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News Archive - Week Beginning 8th Feb 2009

Beer

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) 2009 Ale Trail in Reading began on Friday, February 13th - with a free ticket to the Reading Beer and Cider festival (which runs from Thursday, April 30th to Sunday, May 3rd) for all those who visit the 24 pubs on the trail. There are three RG4 pubs taking part - the Baron Cadogan in Prospect Street, the Black Horse in Kidmore Road and the Crown on the Bridge on Caversham's Bridge Street. (Reading Evening Post 13/02/09 p19)

Bridges

Emergency repairs to the southbound (town bound) carriageway of Caversham Bridge on Thursday, February 12th led to long traffic tailbacks on surrounding roads, as workmen filled in potholes formed during the recent freezing weather. The bridge was being dug up outside the Crown on the Bridge pub, with temporary traffic lights in place. (Reading Evening Post 13/02/09 p5)

Buses

A letter from Reading Buses CEO James Freeman refers to the proposed changes to bus services in Emmer Green (the replacement of the 137 and 138 services by a single new service, the Route 2, and the resultant curtailment of bus services to Kiln Road, Marchwood Avenue and Tower Close). In response to local protest, Mr Freeman says "it is very unlikely ... ... people affected will be left without a bus service." (Reading Evening Post 12/02/09 p6)

Environment

A letter from a Greystoke Road resident urges Caversham householders to protest against the proposed development of a third runway at Heathrow, which the writer argues will lead to more noise and air pollution. Suggested methods of protest including joining the pressure group Hacan Clear Skies (website) or else writing to local MP Rob Wilson on the issue. (Reading Evening Post 11/02/09 p6)

Details of Reading's 21 'smoke control areas' - the 62% of the RBC area where the burning of 'smoky' coal or wood by residents is illegal - are described in a feature. Low-lying areas of Caversham are covered by the ban, and householders face a possible fine of £1,000 for burning smoky fuels there. A full list of the Reading smoke control areas is available via this link, together with a listing of the roads affected. (Reading Chronicle 12/02/09 p16)

Recycling

A campaign by local Conservative councillors has resulted in glass recycling bottle banks being installed in the car park behind St Martin's Precinct. The placing of the bottle banks is seen as a victory after two years of campaigning. (Reading Evening Post 09/02/09 p8)

Planning

The RBC Planning Committee has deferred a decision on a planning application (described as 'controversial') from Caversham Lawn Tennis Club to put in floodlights on two of its tennis courts as well as install a new boundary fence. Neighbours of the club in Queensborough Drive have sent the Council nearly 20 letters objecting to the plan, citing concerns about light pollution and a potential increase in noise from training sessions. (Reading Chronicle 12/02/09 p14)

The 'Chronicle' reports that the number of planning applications in Reading in January and December dropped by 27% compared to the same period last year - reversing a year-on-year increase. RBC planning manager David Breeze told members of the Council's planning committee last Wednesday, February 11th "there is a definite slow down of activity". (Reading Chronicle 12/02/09 p3)

Public Health

The 'Evening Post' publishes a rather unpleasant map showing Reading's 'rat hotspots' - where rats are most in evidence in the town. The map was compiled using RBC data obtained by the 'Post' under the Freedom of Information act - in Caversham, there have been complaints about rats in Church Street. Council spokesman Oscar Mortali said "Reading does not have a greater or larger problem with rats than any other comparable authority". (Reading Evening Post 10/02/09 pp1, 4, Reading Evening Post 13/02/09 p9)

Shops

Under the headline "Campaign to keep M&S gathers pace", the 'Chronicle' reports on its campaign to keep the Marks & Spencer 'Simply Food' branch in St Martin's Precinct open. The store is scheduled to close on March 12th, as part of a national package of M&S shop closures. (Reading Chronicle 12/02/09 p8)