tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54609530602116316382024-02-19T11:33:53.860+00:00Aldermaston Ward LibDemsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-27595666573435291982014-03-24T11:00:00.000+00:002014-03-27T17:34:21.719+00:00New Facilities at Midgham StationNetwork Rail has begun their spring work schedule at Midgham station.
Work has included installation of on-platform cycle racks and rows of seats for passengers...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t-A9yGwNt-Jp_2o6N4NIuyPjXmr3I2GjQ-MWaJgNm41i4XZhyphenhyphenOaimXjlXxMZLuPTRmxwOfWROZbKb9BfqGjD6Gd3yaPAJhhA-a6Sixrdp8o9aByV1i7YkMSZpZ1-fZJqjo3OoYqqfri1/s1600/photo+1%281%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XS7-MtkpGVtH9HvY5UnVQ7dNnmnnOBmBfjwxKaMUn35i4ZUlBcoXUaTqJvi0p5GJ8x6ugPMYQN3mNPgVtaLkSRSrEks_OoB2XK5DFmTGc-zEwhM8jv58w3iWLhCF0ag4QD_-jdD-JEpx/s1600/photo+2(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XS7-MtkpGVtH9HvY5UnVQ7dNnmnnOBmBfjwxKaMUn35i4ZUlBcoXUaTqJvi0p5GJ8x6ugPMYQN3mNPgVtaLkSRSrEks_OoB2XK5DFmTGc-zEwhM8jv58w3iWLhCF0ag4QD_-jdD-JEpx/s1600/photo+2(1).JPG" height="163" width="200" /></a></div>
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...as well as
bollards and painting lines for a disabled parking space.<br />
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Sadly there's no sight of <a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/patience-rewarded.html">the new shelter</a> yet.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-88408022357851621222014-03-07T11:00:00.000+00:002014-03-07T11:00:05.436+00:00New Scout Group 1st in AldermastonLast month 1st Aldermaston Scout Group was officially invested by Pang Valley Scouts district commissioner, Simon Pickett.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st Aldermaston Scout Group</td></tr>
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18 Beavers and 19 Cubs have joined the expansion pack which will meet at the Alderbridge Waldorf Steiner School at Aldermaston Wharf on Tuesday evenings.<br />
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They will be joining 7 other packs in the Pang Valley group, among over 10,000 participants in <a href="http://www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/districts.php">130 local Scout groups in 11 scouting districts across Berkshire</a>. Over 500,000 Scouts meet in Britain, as part of more than 30 million involved in the worldwide scouting movement.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pang Valley Backwoods Challenge</td></tr>
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Group member <a href="http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2014/first-scout-group-starts-in-aldermaston">Bruce Jackson explained</a> that growing demand for places in the neighbouring Burghfield pack meant local children were losing the opportunity to develop their potential by having to wait to enrol or travel excessive distances to join other groups.<br />
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He said: "this of course allows more young people to get into the things scouting offers; adventurous activities, nights away, challenges and lots of fun. We're really looking forward to getting out into the great countryside around Aldermaston."<br />
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Meanwhile the group is keen to raise funds to buy equipment to help them develop new skills for the benefit of the community.<br />
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If you can help or are interested in finding out more please contact Suzy Griffiths on 0118 9713441.
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<li>Read more news and stories about <a href="http://www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/scouts_in_action.php?rel=pang_valley">Pang Valley Scouts</a></li>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-51583895955634882672014-02-18T18:02:00.000+00:002014-02-28T18:05:38.347+00:00Network Rail Update on Frouds Lane BridgeMany Aldermaston ward residents will be aware of ongoing <a href="http://www.networkrail.co.uk/greatwesternelectrification/">plans for the electrification of the railway</a> between Reading and Newbury, which involves some serious engineering work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTlhMIA2MQn1zhKoJXXwtQxcdwdGtzb8dD26x9-DlqewOsHoSm-oR8K51J3mLxyFj21n2TVxUpvcUjtySJ9rod4OoilHfmRvqqAwETl5idIXc6EMKSoX9lfS-VfgTFv-nWd5kzhn93UsX/s1600/Frouds+Lane+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTlhMIA2MQn1zhKoJXXwtQxcdwdGtzb8dD26x9-DlqewOsHoSm-oR8K51J3mLxyFj21n2TVxUpvcUjtySJ9rod4OoilHfmRvqqAwETl5idIXc6EMKSoX9lfS-VfgTFv-nWd5kzhn93UsX/s1600/Frouds+Lane+2.JPG" height="168" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frouds Lane bridge and engineering works</td></tr>
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However, the disruption caused to rail and road travel has also become a regular feature of local life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZ28kxt2SKEq_LBvpnS3wtaIt3q2U2XiIs7WQPQ2LFPKRJxKERVFwc6tALUCpwVD6b33lcT-VR45ci0sjisq8VK67BfxAWfBvjPvVr8ZUBaOuRgcK4UCxlyMV8U5fhURtif3HOdgFShve/s1600/Frouds+Lane+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZ28kxt2SKEq_LBvpnS3wtaIt3q2U2XiIs7WQPQ2LFPKRJxKERVFwc6tALUCpwVD6b33lcT-VR45ci0sjisq8VK67BfxAWfBvjPvVr8ZUBaOuRgcK4UCxlyMV8U5fhURtif3HOdgFShve/s1600/Frouds+Lane+3.JPG" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frouds Lane is closed</td></tr>
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So it has been a relief to many to hear the latest progress report from Network Rail on the works.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatnuPk52S47fBljoH31c0mb6TCRkpPUdSLIDyvb0EVQZY_jmbuRX9uotsR3VCbYQ4m5cajj9WzAhz2aMCY4tT-q_rSFOksASSlLCnWS7Yfb-Z6xHRKujX7LUD97TOIM4fiPnNbkM1RWd6/s1600/Frouds+Lane+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatnuPk52S47fBljoH31c0mb6TCRkpPUdSLIDyvb0EVQZY_jmbuRX9uotsR3VCbYQ4m5cajj9WzAhz2aMCY4tT-q_rSFOksASSlLCnWS7Yfb-Z6xHRKujX7LUD97TOIM4fiPnNbkM1RWd6/s1600/Frouds+Lane+1.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Accordingly, NR reports that the final pre-cast bridge units were installed in place over the course of the weekend of 18/19 January, which allowed the concrete bridge deck to be set. This major structural stage was completed on 4th February.</div>
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The next steps are the waterproofing of the deck, followed by installation of the bridge aproaches and stabilisation of the road embankments.</div>
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Many thanks to Carrillion Team for the update - let's hope the work continues successfully apace, so that normality can return and we can enjoy the improvements!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-51933033295878507482014-02-01T11:00:00.000+00:002014-02-20T17:07:26.491+00:00Patience rewarded... It's been a long time coming [<a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.com/2013/04/midgham-station-improvements.html">1</a>, <a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.com/2013/10/midgham-station-update.html">2</a>, <a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.com/2013/10/on-track-with-local-station-manager.html">3</a>], but with thanks to your local Focus team these announcements have finally been posted:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h4V3zmFRN94vbSWh6Lao-KJl7qbtV8H7PU1LC-aUkcvPRR8-ZAQwN7ULYhPciazEouxJrcfnYFGjRSGD_By0bm3hfKYR7hIdXxudnTyyIYMXvkMu50AsbTH7j6HI8Fv97xhmHTbuHraG/s1600/station+announcement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h4V3zmFRN94vbSWh6Lao-KJl7qbtV8H7PU1LC-aUkcvPRR8-ZAQwN7ULYhPciazEouxJrcfnYFGjRSGD_By0bm3hfKYR7hIdXxudnTyyIYMXvkMu50AsbTH7j6HI8Fv97xhmHTbuHraG/s1600/station+announcement.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sadly the recent bad weather has caused a 6-week delay in the building schedule and the new shelter is expected to be in place for April showers... let's hope it's not needed in spring like it has been during winter!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-19827198904363268172014-01-21T11:00:00.000+00:002014-02-28T18:07:47.582+00:00Message from Antony Hook: Europe Means Business<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Antony Hook is a Liberal Democrat </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">MEP Candidate for South East England at the European Elections in May 2014. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">He was the guest speaker at <a href="http://westberkslibdems.org.uk/en/article/2013/753401/lib-dems-49-000-jobs-in-berkshire-depend-on-europe">the Newbury & West Berkshire local party AGM in December</a> when he gave an inspirational speech on the role of the European Union as the guarantor of peace in Europe since the middle of the last century. