Wokingham Borough News, Winter 2014 issue...

www.wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham Borough

NEWSYour magazine from Wokingham Borough Council

Winter 2014

More please! page 3

In this issue…

All go for new ‘Fosters’

page 24

Winter Wellbeing

page 13 to 16

Gorse Ride comes

together page 20

See back page for Christmas waste

and recycling collection calendar

Keeping in touch with us

Visit us: Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm Write to us: Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BNFind out more information by:Email and text updates – register at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/online

To advertise in Wokingham Borough News, or for any other queries about this magazine including delivery, please contact: [email protected]. A pdf version of this magazine is available online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/boroughnews

Editorial: Communications Team at Wokingham Borough Council Design and printed by: Digital Solutions on uncoated FSCM 75gsm paperCost: 13p per person / 25p per household

Winter 20142

Welcome

On page 13 you can find out more about our campaign to encourage local people to become Winter Friends. When the cold weather sets in, you can make a difference by looking in on a neighbour who is elderly or vulnerable. I have signed up to the pledge and hope that many of you will join me in supporting others in the community whatever the elements may throw at us.

With around 435 miles of roads around the Borough, our gritting teams are getting ready to respond to weather conditions throughout the winter period; and you can find out more about our plans to keep the Borough moving on page 27.And on pages 8 and 9, you can find out the latest progress on new homes and infrastructure in the Strategic Development Locations (SDLs).

Pre-application preparatory work is taking place on the Arborfield Relief Road following last year’s extensive consultation. And we’re working to deliver the South Wokingham Distributor Road in line with the aspirations expressed by residents following the consultation. I’ve always said that we’ll find a way to fully fund the North Wokingham Distributor Road, and I’m pleased to say we are making good progress.

The new roads are just one way of better connecting the Borough. As well as investing in roads, we’ve also made improvements to cycleways and public transport. Each of the SDLs will be connected by networks, known as greenways, that would allow car-free commuting as well as pleasurable places to walk or ride.

And, WBC sets one of the highest Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) rates to ensure developers continue to fund the infrastructure we need.

If you have any views or comments please get in touch with me via email at: [email protected].

You can also let us know your views on the magazine by completing the survey on page 26.

Don’t forget you can also keep up-to-date with all the latest news at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/news, by following @WokinghamBC on Twitter or liking us on Facebook.

Cllr Keith BakerLeader of the Council

With Christmas almost upon us, we’re gearing up once again for winter.

(0118) 974 6000

07786 200914

facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

@WokinghamBC

www.wokingham.gov.uk

[email protected]

7Energised plans for leisure

8-9Building sustainable communities

10New Arborfield secondary school

13-16Winter wellbeing

21Embracing integrated care

24Hillside Park

25Broadening activities in our country parks

26Readership survey

See back page

for Christmas waste

and recycling

collection

calendar

In this edition

Following the introduction of the optional free school meal scheme this September, we’ve seen a 42% increase in the number of meals served compared to last year.

We spoke to Toby, Kate, Seren, Loula, Ottie and Finlay to find out what they think about the lunches. All say they are on par with their mums’ although Finlay says his grandma’s spaghetti is still best. Fish and chips, burgers and sausages are a firm favourite, but they also like their vegetables, especially carrots, potatoes, and sweetcorn. Toby says he loves cucumber and broccoli – but not together.

Caterlink, which provides the food on our behalf, offers a different daily menu with a choice between a meat and vegetable main, jacket potato and dessert.

At Robert Piggott, the vast majority of children opt to have a meal. Executive Headteacher Sally Ann Aker says there are more than nutritional benefits to this.

“It’s about life skills,” she said. “Sitting down together at lunchtime teaches them how to use a knife and fork, as well as good table manners. They also learn how to make and share conversation.”

Winter 2014 3

MORE please!Pupils at Robert Piggott CE Infant School in Wargrave join primary children across the Borough, who together, enjoy some 98,000 hot school meals served by us each month.

There is a new writing group for teens at Wokingham Library. We get the inside scoop from the club’s founder, Alex Baker…

“Across Berkshire there are many creative writing groups, but something that has always bugged me is that none are targeted specifically at teenagers still developing their writing. It seems like a real missed opportunity. There are some incredibly talented teens out there and their minds are overflowing with creative and imaginative ideas.

“That’s why I set up Igniting Writing, a teen writing club that brings local 11 to 18-year-olds together to develop their writing in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

“It’s a great way for teens to share their work and build their confidence by experimenting with new writing skills and genres.

“Our first session in October focused on creating settings and everyone had a great time with the writing prompts and exercises. Future sessions will cover everything from developing characters to exploring the world of sci-fi, so there’s something for everyone.”

Sessions are held at Wokingham Library every Saturday from 10.30am to midday.

To book a place, email: [email protected] or phone (0118) 978 1368.

More information: @IgnitingWriting facebook.com/groups/ 829509490414536 • Blog: ignitingwriting.tumblr.com

Igniting Writing talent - teen writing group

Free parking this ChristmasShoppers are getting an early Christmas present with free car parking in selected council-owned car parks on Saturday December 13 and 20 at:

• Polehampton Close, Twyford • School Lane, Wargrave• The Paddocks, Wokingham • Denmark Street, Wokingham (council-managed section only)• Easthampstead Road (east and west), Wokingham

• Rose Street, Wokingham• Cockpit Path, Wokingham • Headley Road, Woodley• Crockhamwell Road, Woodley • Lytham Road (east and west), Woodley

Although parking will be free on the Saturdays before Christmas, maximum stay limits and disabled parking bays will still be enforced.

Our library visits youAre you homebound, have mobility issues or caring for someone and miss visiting the library? Then the good news is our library service can visit you instead!

We can deliver books to you, including large print and audio books. It’s a greatly valued service. “My wife would be lost without her books from the home library service. I think libraries are absolutely essential,” said resident Robert Wall. Trained volunteers regularly visit readers at home, with books matching their reading tastes.

More information:• (0118) 978 1368• www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/home

The General Election will be held next year on Thursday May 7.

In addition, Borough elections are taking place in Barkham, Bulmershe and Whitegates, Coronation, Emmbrook, Evendons, Hawkedon, Hillside, Loddon, Maiden Erlegh, Norreys, Shinfield North, Shinfield South, Sonning, South Lake, Twyford, Wescott, Winnersh and Wokingham Without wards.

These parish/town councils will also be up for election: Barkham, Earley, Shinfield, Sonning, Twyford, Winnersh, Wokingham, Wokingham Without and Woodley.

Thinking of becoming a councillor?

