations are being match funded by Greenham Trust.

https://tinyurl.com/hungerfordwetland-donations

Thank you for any support you can give us with the survey and funding.

We are pleased to confirm that the benches have now been installed around the cemetery.

Parish Report 4th April 2023 

HELP REQUIRED THIS SATURDAY 14TH JANUARY - Thank you to everyone who came along and helped before Christmas. As part of the improvement plans to Christchurch Cemetery, we still have lots of bulbs and need your help planting them. If you can spare some time and lend a hand, come along to the cemetery anytime from 9:00 - 11:30 am on Saturday, armed with a few small gardening tools. Any help would be appreciated. 

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