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPhtAM36d1yYFR_0-0WtKCEeJlQ54lvue6hPVNcshJic3zpQy0YTZYR_047tPMWVBNuUcHGR4gqVKJHqKq7TUbnbykbAAgTs_cYEJM2n6LH0zIjEtXCkpIwa61qSz39EvFoI5JISbijOT/s1600/AGM+-+w+Antony+Hook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPhtAM36d1yYFR_0-0WtKCEeJlQ54lvue6hPVNcshJic3zpQy0YTZYR_047tPMWVBNuUcHGR4gqVKJHqKq7TUbnbykbAAgTs_cYEJM2n6LH0zIjEtXCkpIwa61qSz39EvFoI5JISbijOT/s1600/AGM+-+w+Antony+Hook.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antony Hook with local campaigners</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">He is a long-standing campaigner for a stronger economy and development of a free market across the continent. Here he makes a compelling economic argument for Europe:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">"My ten years as a barrister, prosecuting and defending in the criminal courts, taught me valuable lessons that can apply in politics. One lesson is that to make your case and win you need good evidence. This is it true whether the audience is 12 jurors in court or 6 million voters in this European Election.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Amongst the best evidence you can use is the opinion of recognised experts.</span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I am pleased to tell you that the Liberal Democrat case on Europe is being endorsed by experts left, right and centre.</strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Our case is that being in the EU is vital for economy. It means jobs, trade and prosperity.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">This is what recognised experts in business say:</span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><em>Richard Branson</em></strong><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> – </strong><a href="http://europe4prosperity.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35d3c5ed7f0dffe90f64181f3&id=0a020d7255&e=8fe013beb6" style="background-color: white; color: #095197; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank"><strong>find here</strong></a><br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I spoke to Nick Clegg about the business case for EU membership last week – he is right to say EU withdrawal would leave Britain "isolated and irrelevant in our own backyard" and not "taken seriously".</em><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><em>Roger Carr, President of the CBI – </em></strong><a href="http://europe4prosperity.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=35d3c5ed7f0dffe90f64181f3&id=b80eddc311&e=8fe013beb6" style="background-color: white; color: #095197; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank"><strong><em>find here</em></strong></a><br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">UK membership provides unfettered access to a single market of 500 million people, which today is our largest export customer.... Departure would undermine jobs, dilute international relationships and damage national wealth.</em><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><em>Federation of Small Businesses – </em></strong><a href="http://europe4prosperity.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35d3c5ed7f0dffe90f64181f3&id=06313c7a16&e=8fe013beb6" style="background-color: white; color: #095197; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank"><strong><em>find here</em></strong></a><br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">The internal market offers easy access for first-time exporters with a market of 500 million customers and 23 million businesses on their doorstep. The internal market creates some legal certainty and a level playing field throughout competition rules and many harmonised rules. This means that businesses can save considerable cost when selling to EU countries. </em><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The outcome of this European Election will have a direct effect on our economy for years to come. Nick Clegg spoke about this in </span><a href="http://europe4prosperity.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35d3c5ed7f0dffe90f64181f3&id=30617cb24d&e=8fe013beb6" style="background-color: white; color: #095197; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">his New Year message</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">. Nick said, "The Liberal Democrats are Britain’s Party of In... because being in Europe means jobs, trade and prosperity."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">We must not stand by and let Conservatives & UKIP damage our economy by flirting with withdrawal from the EU. Labour lacks our courage to make the case. </span><a href="http://europe4prosperity.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35d3c5ed7f0dffe90f64181f3&id=78e89bf4bb&e=8fe013beb6" style="background-color: white; color: #095197; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">This leaflet sets out the connection between jobs and Europe</a>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Could you give up something to help your side win this election and to stop the Conservatives and UKIP claiming to be the proper spokespeople for your neighbourhood?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Please donate </span><a href="http://europe4prosperity.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35d3c5ed7f0dffe90f64181f3&id=883d732381&e=8fe013beb6" style="background-color: white; color: #095197; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">online here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> or send a cheque for SE Lib Dems European Fund to Penny Hopkins, 60 Potley Hill Road, Yateley, Hampshire GU46 6AG.</span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">As I travel around the region taking our message to public (yesterday Kent, today Oxford, Guildford later in week) the support and good wishes of all our party members sustains and motivates me. </strong><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Thank you"</strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><a href="http://europe4prosperity.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35d3c5ed7f0dffe90f64181f3&id=7fd018cc85&e=8fe013beb6" style="background-color: white; color: #095197; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">@antonyhook</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><a href="http://europe4prosperity.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35d3c5ed7f0dffe90f64181f3&id=d2fc71fb35&e=8fe013beb6" style="background-color: white; color: #095197; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">@ineurope2014</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-31511715599811606642014-01-04T19:04:00.000+00:002014-01-09T13:38:02.141+00:00Local News: Appeal After Break-in at Douai Abbey Car-parkOn Saturday 28th December a blue Volkswagen Golf was broken into in the car-park of Douai Abbey in Aldermaston ward.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2014/appeal-launched-following-vehicle-break-in">Police said</a> an iPhone, purse and bracelet were stolen, and have made a public <a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/vehicle-parked-woolhampton-abbey-car-6463625">appeal for witnesses</a> who may have been in the area of Cod's Hill, Upper Woolhampton from 1-3pm that day.<br />
<br />
If you were there and saw anything suspicious please contact PC Goodfield at Newbury Police Station via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101. Or if you'd prefer to remain anonymous you can contact Crimestoppers by freephoning 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
Although our villages are generally a very safe area a number of residents have expressed shock that an opportunist would stoop to commit a crime on church grounds let alone during daylight hours of the festive period. Let's makes sure it doesn't happen again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-73551727628135682812013-12-05T11:00:00.000+00:002014-01-07T19:02:25.568+00:00Notice Anything New?Thanks to Midgham Parish Council a new noticeboard has been provided outside the Village Hall.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrSopE-pf-CnC6P_6Qz6_qaLK_Ke4gELCF85hfN6Hh1W46a4pib75fJEDdij6N_C8DEjpiNCbYtarmBKn8wi92pdsRXiJWykyy4J1aY0-qv6aHfTN9huFuHFci5ZjUDifGywjR9jsGmEN/s1600/Midgham+noticeboard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrSopE-pf-CnC6P_6Qz6_qaLK_Ke4gELCF85hfN6Hh1W46a4pib75fJEDdij6N_C8DEjpiNCbYtarmBKn8wi92pdsRXiJWykyy4J1aY0-qv6aHfTN9huFuHFci5ZjUDifGywjR9jsGmEN/s1600/Midgham+noticeboard.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The noticeboard will be regularly updated with forthcoming events and community information - including the monthly coffee mornings.<br />