If you have ever considered being a local councillor, you can find out more by visiting: www.beacouncillor.org.uk.

If you would like to stand and want to be associated with a particular political party, you should think about making enquiries now, as they will want to get to know you and put you through their selection process.

We can put you in touch with the local agents. More information about standing as an independent candidate will be published in the next edition of Wokingham Borough News.

Contact us:• Electoral Services helpline number (0118) 974 6522 / 6523 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm• [email protected]• www.wokingham.gov.uk/elections• Electoral Services, PO Box 151, Shute End, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 1GY

Elections May 2015

Moved house?You must register to voteIf you have recently moved

paying council tax does NOT register you to vote. Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Winter 20144

Park and ride comingWork has started on our two much-awaited park and ride schemes – 579 spaces at Mereoak Lane in Grazeley, and 390 in Wharfedale Road near Winnersh Station.

The two sites are being built simultaneously, and plan to be ready in March.

They will also offer blue badge holder, cycle and motorbike parking, and eventually electric car charging points.

We know they are important routes in the town centre, but we had no choice to close them because of the complex nature of the work we had to do.

We’re dependent on Network Rail to first complete trackside work before we can carry on, and we hope to start the final phases of the whole scheme early next year.

These will focus on Wellington Road and Station Road north of the level crossing, where they meet station approach. Phase 5 is the Shute End junction.

The aim of station link road scheme is to create a 21st Century travel centre, ease local traffic congestion, and make access in an around the station safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

More information:www.wokingham.gov.uk/stationlinkroad

Station link road final phasesThank you again for your patience during the past few months when Oxford and Barkham roads in Wokingham were closed as part of the station link road scheme.

Coppid Beech improvementsWe’re getting ready to start improvement work early next year on the Coppid Beech roundabout.

The roundabout gyratory and some of the slip roads on the A329(M) and A329 London Road / B3408 London Road interchange will be widened, traffic lights added, and cycling and walking lanes improved.

It is expected to take five months and once finished, the roundabout will better manage current and increasing traffic levels, and reduce congestion.

The work will not touch the A329(M) flyover.

We’re currently putting the final touches to the plan to reduce the impact on road users as much as possible and make sure we provide a safe working environment for our contractors.

Whilst the works are taking place there are likely to be temporary traffic lights, lane restrictions, phased road closures and some night time construction.

As soon as the details are finalised, we will post them on our website and also on Facebook and Twitter.

You can also find out the latest road works by signing up to our text and email alerts at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/register.

More information:www.wokingham.gov.uk/coppidbeech

Executive viewCllr John Kaiser, Executive Member for Planning and Highways

“Residents, businesses and road users have shown immense patience and understanding in the scheme so far and I’d like to thank them for this. They’ve weathered any disruption caused by this work because they understand the benefits the scheme will bring.

Once finished, it will help reduce congestion in Wokingham town centre.

“These final two stages are going to be incredibly tricky and we hope people will bear with us as we work to get them completed as quickly as possible.”

Winter 2014 5

Website advertisingYou may have noticed adverts on the top of our website pages, as well as a link to an explanation about how advertising will boost the services we can offer you.

By allowing commercial advertising on our website - and we will be extremely careful about the type we approve - up to £30,000 can be earned for the public purse every year.

With £30,000 we could do one of the following:

Your whole council at your fingertips

This new web portal will have lots of details about the work of the Council including agendas, reports and minutes from a variety of meetings, election results and specifics about councillors such as their declaration of interests.

It features better search tools to find information quickly. You will also be able to set up alerts telling you when new papers in subject areas that interest you become available.

It is hoped modern.gov - accessed via your mobile, tablet and laptop - will be up and running early next year.

It’ll soon be easier for you to search and find information about Wokingham Borough Council online, via modern.gov

Winter 20146

Executive viewCllr Anthony Pollock, Executive Member for Economic Development and Finance

“This is a significant investment and improving the broadband connectivity is one of our priorities and key to securing our ambitions for economic growth. This investment will improve access to better

internet speeds whether at home or at work, meaning our local economy remains competitive and social isolation is reduced.”

More investment for superfast broadbandPhase two of Superfast Berkshire is now underway with a public sector investment pot for Berkshire of £4.7million on the basis that it’s match funded. The programme was set up to improve broadband speed and coverage across Berkshire in the areas that are not commercially viable.

We’ve agreed to invest a further £243,000 to support the roll out of phase two to areas of Wokingham Borough where coverage is poor.

This follows on from a previous contribution of £215,000 which was invested in phase one. The additional funding is anticipated to increase superfast broadband coverage across the Borough from 93.85% to 98% and will help ensure that as many of our residents and businesses as possible have access to the new technology.

This will enable a further 3,701 premises to receive broadband coverage taking the total number of premises across the Borough to 64,815 before the end of 2017.

fill 429 potholes clean some 26km of roads

provide 80 nights of high- quality short break care

for children with disabilities

collect waste and recycling from 638

properties

fund a social worker post

Executive viewCllr Pauline Jorgensen, Executive Member for Resident Services

“These are just two examples of our mission to improve your experience of our services, and develop new sources of funding to help to protect local services despite being the lowest funded unitary authority in the country.

“We have many other small improvement projects underway. For example, we’ve changed our phone system in Revenue and Benefits so that you can now put yourself through to the person you want to talk to.”

So it really does make a difference to what we can do.

Earlier this year we agreed 1Life - our leisure management company - would take over the running of the leisure centre from Woodley Town Council from December 1.

The centre was built in the 1970s and its facilities are tired and in need of investment to bring it up to a modern standard to help us support our vision ‘to create a great place to live, an even better place to do business’ and our borough-wide health and wellbeing strategy.

The transformation and investment of £225,000 will pay for the installation of a brand new gym, where there’ll be all kinds of easy to use equipment and instructors on hand to help customers with training advice. The gym will have plasma TVs, music system and air-conditioning for customers to feel comfortable and be entertained as they workout. In addition, the swimming pool changing rooms and the reception are also being refurbished.

Therefore as the centre already offers good health and wellbeing and physical activity and sports programmes – all the improvements are a real boost to the local community. We will be consulting with residents about the future of the facility in the New Year.

Further investmentAnd it’s not just Bulmershe Leisure Centre that’s seeinginvestment ploughed into it. Other centres across theWokingham Borough - Carnival Pool, Loddon Valley and St Crispin’s - are also set for improvements over the coming months thanks to more than £1million investment, as 1Life invests £774,000 and the Borough Council invests £345,000. At Carnival Pool a new dance studio will go a long way to meeting the growing local demand for classes. The existing gym will be refurbished with new equipment being installed to offer customers a more varied training programme. And the pool changing rooms will also be refurbished as well as improvements made to reception and seating areas.

