Current News
- Week Beginning 18th July

Arts - Caversham

The activities of Theatretrain Reading, which is based at the Hill School in the Peppard Road and which concentrates on learning skills in the performing arts, is described in the context of an excursion by more than 50 of its members to the London Palladium to gain an insight into the life of a theatre-related professional. Theatretrain can be contacted via email. (Reading Post 21/07/10 p28)

Crime

Thieves who stole three pieces of African artwork from the Oxfam charity shop on Prospect Street on Tuesday, June 15th have returned the paintings to the shop, leaving them on the doorstep. Photos of the paintings had been published in the 'Chronicle' - making it harder for the artwork to be sold on. (Reading Chronicle 22/07/10 p9)

A team of police in conjunction with RBC Trading Standards officers are reported to have recently toured Caversham in a joint operation to mark 'National Rogue Traders Week'. Although the issue is said not to be a major problem in the local area, there have been a couple of recent incidents in RG4 whereby opportunist 'cowboy' workmen have targeted unsuspecting residents. The RBC publishes a list of reputable local contractors - available at here. (Get Reading 23/07/10 p25)

Environment

The RBC is to merge its environment liaison officer and warden teams after recognising what is described as 'a costly overlap in their roles' with regards tackling graffiti and fly-tipping in Reading. An earlier RBC survey, which attracted more than 1,000 responses, showed that environmental crime is the top priority issue for people living in the town. (Reading Post 21/07/10 p6)

Planning

Following recommendations made in a report from planning officers to the RBC planning applications committee last Wednesday, Reading councillors have refused to grant planning permission to a block of 11 two-bedroom flats built in Queens Road, Caversham. The block is on the site of the demolished Golden Keys pub, which had been built in breach of its planning consent. The developers Ardgowan Homes had, in the words of the report, created an 'unlawful' development because 'it differs materially from that which was approved'. (Get Reading 23/07/10 p6)

Public Order

The 'Chronicle' runs as its lead story (billed as an 'exclusive') details of antagonism between 'aggressive' cyclists and local residents on the Caversham stretch of the Thames towpath, between the Caversham and Reading bridges - leading to police intervention. The 2m-wide path is not a cycle route, despite a 2007 bid to make it one, but most of it is classified as public highway - a right of way. The Environment Agency is said to warn: 'riverside paths aren't suitable for cycling fast - if you are in a hurry, use an alternative route'. (Reading Chronicle 22/07/10 p1)

Roads

The RBC is set to fine drivers for 'inconsiderate' parking on pavements and grass verges to make up for a drop in fines income. It has warned drivers that a controlled parking zone could be created which would give traffic wardens new powers to issue fines, and there is expected to be an initial period when drivers parking illegally in Emmer Green and Caversham will be warned before fines are issued. (BBC 20/07/10)

The annual major road resurfacing programme starts in Reading on Monday, July 26th - and will last for six weeks. Roads affected include Peppard Road from Prospect Street to Surley Row and from Courtenay Drive to Kidmore End Road. (Get Reading 23/07/10 p11)

Schools

Six teaching unions have launched a campaign in Reading ('Fighting Academies In Reading' - FAIR) urging schools not to sign up to become academies under proposals by the new coalition government. Four schools in Reading, including Highdown, have registered an interest in becoming an academy. Despite Highdown's governing body passing a resolution to move closer to becoming an academy the unions claim that large numbers of staff are opposed to the scheme at the school. (Get Reading 23/07/10 p4)

The headteacher of Highdown School, Tim Royle, is reported to be one of just two Reading headteachers earning over £100,000, according to 'Get Reading (Get Reading 23/07/10)

A £1m planned expansion of the Thameside Primary School in Harley Road has been postponed by the RBC because of budget cuts. The new Council administration has said that although the expansion, scheduled for 2011-2014, is a "priority scheme" the school will not get the promised money until the financial situation is clearer. (Reading Chronicle 22/07/10 p26)

Senior Citizens

Mayor of Reading Cllr Gul Khan opened the Albert Road Day Centre annual summer fete on Sunday, July 18th - which raised £1,500 for the centre and for the neighbouring Arthur Clarke Home which provides residential care for the elderly. The event was organised by the Friends of Albert Road Day Centre and the money raised will help provide day trips and activities for users and residents of the Caversham facilities. (Get Reading 23/07/10 p5)