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The next two will take place at 10am on Wednesday 18th December and Wednesday 29th January... maybe we'll see you there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-86364995089884385752013-12-01T11:00:00.000+00:002013-12-18T15:55:43.428+00:00'Vital Signs' and Vital Challenges in BerkshireBerkshire Community Foundation recently published its 'Vital Signs' report. <span id="goog_1188641126"></span><span id="goog_1188641127"></span><br />
<br />
The report 'measures the vitality and aspirations of our communities, identifies
significant trends, and identifies social priorities critical to quality
of life'.<br />
<br />
This is a summary of the <a href="http://www.berkshirecf.org/vital-signs/berkshire-vital-signs-headlines/">headlines</a>:<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">W<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">ork and Local Economy - While earnings and productivity are high, unemployment in parts of Berkshire is a significant issue.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Getting Started in Berkshire - Immigration has increased across the county – especially in Slough and Reading.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Gap between Rich and Poor - Berkshire’s overall affluence masks significant levels of local deprivation.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Housing and Homelessness - Berkshire is one of the least affordable areas in the UK in which to live.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Crime
and Safety - Civil society organisations can play a key role in
diverting young people from crime and anti-social behaviour.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Education - Although Berkshire performs well overall, some deprived urban areas show cause for concern.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Arts
and Culture - Berkshire residents are very satisfied with their
cultural amenities, though access for vulnerable groups is an issue.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Communities - Residents generally feel that Berkshire is a strong community, though isolation is an issue for some groups.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Environment - While Berkshire has some enviable rural countryside, its urban areas have a number of environmental issues.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Health
and Well Being - Overall, Berkshire is a healthier place to live than
most areas, though obesity and smoking remain issues of some concern.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Civil
Society Organisations - Public spending cuts and the current economic
climate are taking their toll on civil society organisations, curtailing
many much needed services.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Young People - Many young people in isolated rural communities or pockets of urban deprivation face very challenging conditions.</span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
Of particular interest to Aldermaston ward residents are statistics relating to the quality of life in West Berkshire. Here some striking points are worth noting.<br />
<br />
West Berkshire records the highest priority level for action on two counts: 'Economic change' and 'Housing affordability'. In addition the area struggles from weak scores on 'Connectivity' and 'Amenities'. On almost all social and environmental measures West Berkshire also falls below average for the county.<br />
<br />
The report states:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"taking county wide statistics and indicators at face-value, it would be easy to conclude that Berkshire was doing well. In many instances this is true and should be celebrated. However, in other areas, county wide statistics mask strong variations in the fortunes and experiences of people in neighbouring urban and rural areas across the county."</blockquote>
Although Berkshire's economy is among the most vibrant nationwide, local data offers evidence of 'stark inequality', where "the level of deprivation of specific neighbourhoods in Berkshire equals, or exceeds, those in the most challenged wards in the country."<br />
<br />
And while urban communities - such as Newbury - tend to suffer visible signs of deprivation, the degree of rural isolation resulting from 'lack of access to services, opportunities, amenities and subsequent social isolation exacerbated by poor public transport' is a major cause of economic disadvantatage in Aldermaston ward and West Berkshire, particularly for future generations.<br />
<br />
The report concludes that economic inequality, or 'The Gap Between Rich And Poor', is a major problem in Berkshire with 'urgent cross-sector action required to reengage young people'.<br />
<br />
You can read the full report here: [<a href="http://www.berkshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk/uploads/files/berkshire-vital-signs-report-2013.pdf">Berkshire Vital Signs 2013</a>]Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-12181621825224632142013-11-16T10:00:00.000+00:002013-12-24T17:34:03.092+00:00Residents Frustrated With 'Neighbourhood' Policing In Rural AreasAs residents of West Berkshire we are lucky to live in a local authority area with relatively low levels of crime. And as residents of Aldermaston ward we are even luckier that our villages are among the safest in the district - at least, that's what we are led to believe!<br />
<br />
While out campaigning members of your local Focus team attended several '<a href="http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh-about-nh-pol-meetings">Have Your Say</a>' [<a href="http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/have-your-say-2.pdf">ref</a>] events to meet local PCSOs (<a href="http://www.policecommunitysupportofficer.com/welcome.html">Police Community Support Officers</a>). These 'Police surgeries' are intended to demonstrate engagement with communities and gather feedback regarding local policing priorities, yet they are often scheduled at times and places when members of the public are least likely to be able to attend and we found that they are also regularly cancelled without notice.<br />
<br />
As a result engagement and feedback can be less than expected, and LibDems continue to receive occasional complaints that residents' concerns are overlooked. Since promises of accessibility fail to match public demands this may be leading to misidentification of local priorities by the Police authority.<br />
<br />
In Aldermaston ward (Aldermaston, Brimpton, Midham Wasing and Woolhampton parishes) worries are compounded by the way neighbourhood policing teams are divided - after recent reorganisations Brimpton and Aldermaston villages are now included in the renamed '<a href="http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh/yournh-tvp-pol-area/yournh-tvp-pol-area-berksw-west-berks/yournh-tvp-pol-area-n474.htm">Thatcham West</a>' patrol area, while Midgham and Woolhampton are designated part of the '<a href="http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh/yournh-tvp-pol-area/yournh-tvp-pol-area-berksw-west-berks/yournh-tvp-pol-area-n469.htm">Bucklebury/Downlands</a>' area (although crime statistics are collected along different lines, see links below).<br />
<br />
This has the consequence that Police resources become concentrated where priority reports are made - in Thatcham, and in Hermitage and Upper Bucklebury - meaning our villages fall between between two stools.<br />
<br />
Almost <a href="http://www.police.uk/thames-valley/N469/crime/">1/4 of all reported crime</a> in Bucklebury/Downlands occurs in our ward, yet this is <a href="http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh/pub-pg-nh-upds-N469?id=266917">completely ignored in the Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter</a>!<br />
<br />
And since incidence of crime can quickly flare up as Police visibility falls your local LibDems are concerned that the neighbourhood policing boundaries do not reflect the needs of residents.<br />
<br />
Aldermaston ward campaigner James Spackman commented,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"the way neighbourhood patrol areas are currently organised is failing both Police Officers and members of the public. Particularly during a time of austerity it's important to make sure we make the best use of available resources.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"</span></blockquote>
-<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh/yournh-tvp-pol-area/yournh-tvp-pol-area-berksw-west-berks/yournh-tvp-pol-area-berksw-wberks-figs.htm">Thames Valley Police performance figures from 2010-2013</a><br />
<br />
Look the crime maps for:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.police.uk/thames-valley/N474/crime/">Thatcham, Aldermaston & Brimpton</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.police.uk/thames-valley/N469/crime/">Bucklebury/Downlands</a></li>
</ul>