At Loddon Valley Leisure Centre the improvements include a brand new group cycling studio, new flooring in the existing dance studio, plus 100 new pieces of gym equipment and at St Crispin’s the gym is getting a facelift and brand new equipment.

So from January 2015, the great news is that both new and existing customers will be able to choose whether to pay-as-they-go when using activities or purchase a great value membership package offering the use of four gyms, three swimming pools and hundreds of classes every week at Loddon Valley, Carnival Pool,St. Crispin’s and now Bulmershe Leisure Centre. For more information visit: www.1life.co.uk or call into any centre to talk through your options, special offers and book a FREE trial* (terms apply).

“Bulmershe Leisure Centre is a vital sports and leisure facility for people living in Woodley, for the students of Bulmershe School next door, and pupils from nearby primary schools.

“This investment into our leisure offering is great news for the Borough’s residents and the wider community who

use our facilities. It will bring them up to a better standard. Revenue raised will help fund local services and keep council tax bills low, which is good news for everyone. We are looking at a rebuild or further refurbishment of Bulmershe Leisure Centre in the future and will be consulting on this in due course.”

Cllr Angus Ross, Executive Member for EnvironmentExecutive view

Million pound investment plans for leisure across the Wokingham BoroughSporting facilities at Bulmershe Leisure Centre are being energised and modernised for people in Woodley.

Winter 2014 7

Winter 20148

Building sustainable co mmunities continues in Wokingham Borough

Progress on these four areas (at Arborfield Garrison; around Shinfield, Three Mile Cross and Spencers Wood; North of Wokingham town and South of Wokingham town) is now underway with the first residents moving into homes.

As part of our plan to ensure the new homes needed in Wokingham Borough are provided in the right way with the right infrastructure, four areas, known as Strategic Development Locations, were earmarked back in 2010 for significant housing and new facilities such as schools and sport and community facilities.

Shinfield, Three Mile Cross and Spencers Wood (known as the South of the M4 Strategic Development Location)

Overview:

• Approximately 3,000 homes to be built in extension to Shinfield, Three Mile Cross and Spencers Wood• Two new primary schools (in Spencers Wood and Shinfield)• New neighbourhood centre in Shinfield, including new community centre (see page 11) and improved neighbourhood centres in Three Mile Cross and Spencers Wood• Improved outdoor sports facilities • New play areas and open green space • Shinfield Eastern Relief Road

Latest news:

Planning applications granted for:• Cutbush Lane: 126 homes and infrastructure • Shinfield West: 1,350 homes and infrastructure including neighbourhood centre, primary school and supermarket• Spencers Wood (Croft Road): 900 homes and infrastructure including primary school and nature reserve • Loddon open green space • Basingstoke Road (east): 100 homes and infrastructure• The Manor: 126 homes and infrastructure

Construction work on the Shinfield Eastern Relief Road (from the A327 Arborfield Road to a new bridge over the M4 close to the Black Boy Roundabout) is due to begin early next year.

Arborfield:Overview:

• Approximately 3,500 homes to be built on the Garrison site and land to the south• New secondary school opening September 2016 (see page 10)• Two new primary schools• New neighbourhood centre with shops, community centre and health facilities• New indoor and outdoor sports facilities• New play areas and open green space for walkers, and improvements to existing country parks• Arborfield Relief Road

Latest news:

Planning applications have been received for the Arborfield Garrison site (approximately 2,000 homes application from the Arborfield Garrison Landowners Consortium) and land to the south (approximately 1,500 home application from the Marino Family).

View the applications on our website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/planning. They will be considered by the Planning Committee in early spring next year.

Pre-application work is taking place on the route of the Arborfield Relief Road, following last year’s extensive consultation. We’re working to build the road in line with the wishes expressed by the majority of residents.

Winter 2014 9

Building sustainable co mmunities continues in Wokingham Borough

South Wokingham Overview:

• Approximately 2,500 homes to be built south of the town • Two new primary schools• New outdoor sports pitches• Two new neighbourhood centres with shops and community facilities• Play areas and open green space

Latest news:

• Building work underway at Montague Park (pictured above), off London Road, for 650 homes with some now occupied • Planning application for new primary school approved• Public consultation carried out on South Wokingham Distributor Road this summer (see below)• Vision is for approximately 1,850 homes to be provided south of the railway line. No detailed plans yet agreed• We’ve bought Grays Fruit Farm to provide a new outdoor sports pitch hub. The farm will still operate until 2017

Following an extensive public consultation earlier this year, we are due to agree our preferred option for the route of the South Wokingham Distributor Road (which will link the A329 London Road with the A321 Finchampstead Road via a new railway bridge at Montague Park and the development areas south of the railway line).

North Wokingham Overview:

• Approximately 1,500 homes being built in north of the town• New primary school• Improved sporting and community facilities• New play areas and open green space• North Wokingham Distributor Road

Latest news:

• Planning consent granted for 274 homes and infrastructure at Kentwood Farm East; and 230 homes and infrastructure at Kentwood Farm West • Planning application received for approximately 760 homes and accompanying infrastructure (including primary school) at Matthewsgreen• Building work nearly complete for 180 homes off Plough Lane and Buttercup Close, with many now occupied

Following the extensive consultation last year, we’re nowfocusing on the North Wokingham Distributor Road (which will link the A329 London Road near Coppid Beech roundabout the A329 Reading Road near the M4 bridge).This is what people told us they wanted.

Note: Latest news correct at time of going to press.

New secondary school in Arborfield on track

The school will be part of the Arborfield Garrison Strategic Development Location, for which the planning application was submitted by the Arborfield Garrison Landowners Consortium in October.

A planning application providing a more detailed design for the school is due to be submitted separately by the Borough Council in early January.*

Parents are playing a key role in the development of the project. A Reference Group comprising local parents has been meeting regularly with Council officers to develop key aspects of the school, such as its ethos and curriculum.

They will also be involved in the selection of the ‘preferred provider’ of the school. This is the organisation that will run the school and is expected to be chosen by next summer.

More information:• www.wokingham.gov.uk/arborfield-school• [email protected]

* correct at time of going to press

Plans are progressing well to

open a new secondary school in Arborfield in

September 2016.

Winter 201410

Help make Wokingham town an even more fun place in the future

As Wokingham town grows with the new homes being built in the coming years, there will also be exciting opportunities for new leisure facilities in and around the town – and you are being asked to help plan for these.

