Current News
28th February-6th March February

The editors say exactly the same as they did last week: The roads of Reading (like elsewhere) are falling apart. It is common for Councils to blame the winter but note that any recently surfaced or well-maintained roads are fine. Roads that were hitherto poorly maintained are deteriorating rapidly after the snow, but only because they were neglected in the first place. Snow, ice and rain aren't exactly uncommon in winter. The people responsible for the roads have now had their neglect highlighted, albeit by a perfectly predictable cause. That they got away with it for so long is purely chance - just because we've had a few mild winters. The upshot is that we - tax payers - have paid a lot of money to Council staff for them to maintain the infrastructure (roads). They have failed to do their bit, and we've a very poor return for our taxes. Something needs to change - and that includes levels of professional competence.

In the meantime, we strongly suggest cursing Council managers every time you hit a pot hole, and using the 'Fill That Hole' free service to report each and every incidence. (It's not just for cyclists!)

Environment

New RBC bottle banks are to be installed over the next week in Farnham Drive, Caversham and in Buckingham Drive, Emmer Green. (Reading Post 03/03/10 p8)

The Environment Agency has issued a series of Thames river flood warnings following on from recent heavy rain. A lower level flood watch is in place along six stretches of river in the Reading area, including the River Thames from Mapledurham through to Sonning. (Reading Post 03/03/10 p11)

Pubs

In the ‘Reading Post’-sponsored Pubwatch Awards, the Griffin won the award for the best Caversham pub, with the Baron Cadogan receiving a high four-star rating in the the RBC/ TVP / Silver Fox Licensing Consultants ‘Reading Safer Bar’ awards accreditation scheme. (Reading Post 03/03/10 pp21-25)

Roads

The clamping and towing away of motoring journalist James Day’s Alfa Romeo from the Mill Green cul-de-sac in Caversham is reported on by the ‘Post’. It is alleged that the car was towed away by Regional Clamping Services (UK) Ltd despite being legally parked. The behaviour of the clamping firm is detailed by the newspaper – Mr Day was finally charged £425 for getting his car back, and has now launched civil proceedings against the company. Reading East MP Rob Wilson, who was contacted by Mr Day, said: “I have real concerns about the behaviour of some clamping companies…” (Reading Post 03/03/10 p27)

Services

Firefighters from three fire stations were called to Micklands Road to put out a roof fire there on the night of Sunday, 28th February. The house roof suffered major damage, but nobody was injured. (Reading Post 03/03/10 p27)

Traffic

The RBC’s bid for government funding from the Transport Innovation Fund (Tif) is reported by the ‘Chronicle’ to have led to a rethink by the Department of Transport on it policy for congestion charging. The Fund is being renamed the Urban Challenge Fund, which will give funding for projects based on factors like air quality and promoting alternative transport, rather than just road pricing. Although the ‘Chronicle’ says there are reports that the shift could spell the end for Reading’s bid, RBC Labour Councillor and Transport Leader Tony Page said that the decision on Reading’s bid could be pushed back “a few months” but said that its basic elements – a Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) in the town centre with £59m towards public transport projects - would stay the same. (Reading Chronicle 04/03/10 p9)

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has criticised the RBC’s plans for a Low Emissions zone with its £50 charge for polluting lorries using the IDR, saying that it ‘will hit its members hard’. However, RBC Labour Councillor and Transport Leader Tony Page said: “the FTA would be better off encouraging its members who use Reading as a shortcut to stick to the motorway network and not use Reading to rat-run from one motorway to another”. (Reading Chronicle 04/03/10 p9)