Check Policing priorities for:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.police.uk/thames-valley/N474/priorities/">Thatcham, Aldermaston & Brimpton</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.police.uk/thames-valley/N469/priorities/">Bucklebury/Downlands</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-54489890354279910992013-11-10T10:00:00.000+00:002013-12-12T16:43:10.375+00:00Reactions to Proposed Budget CutsOn November 5th West Berkshire Conservatives announced their proposals to cut more than £5m per year from its £120m annual budget.<br />
<br />
Watch WBC Leader, Cllr Gordon Lundie (Lambourn), explain his reasoning <a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28492">here</a>.<br />
<br />
He stated that he would be seeking ways to save the services that people 'value most' by <a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/when-is-council-tax-freeze-not-council.html">passing on the cost to local town and parish councils</a>.<br />
<br />
Speaking to <a href="http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2013/redundancies-inevitable-as-west-berkshire-council-forced-to-save-17m">Newbury Weekly News</a>, Cllr Lundie said "there will inevitably be some redundancies" - but Liberal Democrats in West Berkshire think any blow could be softened.<br />
<br />
LibDem Opposition leader, Cllr Jeff Brooks (Thatcham West), commented that "the council has withdrawn funding from the old and the young and will still have millions in the bank," - under the tories it's always the vulnerable who suffer most!<br />
<br />
Cllr Brooks <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-24819988">described the proposals</a> as "very, very swingeing cuts," and added that Mr Lundie would be known as "the man who stole all the lollipop ladies... he will scare people".<br />
<br />
The news has been met with dismay and shock, as recent grant funding reductions of £3m/year were managed by removing some discretionary services, including cutting transport budgets and youth services in 2010, closure of 5 youth centres in 2011, followed in 2012 by cuts to services for the elderly and disabled, victims of domestic abuse and the homeless.<br />
<br />
However, just as the economy bounces back from the credit crunch, tories have decided that now is the time to take even more drastic action affecting the worst off in society!<br />
<br />
This time cuts will concentrate on vulnerable adults and parenting support, health and social care services, transport and cultural services. Reading Post goes into more detail <a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/west-berkshire-council-asks-public-6278712">here</a>.<br />
<br />
But the greatest political controversy was reserved for the 50% reduction in subsidy to local theatres.<br />
<br />
Remembering its past closure and reopening, and outreach work undertaken with schools and young people to engage and inspire their interests, director of Newbury Corn Exchange <a href="http://www.whatsonstage.com/newbury-theatre/news/11-2013/west-berkshire-funding-cuts-threaten-theatres_32593.html">Katy Griffiths spoke out</a> against the tory proposals, saying:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"we will be making sure that decision makers at the Council understand the far-reaching and unintended consequences that a cut this substantial would have for the local community."</blockquote>
<div>
Make sure you do too!<br />
<br />
For a full list of proposed cuts and how to respond to the consultation click the links below:<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="background-color: white; color: #3b255c; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; width: 100%px;" summary="table to hold services list"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28534" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Public transport">Public transport</a></td><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28537" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Libraries">Libraries</a></td><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28543" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Children's centres">Children's centres</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28533" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Roads and verge maintenance">Roads and verge maintenance</a></td><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28538" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: School crossing patrols">School crossing patrols</a></td><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28542" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Health related services">Health related services</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28532" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Car parking">Car parking</a></td><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28539" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Tourism">Tourism</a></td><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28544" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Support for disabled children">Support for disabled children</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28531" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Public conveniences">Public conveniences</a></td><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28540" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Duke of Edinburgh's Award Programme">Duke of Edinburgh's Award Programme</a></td><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28546" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Parenting support">Parenting support</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28535" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Theatres">Theatres</a></td><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28541" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Supporting people in need of care">Supporting people in need of care</a></td><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28545" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Pre-school Teacher Counselling">Pre-school Teacher Counselling</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28536" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Services to vulnerable young people">Services to vulnerable young people</a></td><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28547" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Planning enforcement">Planning enforcement</a></td><td><a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28548" style="color: #3b255c;" title="Savings proposals for 2014-16: Road safety">Road safety</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
-<br />
<br />
Sign and share <a href="http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/wbc-cuts-2014&petition=success&id=1506&lang=eng">West Berkshire Liberal Democrats' online petition</a> against these unnecessary and unfair cuts!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia;">WE, THE UNDERSIGNED,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> call upon West Berkshire Council to use all available resources to avoid the very severe cuts proposed by the Council on 5th November 2013 as these would disproportionally affect the disabled, vulnerable old and young people, those who live in rural areas, the safety of schoolchildren and other road users, and the already poor condition of our roads.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-11999356522617624812013-11-06T11:00:00.000+00:002013-12-24T15:47:43.015+00:00Signs o' the Crime<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGzLP9RLkbRzLom9zfQ_2XFEAImxNLLVJElQs4LWljkuhCsA_eSyxeZcVBOR-Wgm71by4IG03SHfuHzDmjIzQ1_erX5QF_KvXvPJwHg87Bv-JnlU6RjU8esVmb9GjKvbB_HX1wHXydh5R/s1600/photo+1.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGzLP9RLkbRzLom9zfQ_2XFEAImxNLLVJElQs4LWljkuhCsA_eSyxeZcVBOR-Wgm71by4IG03SHfuHzDmjIzQ1_erX5QF_KvXvPJwHg87Bv-JnlU6RjU8esVmb9GjKvbB_HX1wHXydh5R/s200/photo+1.JPG" width="150" /></a>While out campaigning your local Focus team has been made aware of a particular local phenomenon - a spate of posters independently pinned to telegraph poles and noticeboards asking for information about different local crime incidents. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ319Ozd0k5UbWbuneQO_6zvsUURvMV3t0gCt8O2bUi8p9OJhCQkgyreerHWCAqvO26z-ru5aqAzIKY_aE2jmvj5LE4Ow4UkFDyNg8mwU49TyKRVv-o3t4zA3bzOkWrSBDp8HhK97Z7QwR/s1600/photo+2.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ319Ozd0k5UbWbuneQO_6zvsUURvMV3t0gCt8O2bUi8p9OJhCQkgyreerHWCAqvO26z-ru5aqAzIKY_aE2jmvj5LE4Ow4UkFDyNg8mwU49TyKRVv-o3t4zA3bzOkWrSBDp8HhK97Z7QwR/s200/photo+2.JPG" width="150" /> </a><br />
Here are photos of just two: <br />
<br />
While the posters identify relatively minor incidents, they also reflect widely-expressed concerns about deprioritisation of crime levels in rural areas - such as the village parishes in Aldermaston ward.<br />