We’re currently asking residents of all ages to share their views and experiences of leisure activities available locally – both within Wokingham Borough and beyond – and to tell us what new or improved facilities could be offered.

The consultation runs until Friday January 9 and can be completed online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/leisureconsultation.

Your viewsmatter

Real communities with strong social connections

Winter 2014 11

Making sure the new homes and facilities being built in the Borough become real communities with strong social connections, is a key part of our plans.

With this in mind, we recently consulted on our Shaping our New Communities document, which sets out ways new communities can be brought together and what facilities should be provided.

The results of this consultation are being studied and will help form an action plan, but community facilities are already being considered as the developments are taking shape because they are so important.

In Shinfield, the parish council is leading on a project to provide a new community centre on the site of the disused Royal British Legion site in the village’s historic centre at School Green.Previously, it had been planned to build the new centre in the Shinfield West development - away from the village centre.

In partnership with leading housing associations, we are offering residents the training they need to start a successful business.

There will also be an opportunity to bid for a small start-up loan as part of a Dragons’ Den style-event which will take place at the end of the programme.

Residents aged 18 and over can apply to take part in the training programme, offered in partnership with Enterprise Cube, between January and March next year. It’s delivered through 10 one-day workshops which provide practical help and guidance.

Sonya Thomas, who attended a previous course for help setting up her interior design company, said: “It really was a fantastic course, Paul and Richard who ran the course were incredibly supportive and gave us practical advice and information which was both easy to understand and useful. The course has really boosted my confidence and has helped me get my business set up for success. I know I wouldn’t have got this far if it hadn’t been for all their help.

“The weekly sessions were a great focus for me and I really enjoyed working with other people who were also starting up businesses.

“The graduation day was very inspiring and I left brimming with confidence having met some wonderful people. The feedback I received from the panel was really positive and gave me the encouragement to push on even harder.”

More information: If you are interested, you will need to complete an application form. Contact Andrew Nicholls, Economic Development Officer, on (0118) 974 6018 or [email protected]

Business start-up course Why not join a community forum?

Community forums have been set up in each of the four areas of major development.

These forums are open to all residents who want to find out more about the developments, and have their say on issues such as the community and sporting facilities to be provided or transport and highways matters.

As more and more of the houses, infrastructure and facilities are built, the forums will also increasingly be used to help residents monitor building work to make sure contractors are working at the right times and are keeping to approved planning conditions.

See future community forum dates at:www.wokingham.gov.uk/communityforums

More information:Community and Engagement Manager David Allen at: [email protected]

Winter 201412

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Live Well in Wokingham Borough

All I want for Christmas is…

Christmas can be a difficult time for many. If a loved one has been lost, then the very focus on family life can be painful; Christmas can magnify feelings of isolation or loneliness.

We are urging you to look out for behaviour that could show someone is under pressure or in need of help.

Our Public Health Team has also put together an easy threepoint plan to help protect mental wellbeing for those of usoverwhelmed in the run up to Christmas.

P Don’t be afraid to give and accept support – being available for others if they need it should encourage them to be there for you too

P Make time for family and friends

P Know who you are: keep in mind what makes you happy and learn to accept what you can and cannot change about yourself

Older people who live alone are also more likely to become isolated in the winter. During this period there are just over 24,000 avoidable deaths each year in England and Wales. With a little effort, this is something we can all work to reverse. By signing up to Wokingham Winter Friends, a scheme run in partnership with Optalis, The Link Visiting Scheme, Wokingham Volunteer Centre and our Public Health Team, you can pledge to look in on your friend, family member or neighbour.

How to make a pledge

To make a pledge or to get more information email: [email protected] or call: 07766 214 886.

Winter Wellbeing

Winter 2014 13

10 ways to be a winter friend 1. Introduce yourself and get to know your winter friend 2. Speak clearly 3. Put the kettle on 4. Help with shopping 5. Give them a lift 6. Help with household tasks 7. Take them a meal 8. Get them moving 9. Check they’re warm enough 10. Watch out for signs of illness

Winter 201414

Are you eligible for a free health check?

If you are aged between 40 and 74 you are likely to be eligible for a free NHS Health Check. It takes just 30 minutes and could help you reduce the risks of kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, stroke or dementia.

Diane Farmer, Public Health Projects Officer, said: “The good news is these conditions can often be prevented even if there’s family history of them. A free NHS Health Check will help you take the steps you need to take to maintain or improve your lifestyle.”

Wokingham Borough Council and your local GP are sending out invites for the NHS Health Check. If you are in the target age group you will receive one, either this year, or in the next couple of years.

Martyn’s Story:Martyn from Shinfield received his invitation for his free NHS Health Check through the post in the summer, and he took it up at a local pharmacy. He said: “I was really surprised that I could have the NHS Health Check at a pharmacy. This proved far more convenient for me, as I was able to pop out during my lunch hour, just a short trip around the corner rather than making an appointment at my GP surgery, when I know they’re so busy there.”

All pharmacies operating the NHS Health Check have a private consultation room providing a confidential quiet space to have the appointment.

Martyn said: “I suffer from ‘white coat syndrome’ - a fear of doctors! I only have to see medical paraphernalia like a blood pressure machine and my blood pressure literally goes through the roof! However, the pharmacist was brilliant. She took two readings, and used the second one which showed a more accurate picture as I’d had time to calm down. The cholesterol test was a pin-prick test, so that was easy. I was weighed and my height was measured to calculate my Body Mass Index (BMI). The pharmacist was then able to explain what my BMI meant in terms of risks, what was normal, and the things I should be aiming for.

“Although I’m rarely ill, and I try to keep myself relatively fit, I felt the health check would be a good way to understand long-term risks to my health. There is a strong family history of diabetes. I have a sweet tooth, so it was good to look at my behaviours and discuss whether any changes were necessary.

“I was guided through a questionnaire that allowed me to explain my family’s medical history and to talk about the things I do that may contribute to increased risks. We talked about exercise, how much I drink and about my diet in general.

“It was a very positive experience: I feel more confident about my health and I’m far more aware of where I should be making changes, and how to go about these. I went straight back to work and encouraged my colleagues to get one.”

If you are looking to make a change to your lifestyle, or focus on your wellbeing this New Year, then the free NHS Health Check could be just the motivation you need.

Live Well in Wokingham Borough

Winter 2014 15

Are you eligible for a free health check?

R Checklist

There are a wide choice of venues in the Wokingham Borough to have your check including pharmacies, community locations, and the mobile health bus.