<br />
Local campaigner James Spackman said,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"it's important to keep our eyes open for signs of crime, as the ability to share information will help pin-point local needs and prevent potential escalation in the future."</blockquote>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-20634386490872657562013-10-28T11:00:00.000+00:002013-11-01T14:57:10.366+00:00'On Track' With Local Station Manager Alison StoneLast Saturday we were lucky enough to be able to meet with First Great Western's Alison Stone, Station Manager for Aldermaston and Midgham stations.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirphUGyD46iJsHOYUjC486COmwf9xm-iHccDYU7dlD0_zj2fdYRmAzBI0Q_Uaw5LOchSSSgfymWhY9tyImQ-FbHPvcVdcQSKhF3i5zhYHFroe5Di01iEo7Xw7UTZXK8s_15_x9WmqX8Y03/s1600/midgham+station+with+Alison+Stone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirphUGyD46iJsHOYUjC486COmwf9xm-iHccDYU7dlD0_zj2fdYRmAzBI0Q_Uaw5LOchSSSgfymWhY9tyImQ-FbHPvcVdcQSKhF3i5zhYHFroe5Di01iEo7Xw7UTZXK8s_15_x9WmqX8Y03/s320/midgham+station+with+Alison+Stone.JPG" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James Spackman with Alison Stone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a very useful meeting where we had the opportunity to ask a wide range of questions relating to the local rail and station services provided by FGW.<br />
<br />
The first topic for discussion covered the redevelopment of Aldermaston station and reasons for long delays rebuilding at Midgham (see <a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.com/2013/04/midgham-station-improvements.html">here</a> and <a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.com/2013/10/midgham-station-update.html">here</a>).<br />
<br />
Following this we talked about the effect of new car-parking charges at Aldermaston and the potential for their introduction at Midgham.<br />
<br />
Then we raised issues of passenger safety, vehicle security and potential need for CCTV in local stations. <br />
<br />
Next on the agenda was growing demand for cycle lock-up facilities.<br />
<br />
Finally we discussed solutions for overcrowding on local trains during rush-hour, issues surrounding scheduled engineering works, rumoured reductions in service after electrification of the line and further above-inflation ticket price rises.<br />
<br />
We noted that 5% discounts apply on Thames Valley routes because punctuality remains stubbornly low, at 89.2% for the month and 86% for the year (to 12th October) - below required targets of 92% and 89% respectively. Service reliability is on target [<a href="http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/About-Us/Our-business/Performance">ref</a>].<br />
<br />
Alison explained she sympathises with the varied concerns of rail users, but finds many of these difficulties stem from enabling effective communication between the corporate stakeholders Network Rail and her employer rail franchisee FGW.<br />
<br />
She said it was a very constructive session, promising to use our feedback to help inform the decision-making process and remain engaged with local residents and travellers about forthcoming developments.<br />
<br />
In the meantime you can:<br />
<ul>
<li>download <a href="http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/~/media/PDF/AboutUs/CustomerServices/PassengerCharter/Passenger_Charter_October_2013.ashx">the FGW Passenger Charter</a></li>
<li>view <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/uktrain/kpi/gw/">daily performance and punctuality results</a></li>
</ul>
If you have an issue regarding local train services email: fgwfeedback@firstgroup.com<br />
If you have an issue regarding local station services call: 0800 912 0843<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-4201601209133089272013-10-19T14:45:00.000+01:002013-11-01T10:29:45.557+00:00When Is A Council Tax Freeze Not A Council Tax Freeze?In 2012 the Coalition Government announced plans to remove Council Tax Benefit (for people claiming Disability Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance etc), instructing all local authorities in England and Wales to put in place their own scheme of support by April 2013 [<a href="https://www.gov.uk/council-tax-reduction">ref</a>].<br />
<br />
As an interim measure the Department of Communities and Local Government offered a one-off grant to soften the impact on parish budgets for the past financial year and give sufficient time to plan for these budgetary changes.<br />
<br />
Within West Berkshire the decision was made not to put an alternative scheme in place, and now parishes will be expected to make up the shortfall of more than £250,000. This will mean either an increase in the Parish Precept, a reduction in expenditure, or a combination of the two.<br />
<br />
Yet the sums currently controlled by parish councils are so small (typically less than £10,000) that few services are offered and this effectively leaves only one option - to raise the precept!<br />
<br />
And because of the uneven distribution of people who were previously eligible for this type of support it also means that the more deprived areas within the district will be expected to shoulder a larger share of the burden.<br />
<br />
For the five parishes in Aldermaston Ward the projected increases will be:<br />
<ul>
<li>Aldermaston Parish - 6.01%</li>
<li>Brimpton Parish - 3.06%</li>
<li>Midgham Parish - 2.47%</li>
<li>Wasing Parish - 0%</li>
<li>Woolhampton Parish - 3.31%</li>
</ul>
<br />
Aldermaston Ward campaigner James Spackman said,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Village communities are the backbone of rural West Berkshire, but this is financial sleight-of-hand and another slap in the face to ordinary people as complacent Conservatives try to pass the buck once more. Residents don't want to create an invisible pile of financial reserves by cutting basic village services back to the bone, we want action to make a fairer society!"</blockquote>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-77296782920331710512013-10-07T11:00:00.000+01:002013-10-07T11:00:08.377+01:00Talking About Sex - WBC Undertake First Young People's Sexual Health SurveyWest Berkshire Council has <a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28412">announced it's very first Young People's Sexual Health Survey</a> - results of which will inform future sexual health services in the local authority area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg241PYML_8qpTEUmFivfgdEf68leTm6mKQlqffrj0tCRfNjqt1Y5FH2XjnEOdEgaOcZ08WfhVGnnR5f0csR9s1hTbh-CvgVBaew9R5Fu79xHLMvr-6ky3ioEq1vUX0a6mmOaQev4qdL2ZJ/s1600/sexual_health_flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg241PYML_8qpTEUmFivfgdEf68leTm6mKQlqffrj0tCRfNjqt1Y5FH2XjnEOdEgaOcZ08WfhVGnnR5f0csR9s1hTbh-CvgVBaew9R5Fu79xHLMvr-6ky3ioEq1vUX0a6mmOaQev4qdL2ZJ/s200/sexual_health_flyer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
It 'aims to gain a better understanding of their views and experience of
sexual health issues and how and where they access sexual health
services'.<br />
<br />
The survey is open to all 14-24 year-olds in West Berkshire, irrespective of whether they have used these services, or are in a sexual relationship - because evidence shows that younger people have significantly higher rates of poor sexual health.<br />
<br />
These issues can include the physical aspects of sexual health, such as the incidence of sexually transmitted infections and helping reduce unintended pregnancy, but also the mental and social aspects including making better-informed choices about having sex and the types of sex, being able to express sexuality without fear of exploitation, oppression, physical or emotional harm and having access to high quality sexual health treatment and advice that is offered in a non-judgemental, confidential manner.<br />
<br />
Lesley Wyman, consultant in public health for West Berkshire Council
said,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I am delighted to promote this survey which is a first for
Berkshire and will give us valuable information about young people's
needs and their perceptions about sexual health services."</blockquote>
The survey is open until Friday 29th November - and can be <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SexualHealth2013">accessed here via this link</a>.<br />
<br />
All responses will remain confidential and anonymous and will not be used for any other purpose. Results will be published in the New Year. <br />
<br />
If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Fatima Ndanusa, on 01635 503437 or at: <a href="mailto:fndanusa@westberks.gov.uk">fndanusa@westberks.gov.uk</a>.<br />
<br />
For more information click on these links:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.getjuicy.co.uk/">Health Advice for Young People in West Berkshire</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/wards__departments/s/sexual_health.aspx?theme=Patient" title="Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust: Sexual Health ">Information on Sexual Health Services in Berkshire</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Sexualhealthtopics/Pages/Sexual-health-hub.aspx?WT.mc_id=110903" title="NHS sexual health ">NHS Webpage on Sexual Health Promotion</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.outlinesurrey.org/gum.html?gclid=CIKIurfY_LgCFe_LtAodQggAPg" title="Outline: Lesbian, Gap, Bisexual, Transgender support and information in confidence">Outline: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Support and Information </a></li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-22951382851542231762013-10-02T11:00:00.000+01:002013-10-21T21:29:06.040+01:00Midgham Station UpdateImprovement work at <a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/midgham-station-improvements.html">Midgham Station</a> was slow to get started, but has been gradually getting moving - thanks to your local LibDem Focus team!<br />
<br />
Here's a review of what's been happening: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1RihVs-oNmyHCeGlMmxOwM0pdgVIlkezPXWbUx7Mx-AXATAVT0BmEjHJ5SP9wc8fjh_4Hb4AMsc6fLUfevtD_mHU75pyanqgBcyGHLRLJMwBMQh8eq0XcHqwIoVa9CfOeiUv3CSrsTIv/s1600/1st+July+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1RihVs-oNmyHCeGlMmxOwM0pdgVIlkezPXWbUx7Mx-AXATAVT0BmEjHJ5SP9wc8fjh_4Hb4AMsc6fLUfevtD_mHU75pyanqgBcyGHLRLJMwBMQh8eq0XcHqwIoVa9CfOeiUv3CSrsTIv/s320/1st+July+2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
At the end of June the old shelter was demolished.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgsdWxpF8OEbrqfizhMEQJUCXb8C8SO5NKXHDlsA9Xvq46dkpA-7_iSp3mspV_KYulHFwMRv7FfsbILhHjMn4OsitfYwMYXTwIVKTme_vlTtriNacsh6DMLaFuapkhy9J8ytwtNTlP_PD/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgsdWxpF8OEbrqfizhMEQJUCXb8C8SO5NKXHDlsA9Xvq46dkpA-7_iSp3mspV_KYulHFwMRv7FfsbILhHjMn4OsitfYwMYXTwIVKTme_vlTtriNacsh6DMLaFuapkhy9J8ytwtNTlP_PD/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
During July the new ramp was removed and fencing was replaced.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0piXTWCSyGFy1myKACqo8fyGLF4kONixhUsUfhxpzvPQdverAXdJ8Ij8hA3_N4sojjTB9el9b4xMpbmzhkegvvhal1Og-NByeJ9VUEp9bQvkj5mTLFObTKx63f5842bPNy32O57Vhyphenhyphentb/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0piXTWCSyGFy1myKACqo8fyGLF4kONixhUsUfhxpzvPQdverAXdJ8Ij8hA3_N4sojjTB9el9b4xMpbmzhkegvvhal1Og-NByeJ9VUEp9bQvkj5mTLFObTKx63f5842bPNy32O57Vhyphenhyphentb/s320/4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Towards the end of September work began on a new information board.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJxIMK9YAdhhJInmj7ojLYZG0fZjMPR2wn34jSattXKP2qW9c_nGdFKg-dJrUzgIF18g-PzGr_nU67L7xikMUUlABpfdUasR2G3kcZ-WeZA5PH-N8Nv8afUf0dSHGa7sFmFlkHV2mogwC/s1600/info+board.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJxIMK9YAdhhJInmj7ojLYZG0fZjMPR2wn34jSattXKP2qW9c_nGdFKg-dJrUzgIF18g-PzGr_nU67L7xikMUUlABpfdUasR2G3kcZ-WeZA5PH-N8Nv8afUf0dSHGa7sFmFlkHV2mogwC/s320/info+board.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Now the Newbury platform has two electronically updated boards, but still no shelter!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-5130515412638644402013-10-01T11:00:00.000+01:002013-12-12T11:57:45.714+00:00New A4 Road Markings Fail CyclistsIn the last week of September West Berkshire Council finally finished repainting the eastern area A4 road markings, linking the section between Midgham and Aldermaston Wharf<span id="goog_1311564960"></span><span id="goog_1311564961"></span> on the major thoroughfare between Newbury and Reading.<br />
<br />
While highway workers and commuters alike will be relieved at the end of the job, cyclists have expressed disappointment and frustration at the lack of any designated cycle lane.<br />
<br />
Your local Focus Team went out to look at the issue and this is what we found:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJw6xDXO_wyZHF3lAK3v31sA6YtINBcmAgNVW8M38QimgGvrWgJZJ6IW7FVX8orEjzSLDXFbP9rjV6k7uSXJteI7DEBs1E-8gPBSQfX7IvYwYZsC3m_lot0Qd3iZjNFPaX-eWS1X6CNl9O/s1600/Woolhampton+cycle+lane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJw6xDXO_wyZHF3lAK3v31sA6YtINBcmAgNVW8M38QimgGvrWgJZJ6IW7FVX8orEjzSLDXFbP9rjV6k7uSXJteI7DEBs1E-8gPBSQfX7IvYwYZsC3m_lot0Qd3iZjNFPaX-eWS1X6CNl9O/s320/Woolhampton+cycle+lane.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1026905561"></span><span id="goog_1026905562"></span><span id="goog_518518353"></span><span id="goog_518518354"></span><span id="goog_887355369"></span><span id="goog_887355370"></span><span id="goog_1705950567"></span><span id="goog_1705950568"></span><span id="goog_1344823346"></span><span id="goog_1344823347"></span><span id="goog_1018672511"></span><span id="goog_1018672512"></span><br />
The UK is currently experiencing <a href="http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/428195/Cycling-to-work-is-more-popular-than-ever">a cycling boom</a>, as continuing success at professional level gives the humble two-wheeler an image boost, while new facilities make cycling safer and less of a discomfort. This is particularly noticable as commuters, leisure bikers and sportive riders increasingly frequent the direct routes, meandering backlanes and picturesque hill-climbs this part of the county.<br />
<br />
Newbury Road Club, for example, operates two time-trial courses [<a href="http://www.newburyrc.co.uk/prod/php/getcourse.php?cid=1">10 miles</a>, <a href="http://www.newburyrc.co.uk/prod/php/getcourse.php?cid=125">25 miles</a>] along the Woolhampton section of the A4, making it one of the most popular competitive cycling routes in the whole of Berkshire.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, the gradients and sweeping corners which make the stretch of road appealing to cycle along also <a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/a4-accident-raises-road-safety-questions.html">make it dangerous</a> - especially considering <a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.com/2013/04/a4-accident-raises-road-safety-questions.html">recent accidents along the stretch</a> and the fact that <a href="http://www.ctc.org.uk/news/where-do-drivers-have-most-penalty-points">West Berkshire drivers have relatively high numbers of penalty points</a> on their licences.<br />
<br />
Aldermaston Ward campaigner James Spackman commented,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"It is strange, to say the least, that only the section of the A4 in Aldermaston ward is now without a cycle lane. I compliment WBC on efforts to encourage cycling as part of environmental and health strategies, but it is an example of the lack of joined-up thinking and incompetent leadership exhibited by local tories to neglect the demands of the fastest growing segment of road users on one of the key cycle routes in the area."</blockquote>
Meanwhile, cycling campaign group West Berkshire Spokes <a href="http://www.westberkshirespokes.org/projects/">reports</a> that it is "working with the Canal Trust and Sustrans to explore opportunities for
upgrading the section of the towpath to the east of Colthrop" on the the parallel route along the Kennet & Avon.<br />
<br />
James added,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"With only one established cycle route in the area 'overgrown' and 'unsafe', by not creating a cycle lane along this part of the A4 West Berkshire Highways department have missed a glaring and simple opportunity to promote this clean and healthy means of transport."</blockquote>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-17563108050480822422013-09-23T11:00:00.000+01:002013-10-01T09:41:39.594+01:00Royal County of Berkshire Show 2013Last weekend was the Royal County of Berkshire Show at the Chieveley Showground.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p_P9I6heUIQbqJWQ215Ebc9WPY39m5yJEUNdHRKNYFqOe1OQMGOHbjVtE4hoQLINzlfj3d9jd2_cBx3hAFQwuS3Kovsp-AcrkF089OlC5PnZIyPwR_785jPvUxLRr9xreC-T_1GBSDUN/s1600/Fairground.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p_P9I6heUIQbqJWQ215Ebc9WPY39m5yJEUNdHRKNYFqOe1OQMGOHbjVtE4hoQLINzlfj3d9jd2_cBx3hAFQwuS3Kovsp-AcrkF089OlC5PnZIyPwR_785jPvUxLRr9xreC-T_1GBSDUN/s320/Fairground.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<br />
A crowd of more than 10,000 attended each day for the highlight of the Berkshire agricultural year, but it is much more than a trade display - it is truly a celebration of county life.<br />
<br />
Together with Judith Bunting, LibDem PPC for Newbury, we spent a fun afternoon getting blisters as we traipsed across the massive site eating classic ice cream in the sun and meeting local residents.<br />
<br />
The range of stalls and events was remarkable,
encompassing entertainment and education, through to commercial and