Please speak to your GP surgery, local pharmacy or contact our Public Health Team on (0118) 908 8195 for more details.

In the meantime you could visit Wokingham Information Network at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/win to search for healthy activities happening in your community.

There is so much on offer, including a Health Walk around Dinton Pastures lake every Tuesday during January at 10am and over 50s Latino dancing every Wednesday in February between 7pm and 8pm at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre.

What is the NHS Health Check?• It’s a conversation about a person’s lifestyle and family medical history and includes measuring cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and height• The health check provides people with an indication of their personal risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes • Participants are given an overall score showing their risk of developing heart disease• Advice is given and referrals made if the risk is high

Live Well in Wokingham Borough

Quotes from people who have had their NHS Health Check

“Very pleased. I attended as the check revealed I have atrial fibrillation. Subsequent to the check an ECG confirmed this. Medication has been prescribed and an appointment for an echocardiogram is in the pipeline to be arranged. Many thanks.”

“This is a great opportunity to get checked

out. The length of time taken to see a

doctor is far too long and puts people off

from going, so this is a great way to know

if you’re in good health or not.”

“Coming here and speaking to staff has really motivated me in changing my lifestyle.”

Winter 201416

If you are in one of the ‘at risk groups’ or eligible for the flu vaccination but haven’t already taken up the offer, it’s not too late.

Flu is a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very suddenly. Healthy individuals usually recover in two to seven days but for some, the disease can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.

If you’re part of a high risk group, you are eligible for the free flu vaccine. Even if your long-term condition, such as asthma or diabetes is well managed, it’s still important to take up your free vaccination.

Pregnant WomenThose considered most at risk and in need of the vaccine, include pregnant women who can suffer because of flu from serious complications such as pneumonia, miscarriage or having a baby too soon.

Vikki Rimmer from Wokingham experienced full-blown flu in the seventh month of her pregnancy. She said: “I began to feel unwell. I was shivery and had a severe headache. I took two paracetamols and went to bed. I ended up staying in bed for more than a week with extreme flu symptoms. I was too fatigued to get up, and do the smallest thing. Making myself a drink, exhausted me.

“My midwife visited me at home and explained flu can be more severe when you’re pregnant and can cause serious consequences for mother and baby. She explained that a pregnant woman’s immune system is compromised and it takes longer to get better. I have to admit I was frightened, but the midwife gave me some good advice; such as drinking plenty of hot fluids and resting. I was lucky the flu shifted, but it did take me four weeks to feel normal again. I wish I’d had the flu vaccination, it was a worrying time for me and my partner.”

VaccinationIf you suffer from heart problems, a chest complaint or breathing difficulties including bronchitis or emphysema, kidney or liver disease, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment), if you have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack, a neurological condition such as Multiple Sclerosis or cerebral palsy, or a problem with your spleen (for example sickle cell disease) then it’s important that you get the flu vaccination.

Children aged two to four and the over-65s can get the vaccination from their GP surgery. Carers and those aged between 18 and 65 with long term conditions can go to a pharmacy or GP for the vaccination. Fluenz Tetra, the flu vaccination, does contain porcine gelatine and there is no alternative. However there is broad acceptance from faith groups. The current briefing regarding porcine gelatine from PHE can be found at www.gov.uk/government/news/vaccines-and-gela-tine-phe-response.

Local Pharmacies where you can get the flu vaccination:• BootsUnit 2, Asda Mall, Lower Earley40 Market Place, Wokingham 89-91 Crockhamwell Road, Woodley

• Day Lewis Rankin Pharmacy15 Maiden Lane Centre, Lower Earley19 London Road, Twyford1 -2 Loddon Vale, Hurricane Way, Woodley

• Fields Pharmacy1A Longfield Rd, Twyford

• Finchampstead PharmacyFinchampstead Surgery, 474-478 Finchampstead Road

• Jats Pharmacy422A Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead

• Lloyds Pharmacy48 Victoria Road, WargraveUnit 1 & 2 Library Parade, Woodley

• MorrisonsWoosehill Court, Wokingham

• Newdays1 London Road, Twyford

• Tesco PharmacyFinchampstead Road, Wokingham

• Wokingham Pharmacy33 Broad Street, Town Centre, Wokingham

Vaccination: Who is eligible?

• Those aged 65 and over • Those aged six months to 64 years with a long-term health condition • Pregnant women • All 2, 3 and 4-year-olds • Those in long-stay residential care homes • Carers • A health worker with direct patient contact • Social worker

Live Well in Wokingham Borough

A shot worth having

Winter 2014 17

The Mayor hosted a business to third sector networking event earlier this year, which led to a collaboration between Forest Design, a pupil-run business at The Forest School and Berkshire Local Nature Partnership (LNP).

The LNP asked if Forest Design could design a poster explaining the environment of Berkshire ‘at-a-glance’ that could be used as an education tool.

The students, who work on posters and flyer designs using computer-aided-design for both internal and external clients, were pleased to assist.

Carol Ryall, Communications and Enterprise Manager at the school, said: “We put them in touch with Forest Design, and it’s then left to the students to contact the client and progress it and agree a price. This way, students learn real life business skills.”

Year 10 students Sam Hensley-Book and Harrison Bradshaw worked on the poster. Sam said: “I do Forest Design because it’s really good for my CV. I learn new skills with every project I do.”

Harrison added: “I am working for Forest Design to help me complete the skills aspect of my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.”

Annie English, Berkshire Local Nature Partnership Officer, said: “The poster is great. It helps us to communicate the benefits that the natural environment provides our community (clear air, water, shade and space to exercise to name a few), along with the challenges that we will all face in protecting these benefits for the future.”

More information:• www.forest.wokingham.sch.uk/Forest-Design • www.Berkshirelnp.org

Forest studentsdesign green aidStudents at The Forest School in Winnersh created this environmental poster (below) thanks to our Borough Mayor Cllr UllaKarin Clark.

The original applications were withdrawn in December last yearto give us time to make changes to the designs in response to your comments.

This next phase (subject to planning permission) would see the remainder of Peach Place demolished and re-built, replacing the1960s concrete colonnade with an improved range of shops, residential properties and a new pedestrianised public square.

Wokingham continues to bucknational trends with an incrediblylow number of vacant units in thetown centre. In the past year, severalnew shops have opened includingthe Grape Escape and a new artisanbutchers, Stefans, on Denmark Street.

Our plans for Peach Place supportthis, as we would build retail units to attract a better mix of shops concentrating on the independentand niche retail, offering somethingdifferent to larger neighbouring towns. The new public square wouldalso offer space for relaxation as wellas the ability to potentially expand the localmarket and host special events – all of which would encouragemore people to visit.

Next steps for Elms Field and Carnival Pool sitePlans for the remaining phases at Elms Field and the Carnival Pool site are also progressing well. We’re looking at a range of options including increasing the amount of open green space, retaining more mature trees and bringing in a stronger leisure and cultural element to the town centre.

We’ve also launched a new regeneration microsite and social media platforms to keep you up-to-date with all the latest news, including details on the planning application and more information about the project. Details about future consultation events will also be available next year.

More information:• www.regenerationcompany.co.uk • @RegenCompany*correct at time of going to press

Our bright futureWinter 201418

“During the past year, we’ve been busy looking in detail at comments received on our original proposals. Our designs now include more varied roof lines along Peach Street, more regular window patterns, and also include more traditional elements in the designs along Rose Street to reflect the existing buildings. The new proposals also retain the Redan, Haka and M&S buildings to help create the desired variety along Peach Street.

“We’ll carry out further consultation on the Elms Field and Carnival Pool site proposals in 2015 to make sure the right facilities are delivered to support a rapidly growing town.”

Cllr Philip Mirfin, Executive Member for Regeneration and Communities

Executive view

The regeneration of Wokingham town centre is set to take a major step forward this month as we re-submit the Peach Place planning application.*

What’s on this winter…..…in your local libraryNew Year, new you!If you’re looking for something different to do in the New Year, why not join one of our library clubs? They offer a range of activities including knitting, crochet, beading, crafts, bridge, cribbage and board games. Wokingham, Woodley and Twyford libraries also run Reminiscence Clubs where people meet to discuss times gone by.

Most libraries now have their own book groups.

February 4Women of AdventureDressmaker and costume historian Meredith Towne explores the expanses of the Arabian Desert and the necessity of a decent frock when travelling. Wokingham Library, 2pm. Cost £5, please call (0118) 978 1368 to book your place.

Half term - February 16 to 20

It’s all about adventure with books on display, and adventure activities all week. Contact your local library to find out more.

Islamic ArtApply a wide-range of Islamic floral patterns on cards with water or Gouache colours. Cost £7.50 per session. Please contact individual libraries to book a place.

February 5, 12, 26 and March 5Lower Earley Library 10am to 1pm

February 28Wokingham Library 10am to 1pm

March 14Woodley Library 10am to 1pm

Christmas reading challengeDid your children take part in the Mythical Maze this summer and enjoyed the reading challenge? If not, don’t worry, you have another chance to take part in our Christmas mini-challenge running atall Wokingham Borough libraries from December 12 to January 6.

Just borrow and read three books and enter our mega-book prize draw. Just drop into your local library and get reading.

More information:• www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/ events• www.facebook.com/wokingham boroughlibraries •@WBC_Libraries

With so much going on for everyone, be sure to check out our website for a full listing of what’s going on and around the Borough.

www.wokingham.gov.uk/events

Winter 2014 19

Garden waste renewalsIf you want to carry on using the brown-wheeled bin garden waste service from April, you must renew your subscription (£60).

For those of you wishing to renew, we will contact you directly in the spring. To register for 2015/16 visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/gardenonline from March 1, 2015.

You can also buy 75-litre compostable sacks for £1 each and we’ll collect them.

You can now buy them at even more places across the Borough including council offices and libraries.

www.wokingham.gov.uk/rubbish

Blue bags coming in the new yearWatch out for your 80 blue household waste bags for 2015/16 which will be delivered before March 31. These should last you for 12 months.

If you’re a larger household of five or more and you’ve already registered, you don’t need to do anything, your extra bags will automatically arrive by the end of July. If you haven’t registered, please email: [email protected] or call (0118) 974 6000.

Kerbside recycling information

P Yes please – Food tins; drinks cans; paper and card; plastic bottles (no lids) and aerosols

O No thanks – Glass; food tubs, trays and pots; Tetra Pak and plastic bags*

*Your recycling may be left if you include any of these items.

If you need a new or replacement black recycling box, please get in touch via the website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/rubbish

Don’t forget, Christmas waste and recycling information on the back page of Wokingham Borough News

Christmas CarolsThis year’s annual carol concert hosted by the Borough Mayor takes place at St Paul’s Church, Wokingham on Friday December 19 from 4pm rather than at the Civic Offices, Shute End. You are very welcome to join the Mayor Cllr UllaKarin Clark and Berkshire Maestros South Youth Brass Band to sing in the festive period with some Christmas favourites.

(0118) 974 6004

Winter 201420

People in Gorse Ride lead the way

The Gorse Ride Community Forum is open to all local people and will be looking at five key areas, chosen by the forum members themselves. These are: housing, education, young people, transport and anti-social behaviour.

Forum sessions are led by Jim McGrath, a community development expert.

At a recent forum, Jim discussed the project with some of those taking part.

Jim said: “This is new as we are working with local people from the start. We are galvanising the energy of people in Gorse Ride in order to give them a voice. How does that feel to members?”

Steve Bowers said: “I think it is great that we are getting people together, but I do think it needs to be focussed on outcomes – we do need to know what is going to be done.”

Jim said: “That’s right. This is about the Council and other organisations taking accountability and, following discussions here, they will be coming back with real action. There needs to be an understanding that not everybody will like every decision, but the key will be that local people will have a real voice in decisions.”

Georgia McEnoy-Denham (one of the young forum members) said: “It is good to bring a range of people together because I hear about issues that I would not have considered before.

“Younger people can raise our issues but we also hear about things that affect other residents.”

Jim said: “I think that’s an important point because we cannot look at things in isolation – all the five themes are linked. Public transport affects young people’s ability to access education and also social activities as well as affecting older people. One of the benefits of the forums is to bring people together in an open, friendly environment and so I’d like to know whether people feel comfortable speaking at these forums?”

Phyllis Franks said: “As one of the older members, I do feel I can have a say but there may be times when people don’t want to speak in front of the whole group.”

Jim said: “It is important that we use different techniques at the forums to make sure everybody has a say. We have smaller group discussions and, if somebody does not want to ask a question in front of everybody, it can be asked on their behalf.”

The Gorse Ride Community Forum meets monthly (generally at Gorse Ride Junior School).

More information:Contact Community Development Manager Rachel Bond on (0118) 974 6311.

People in Gorse Ride are coming together to tackle the big issues affecting their lives in a project, being led from the ground up.