charity exhibitors.<br />
<br />
If you've not been before we recommend it, there's
something for everybody!<br />
<br />
Check out our photo album below:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9HPeeqN4Lu7S_zZTeOAFVtAg_MFHEvc3jx73hS2zWMw4xx13fzH9oHSzVm1PWil9SzJlmKDGI9WVW8-bfCG0oPRwj7BHdTsSTpVJ9sqraWnCeJjIiGHdhyphenhyphenMvUCJVl_t_C1tpaCxVIXjR/s1600/w-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9HPeeqN4Lu7S_zZTeOAFVtAg_MFHEvc3jx73hS2zWMw4xx13fzH9oHSzVm1PWil9SzJlmKDGI9WVW8-bfCG0oPRwj7BHdTsSTpVJ9sqraWnCeJjIiGHdhyphenhyphenMvUCJVl_t_C1tpaCxVIXjR/s200/w-a.jpg" width="175" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9BFPKHYtBeqGxjBpRD3PC6HvX6zypbSl2iDH0-yPoWeHWqpXlutZ9FHEiA8f8-nk2E919B_I1AQ4HIYS9yBqVgbceTt-IQ7Qid9jQXZv3lOaO7q4UBOUnJdE7elucL6AZOp3ZEG487Ax/s1600/w-aldermaston+sponsor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9BFPKHYtBeqGxjBpRD3PC6HvX6zypbSl2iDH0-yPoWeHWqpXlutZ9FHEiA8f8-nk2E919B_I1AQ4HIYS9yBqVgbceTt-IQ7Qid9jQXZv3lOaO7q4UBOUnJdE7elucL6AZOp3ZEG487Ax/s200/w-aldermaston+sponsor.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm6qSibny85t8ezGqXIjffpnmUy9S9niv_2Rm0nyPKG8Jd-VCPH9-FpVQIU7CVsYvbjWGxf6qdO0vFC0_2kHZxgATJrXGdLG9ljzdf_UBRMdLmnfNHcsvC0gK5QqVS8PAib_cbFx4EyBn/s1600/exit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9BFPKHYtBeqGxjBpRD3PC6HvX6zypbSl2iDH0-yPoWeHWqpXlutZ9FHEiA8f8-nk2E919B_I1AQ4HIYS9yBqVgbceTt-IQ7Qid9jQXZv3lOaO7q4UBOUnJdE7elucL6AZOp3ZEG487Ax/s1600/w-aldermaston+sponsor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6_X-_mUla29Vp04bxVfS_-XRtDMYxd7Q2X7uQLumTyV0tNyrdIzbA20bM4Et4z6sMGKLkE8YswBcCYlIFEnasBxe68Sbg-zIzcsJSjt8YlX3C8_q5FHOJjeLh_6bwLaT99VpeyfJTF1p/s1600/w-child+air+ambulance.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6_X-_mUla29Vp04bxVfS_-XRtDMYxd7Q2X7uQLumTyV0tNyrdIzbA20bM4Et4z6sMGKLkE8YswBcCYlIFEnasBxe68Sbg-zIzcsJSjt8YlX3C8_q5FHOJjeLh_6bwLaT99VpeyfJTF1p/s200/w-child+air+ambulance.jpg" width="170" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpqsg6DRPZfDiewL_xLZ5UKswvkUypUukLasAhSGcsLCGfBfNZPUmP4ULUap8pAGi5s8zsmfn9IAwLUWbsMjALalM3qz_86TrgvUvRPWXa3vKkpVTuUdNJgq9dV7kCHbG4PgdjEGNwKNi/s1600/w-ss+RBL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpqsg6DRPZfDiewL_xLZ5UKswvkUypUukLasAhSGcsLCGfBfNZPUmP4ULUap8pAGi5s8zsmfn9IAwLUWbsMjALalM3qz_86TrgvUvRPWXa3vKkpVTuUdNJgq9dV7kCHbG4PgdjEGNwKNi/s200/w-ss+RBL.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZC-bFb3IhSch1334rAhkMYpRa76xBTbL0bnBtcMe0FNRWq6HhyhaFyHHJFywz3RaL6iJWz4FzeM81Ik_U7Qeivjj-5qP3mM8FjFrRivW1F-vYz7tT2ykdOvrZK4BD7D6DazPlj-_2CvTl/s1600/w-the+Bennets.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZC-bFb3IhSch1334rAhkMYpRa76xBTbL0bnBtcMe0FNRWq6HhyhaFyHHJFywz3RaL6iJWz4FzeM81Ik_U7Qeivjj-5qP3mM8FjFrRivW1F-vYz7tT2ykdOvrZK4BD7D6DazPlj-_2CvTl/s200/w-the+Bennets.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ao6EudlZEewS8-58_gao8NG1lwfa-dfWGXmlJyWhfn-ZTEjTIKOtU2iYaik09dQUvof3CQmbCA1cuKh19IR5PBRkX062vNrGtlNDAmqdZN1Plx6qD9sXWajJp57c-W86z0Aho0N_qUkP/s1600/JS.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ao6EudlZEewS8-58_gao8NG1lwfa-dfWGXmlJyWhfn-ZTEjTIKOtU2iYaik09dQUvof3CQmbCA1cuKh19IR5PBRkX062vNrGtlNDAmqdZN1Plx6qD9sXWajJp57c-W86z0Aho0N_qUkP/s200/JS.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm6qSibny85t8ezGqXIjffpnmUy9S9niv_2Rm0nyPKG8Jd-VCPH9-FpVQIU7CVsYvbjWGxf6qdO0vFC0_2kHZxgATJrXGdLG9ljzdf_UBRMdLmnfNHcsvC0gK5QqVS8PAib_cbFx4EyBn/s1600/exit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm6qSibny85t8ezGqXIjffpnmUy9S9niv_2Rm0nyPKG8Jd-VCPH9-FpVQIU7CVsYvbjWGxf6qdO0vFC0_2kHZxgATJrXGdLG9ljzdf_UBRMdLmnfNHcsvC0gK5QqVS8PAib_cbFx4EyBn/s1600/exit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm6qSibny85t8ezGqXIjffpnmUy9S9niv_2Rm0nyPKG8Jd-VCPH9-FpVQIU7CVsYvbjWGxf6qdO0vFC0_2kHZxgATJrXGdLG9ljzdf_UBRMdLmnfNHcsvC0gK5QqVS8PAib_cbFx4EyBn/s1600/exit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm6qSibny85t8ezGqXIjffpnmUy9S9niv_2Rm0nyPKG8Jd-VCPH9-FpVQIU7CVsYvbjWGxf6qdO0vFC0_2kHZxgATJrXGdLG9ljzdf_UBRMdLmnfNHcsvC0gK5QqVS8PAib_cbFx4EyBn/s200/exit.jpg" width="148" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ao6EudlZEewS8-58_gao8NG1lwfa-dfWGXmlJyWhfn-ZTEjTIKOtU2iYaik09dQUvof3CQmbCA1cuKh19IR5PBRkX062vNrGtlNDAmqdZN1Plx6qD9sXWajJp57c-W86z0Aho0N_qUkP/s1600/JS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Find out more at:</div>
<ul>
<li>Web: <a href="http://newburyshowground.co.uk/">newburyshowground.co.uk</a></li>
<li> Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/@Berkshire_show">@Berkshire_show</a></li>
<li>Facebook: <a href="http://facebook/newbury.showground">Newbury Showground</a></li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-84785070481016962462013-09-19T10:30:00.000+01:002013-09-19T10:30:02.204+01:00LibDem Annual Conference Report: Leader's SpeechAt the LibDem annual conference in Glasgow this week, party leader Nick Clegg MP set out his ambitious strategy for the lead-up to the next general election in 2015.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSuA3KCjM_SBzC_LAfpeFj8Vukk5CtafSPaKVyPkSv2JrV9HRKH-zzuR4-oZYW8d8H8thi315Pr_DoUZbSNZgT05sI8cs8_W9mmd-yXM-VM-Brc0i_P6y_UVDuaysaGqorwHDQRdx4VNs/s1600/clegg+glasgow+conf+2013.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSuA3KCjM_SBzC_LAfpeFj8Vukk5CtafSPaKVyPkSv2JrV9HRKH-zzuR4-oZYW8d8H8thi315Pr_DoUZbSNZgT05sI8cs8_W9mmd-yXM-VM-Brc0i_P6y_UVDuaysaGqorwHDQRdx4VNs/s320/clegg+glasgow+conf+2013.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick Clegg speaking at Conference in Glasgow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He argued that LibDems are a positive force in British politics and are now a party of government.<br />
<br />
LibDems have successfully <a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/what-libdems-are-achieving-in-coalition.html">achieved significant reforms</a>, fulfilling many of the LibDem manifesto pledges.<br />
<br />
Clegg said the party has acted in the national interest as a responsible moderating influence on current coalition partners, and would act in the same manner in the event of another hung parliament after 2015 - whether with Conservatives or Labour parties.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- </div>
<br />
In a letter to activists he wrote:<br />
<br />
"Over the last few
days, we’ve showcased what we’ve achieved in Coalition and we’ve
demonstrated that we can make the tough decisions required in
Government. But crucially, that we do so in a way that is fairer than
the Conservatives would if they were governing by themselves.<br />
<br />
And whether you were voting in the main hall or catching updates at
home, there has been a fundamental shift in how our party is
perceived.<br />
<br />
We’re finally starting to get recognition for
the decision we, as a party, took by going into Government. Especially
at a time when the economy had suffered the biggest crash in 80 years
and Labour had left us with no money to clean up the mess.<br />
<br />
The last three years haven’t been easy, with the vitriol of our
opponents and the difficult headlines.<br />
<br />
But all those
insults were worth it.<br />
<br />
Because we’re starting to turn
things around. We are seeing the first signs of economic recovery, a
recovery that wouldn’t be happening without us.<br />
<br />
There’s
still a long way to go and over the next two years Liberal Democrats
will focus unrelentingly on creating jobs and sustainable growth.<br />
<br />
As
I said in my speech this afternoon, we can’t trust either of the
other parties to get it right by themselves. I have spent my entire
life watching the other two mess it up. We cannot stand idly by and
let them do it all over again.<br />
<br />
Only the Liberal Democrats
can finish the job of restoring the economy, and finish it fairly."<br />
<br />
<br />
Read his full speech to conference <a href="http://www.fairertax.org/r?u=http://www.libdems.org.uk/speeches_detail.aspx?title%3DNick_Clegg_F43_speech_to_the_Liberal_Democrat_Autumn_Conference%26pPK%3Dd924e602-c2eb-4b5d-831f-52991de6894b&utm_campaign=lfl_conf&n=2&e=1864fdf891af67a7ab0042f094a51833a22aa15b&utm_source=fairertaxes&utm_medium=email">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- </div>
<br />
The full list of 16 issues which LibDems have blocked:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboGduu-_Ya9f-_pxA_qAolc_5d8_SZRQ3wI_7VPUySK_La-3BelvwHbBGk1yd-ifKcM-BWOYKD1MVDqg8lDhHo0mma2GkcsEvpL-cWGIiTZGzH41IEKAc9pUvOsDKIkIMtwFIUp7SPKqM/s1600/16+nos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboGduu-_Ya9f-_pxA_qAolc_5d8_SZRQ3wI_7VPUySK_La-3BelvwHbBGk1yd-ifKcM-BWOYKD1MVDqg8lDhHo0mma2GkcsEvpL-cWGIiTZGzH41IEKAc9pUvOsDKIkIMtwFIUp7SPKqM/s400/16+nos.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-42974461697550617002013-08-29T16:30:00.002+01:002013-08-29T16:31:09.977+01:00Aldermaston & Wasing Show - Saturday 7th SeptemberCome to the 71st Aldermaston & Wasing Show and celebrate your local spirit at the Old Mill, Aldermaston, from 2pm!