Local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups pool their existing funding to provide more integrated, joined-up services. The fund covers a range of health and care related services supporting people at risk in the community, reduce hospital and care home admissions and help people to be discharged smoothly and safely from hospital. The Better Care Fund is part of the Care Act reforms too.

We’re embracing integrated working and are already making the principles of the Better Care Fund a reality by bringing together health and social care to simplify access to services and improve outcomes for local people.

By asking frontline staff to bring their expertise and ideas to the table, Wokingham Integrated Social Care and Health (WISH -pictured below) was born, drawing on the expertise of three teams - Health Liaison, Intermediate Care and Short-Term Assessment and Re-ablement.

The project was partly driven by staff’s frustrations by working apart, combined with the experiences of those who use the services, who were referred to different staff across a number of locations. This meant our customers spent too much time trying to find the right way to access services by different routes.

The first step was to move the teams under one roof at the Old Forge in Wokingham, near to the Health Hub, making working together more seamless and helping to pool resources.

Already patients are benefiting including fewer steps in the various processes, along with a vast reduction in the number of phone calls needed.

More information:Call 0300 365 1234

Winter 2014 21

Embracing integrated

The Better Care Fund is part of a national shift in the way local authorities work to support elderly and vulnerable people in their communities.

Changing the way we charge for adult social care – thanks for your thoughtsThanks to everyone who gave their views during the recent consultation on the way we charge for adult social care services.

Some non-residential social care services are currently subsidised and others are provided at full cost, meaning the level of contributions is inconsistent among those who need to pay for their services. During an eight-week period, we asked for your thoughts on charging for non-residential care including day care services in day centres, respite care and meals on wheels.

Under the proposed changes, everyone who receives ongoing social care services would have a financial assessment. We aren’t proposing to change financial assessments and would continue to carry them out under the Fairer Charging guidance.

Consultation feedback is due to be considered by our Executive next month (January). Any changes agreed would not take effect until next April and people who use the service would be informed before this date.

www.wokingham.gov.uk/careact

care

The foundations of the new block have been dug and laid, piling put in, and work to create the three-storey building is starting. It’s due to be finished in spring.

The new purpose-built block, containing 12 classrooms and ancillary space, will replace tired and temporary teaching rooms.It will create more opportunities for an active, creative and collaborative teaching and learning environment.

Lucy Fyfe, Head of English, said: “We’re a big department, so for the first time we will be working together in one area. It’s very exciting for us all.”

A-level language and literature student Emily Heath will be one of the students to benefit from the new building. “I’m looking forward to having a brand new space to learn in,” she said.

GCSE English student Simeon Titus agreed. “It will be great having bigger classrooms.”

Headteacher Nigel Matthias says he is positive about the benefits all current building work on campus will bring. We are also investing in a £500,000 roof upgrade, and new £60,000 energy efficient boilers.

The aim of this work is to help it continue on its journey as a good and improving school. We announced two years ago the school would be staying on its current site in Emmbrook Road, Wokingham.

Winter 201422

New chapter in Emmbrook School’s future

Top results for students and schoolsCongratulations to students of all ages across the

Borough, and their teachers, who have worked

hard this year, as seen in the 2014 provisional results.

The number of pupils attaining five GCSEs at grades A*to C, including English and maths increased to 72.9% - the highest our schools have

so far achieved. Our A-level pass rate increased

slightly to 99.1%; nationally it dropped to 98%.

Even though the number of students achieving

A* to C grades this year fell to 79.8% from 81.6%

in 2013, we are still well above the national 76.7%.

Students and staff celebrating The Emmbrook School’s 50th anniversary this year, are excited our construction of their new £2million English block is well underway.

Each year, the Borough Mayor chooses a charity to support for their term of office. This year, Cllr UllaKarin Clark is setting up a fund, in association with local charity More Arts, to support and mentor deserving teenagers in the Borough who are showing an aptitude for the arts but don’t have the resources or opportunities to reach their potential.

The Mayor and More Arts are searching for a potential star and if you are aged between 14 and 19, live in Wokingham Borough and sing, dance, paint, play, photograph, sculpt, write or perform then the Borough Mayor wants to hear from you!

Applications need to be received by December 31, and auditions will be held around the Borough in February half-term with the finals and showcase of art being held during next Easter holidays.

The Cultural Partnership: More Arts is a local independent arts development charity that champions all arts forms, and was created to empower and deliver more arts cultural activities and experiences at the local level, for the benefit of all.

More information and application forms available from:• [email protected]• www.wokingham.gov.uk/Mayor• (0118) 974 6004• @WBCMayor

Winter 2014 23

Mayor’s search for a talented teen

Borough Mayor Cllr UllaKarin Clark

We are recruiting foster carers who have experience of caring for or working with children and can give family homes to children aged 8 to 17 who may have some disability or have had difficult early life experiences.

You would be supported by our professional staff as well as those in the children’s schools.

You must have a spare room, be over 25 and your own children, if you have them, are over 16.

In return we offer a retainer of £490 per week, plus child allowance up to £242.08 per week when a child is placed, therapeutic training and consultation, ongoing support, as well as the chance to study for vocational (QCF) and professional qualifications.

More information:• [email protected]• (0118) 974 6204• www.wokingham.gov.uk/specialist

Have you considered fostering as a career?

“A happy and fulfilling school life is vitally important. Good results open the doors to children’s futures.

“Schools are also where their talents are nurtured and developed by dedicated teachers, to help them reach their full potential and become successful adults.

“Providing loving and stable home lives for our children is equally crucial. But some children don’t have a warm, safe and caring home environment. You could give them this, so please consider becoming a specialist foster carer and make caring for children your career.”

Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, Executive Member for Children’s Services

Executive view

Winter 201424

Executive viewCllr Julian McGhee-Sumner, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing

“Our older population is growing and people are living longer. So we must prepare for the extra demand this will place on our services. We want to be able to increase accommodation choices and independence for older people who don’t

want to go down the route of traditional residential care. This scheme will do just that, and goes a long way to offering local people a choice in how and where they want to live.”

New ‘Fosters’ going wellWith planning permission now granted for the new ‘Fosters’ £5million extra care housing scheme in Woodley, work has been busy behind the scenes moving things along.

Along with Optalis and Wokingham Housing Ltd, we’ve been working with expert designers to create the specialist interiors needed for the 34 self-contained flats the older residents will call home.

We’ve also been running a tender process to select a contractor to build the scheme, replacing the former Fosters Care Home on that site, and we plan to start construction next spring.

The flats will have either a private balcony or ground floor terrace. There will also be communal facilities including a lounge and dining room, as well as a specialist dementia service.

Extra care housing allows older people to live independently in their own home, with the added reassurance of additional facilities and care staff if needed.

Eustace Crescent updateDemolition of Eustace Crescent in Wokingham is going well, and the site has been levelled and cleared of the 1960s blocks.

The planning application for the 68 new homes was approved last month (November), and Wokingham Housing Ltd will take control of the site to start construction.

The legal process to rename the development Phoenix Avenue has started.

£1.5million homes for vulnerable people Thanks to £1.5million investment from us and the Home and Communities Agency, a new housing scheme for people with learning and physical disabilities in Shinfield is now fully occupied.

Built on a former mobile homes site at Hillside Park, the scheme offers comfortable and safe new flats for nine people with learning and physical disabilities, as well as one which can be used by carers, and two bungalows for older people. It’s the first scheme to be built by our housing company - Wokingham Housing Ltd - and allows residents to live as independently as possible.

Residents are supported by care workers from our social care company Optalis.

During the past three years improvements including a new play park, an activity centre and refurbished café have seen the country park popularity grow and grow.

The café has seen an increase in turnover of 67% in four years, and the activity centre turnover has increased by 53% in three years.

More and more people are visiting the park, and it was recently awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Despite the popularity of the country park, the number of golfers using Hurst Golf Course (situated within the country park) has reduced following reconfiguration of some of the holes for safety reasons. Many golfers moved to more competitive courses leaving the course running at a financial loss. Regrettably we have decided to close it.

We are now looking at the introduction of a number of different activities on the site that will complement the offer currently available at the Dinton Activity Centre, including Footgolf, Triathlon, mountain biking , volley ball, archery and Segways. We are also hoping to improve pedestrian access into the country park and picnicking and event opportunities.

We will be holding full consultation on our proposals, please keep an eye on our website for updates on how to get involved.

Winter 2014 25

Broadening the range of activities in our country parksBroadening the range of activities at Dinton Pastures in Hurst for all to enjoy is key to the vision for our country parks.

Chance to recover

Due to the popularity of the new play area at Dinton Pastures, which caused some wear and tear, we need to re-sow grass seeds in certain areas and do some work to the willow tunnels. This means that sections of the play park will be closed whilst work is carried out. It will fully open in the Easter holidays in April.

We’re also exploring the options to invest in additional features; such as artificial grass, cargo nets on the mounds, as well as other modifications; that will not only prevent lengthy closures in the future, but provide children and young people even more exciting challenges.

We understand you may be disappointed but winter is the best time of year to do this. The rest of the country park remains open and visitors can enjoy a range of events on offer at the activity centre, walking, and great food; as well as observe wildlife.

And, don’t forget there’s a wonderful play park at California Country Park off Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead.

More information:www.wokingham.gov.uk/parks/countryside

California tastebuds

Why not visit California Country Park in Finchampstead and check out the new restaurant?

It’s open from 6pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Saturday and serves food with locally sourced ingredients along with locally brewed pale ales and stouts. The café is also open daily during the winter period from 9am to 4pm (roast dinners available on Sundays between noon and 4pm) and offers a varied menu from light refreshments to meals.

More information:www.facebook.com/jacksonscalifornialake

Winter 201426

Tell us what you think

Winter 2014 27

Neighbourhood plans are providing communities with an opportunity to work together to decide how their local area should develop and grow.

Plans must mirror the spirit of the policies of the Wokingham Borough Local Plan for their area and national planning policy, but people can make them more relevant to the local area.

In Wokingham Borough, Shinfield Parish and Remenham Parish are producing their own Neighbourhood Plans while Arborfield & Newland Parish and Barkham Parish have teamed up to produce their plan.

As a first step, an application must be submitted to us to designate a Neighbourhood Area. This means setting out on a map what geographical area the plan will cover. Following this, local residents can work together (with our support) to build up an idea of their priorities and concerns and then put together a draft Neighbourhood Plan with policies that reflect local concerns.

When a draft Neighbourhood Plan is produced it must be submitted for formal

examination in front of an independent examiner. If the Plan meets a set of basic conditions, it will then be the subject of a local referendum. If the referendum agrees to the Plan, we will then adopt it as part of the Local Plan for the area.

More information:We have a designated Neighbourhood Planning Officer, Rebecca Bird, who is able to support parish councils to produce a plan. Anybody interested in one of the local plans being designed or in creating one in another area can contact Rebecca at [email protected] or call (0118) 974 6456.

More information on neighbourhood planning including FAQs can be found at: www.gov.uk by searching for ‘giving communities more power in planning local development’.

Communities working together

Gearing up for winter…The most-used roads in the Borough are part of a primary salting network. This means they will be routinely gritted when it freezes.

A secondary network is made up of additional roads that are gritted during periods of extended severe weather.

We have five gritting lorries, which can also have snow ploughs fitted. And at times of extreme weather some 20 members of staff are on-call to grit the roads. This can take up to three hours for all the primary routes and a further two for all secondary zones.

Pre-gritting and snow clearance of the primary routes is carried out based on information received from the weather forecasting service. We concentrate on keeping primary and secondary routes – which make up more than 200 miles of road – as safe as possible. Other routes will be treated and the Borough’s 45 salt bins replenished once these routes have been cleared.

Details of the primary and secondary routes are available in our winter service plan, available on our website.

News of any road or school closures will also be posted on our website.

More information:• www.wokingham.gov.uk/news• www.wokingham.gov.uk/winter •@WokinghamBC • www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

»www.wokingham.gov.uk/rubbish

Waste and recycling collections - Christmas and New Year 2015/16

Normal Collection Day* Will Be Collected On DelayMonday December 22 Monday December 22 No changeTuesday December 23 Tuesday December 23 No changeWednesday December 24 Wednesday December 24 No changeThursday December 25 Saturday December 27 2 daysFriday December 26 Monday December 29 3 daysMonday December 29 Tuesday December 30 1 dayTuesday December 30 Wednesday December 31 1 dayWednesday December 31 Friday January 2, 2015 2 daysThursday January 1, 2015 Saturday January 3, 2015 2 daysFriday January 2, 2015 Monday January 5, 2015 3 daysMonday January 5, 2015 Tuesday January 6, 2015 1 dayTuesday January 6, 2015 Wednesday January 7, 2015 1 dayWednesday January 7, 2015 Thursday January 8, 2015 1 dayThursday January 8, 2015 Friday January 9, 2015 1 dayFriday January 9, 2015 Saturday January 10, 2015 1 day

Waste, recycling and green waste collections