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQkjJyeT05HxThP7O2qHzY8NooNzaoebgcJW0IrgUTa2GMTa4aKda1gG1xtj4D34FB109ZKcUMNPTgP-yiJsWuLXoM6KU6ugdbrLMyemHQXtffRDHrUf5ILO_ZuXiTR2jjpmKTRrfwV14/s1600/GetInvolved.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQkjJyeT05HxThP7O2qHzY8NooNzaoebgcJW0IrgUTa2GMTa4aKda1gG1xtj4D34FB109ZKcUMNPTgP-yiJsWuLXoM6KU6ugdbrLMyemHQXtffRDHrUf5ILO_ZuXiTR2jjpmKTRrfwV14/s320/GetInvolved.png" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />
Attractions include 104 competitions, vintage car, craft, ferret and falconry displays, <a href="http://www.awshow.org.uk/">among many others...</a> while volunteers to help out are always welcomed (see contact details above).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQAIid2NgGt_yyiRPSXAJhhojaQR4TwJPmMsd5oZGGXYY6hMtjQ0qy5maeTopjbjJ43Sj4fWVIciLCPXP6lBaUoM4Xraj7Z3767ridXUqnq7wqqCEEaBxKkTbSdkT961ATqE0VQlJpdJn/s1600/Strongman-ad-2013-1024x721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQAIid2NgGt_yyiRPSXAJhhojaQR4TwJPmMsd5oZGGXYY6hMtjQ0qy5maeTopjbjJ43Sj4fWVIciLCPXP6lBaUoM4Xraj7Z3767ridXUqnq7wqqCEEaBxKkTbSdkT961ATqE0VQlJpdJn/s320/Strongman-ad-2013-1024x721.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKGMJI-DuEkO8y8ya6ufIXfoIzlV6dRbMz0zFATBiD8e6TQyAb5t-3FaIE6NEf6xmkanFfrPGHwOEBa99hR_N4j215TcuxfVh1qQkB75tSN8XrhU2-S8hEZVkjQjMgRzpgGgxRKP2qnGN/s1600/Dog-Comp-ad-2013-1024x712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKGMJI-DuEkO8y8ya6ufIXfoIzlV6dRbMz0zFATBiD8e6TQyAb5t-3FaIE6NEf6xmkanFfrPGHwOEBa99hR_N4j215TcuxfVh1qQkB75tSN8XrhU2-S8hEZVkjQjMgRzpgGgxRKP2qnGN/s320/Dog-Comp-ad-2013-1024x712.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can be sure of a good time, so why not come along - and maybe you'll bump into an old friend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-19143509919535339182013-08-01T11:00:00.000+01:002013-10-01T08:15:21.438+01:00Doggone BinsImagine the scene: a picturesque pathway along by the Kennet & Avon canal at the height of a steamy summer's day.<br />
<br />
A toddler eats an ice-cream, but doesn't want to drop any litter or spoil the countryside. He goes over to the rubbish bin to deposit the paper wrapper - only to put his hand into this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXkLZbCA9iRt03aWTG2kU7QmK72IbGkZ1uTnpk9p04Lt_nFjmDQUCXawWW0IDnMgKlw82oVEMbcrbBJ9YME5zB11g4-CUIk8lA7wv1CTEFAnS6x4XHjNF2ef69asrPHZnDmxXQGZ_VQVq/s1600/Picture+122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXkLZbCA9iRt03aWTG2kU7QmK72IbGkZ1uTnpk9p04Lt_nFjmDQUCXawWW0IDnMgKlw82oVEMbcrbBJ9YME5zB11g4-CUIk8lA7wv1CTEFAnS6x4XHjNF2ef69asrPHZnDmxXQGZ_VQVq/s320/Picture+122.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A litter bin filled with dog litter! </div>
<br />
This was exactly the story told by one anxious parent to your Focus Team.<br />
<br />
It is with remarkable regularity that dog walkers complain about insufficient bins to clear up after their pets, while tourists complain about the lack of collection points for rubbish as villagers complain about the smell.<br />
<br />
Local LibDems recently secured a commitment to constantly monitor whether the bins are being emptied on schedule and investigate whether more are needed.<br />
<br />
Parish Councillor Andrew Grover said,
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
"<span dir="ltr">Local residents, businesses and visitors all need to
keep our countryside and streets clean and free of litter. Fellow dog
walkers need to collect and dispose of dog litter properly. The problem
of those not doing so has been
obvious</span><span dir="ltr"><span dir="ltr"> and unpleasant for us all</span> during the recent heatwave." </span></div>
</blockquote>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-67016098658074778562013-07-20T11:00:00.000+01:002013-09-04T16:49:23.881+01:00Aldermaston Ward LibDems: Statement on the Future of Nuclear DefenceThis week the coalition government published the long-awaited 'Trident Alternatives Review'. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7R5EZgA45n4_qxis3OBocEOu4SCwAIPZv1a1p_ZDt3HWNt-UE-W2vBTlDhy-z6SPpCMWB51-zy2vZbjQ39SUPfGjpEE5oPu8ITY9ZwHSdwjAhlR-bKv4Fko01COKiWbJ7-fuWHHT5ZByJ/s1600/1958_cnd_march.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7R5EZgA45n4_qxis3OBocEOu4SCwAIPZv1a1p_ZDt3HWNt-UE-W2vBTlDhy-z6SPpCMWB51-zy2vZbjQ39SUPfGjpEE5oPu8ITY9ZwHSdwjAhlR-bKv4Fko01COKiWbJ7-fuWHHT5ZByJ/s200/1958_cnd_march.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CND march in 1958</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is a publication of huge significance to voters and campaigners alike. The issue of nucelar weapons has long caused divisions in Berkshire, while large numbers of local residents in this area live and work in the shadow of the major AWE installations nearby.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Liberal Democrats have now taken the first step to heal those long-standing and deep divisions.</span><br />
<br />
The ground-breaking paper provides the most
thorough review of nuclear systems and postures the UK has ever made
public and examines a full range of alternatives available - a move only made possible through the insistence of LibDems in government.<br />
<br />
The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trident-alternatives-review">Trident Alternatives Review</a> makes clear that Britain's national security will not be compromised by gradual reduction of the UK's Nuclear capacity as part of the reshaping of our Armed Forces to take account of the current security environment.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjLKrORz-axyiejIao2DrwuUNum_iTlf6PmZRXKogGZlq5TQO4aILgTAw-SY9CMomYLeRYsLgGghtWRrcORUnGxtEyKeWpZVPRLEPT8knQcQ2Un9EmySdeQGrXKMcnEflHhTaMTd1RI6M/s1600/Orion_laser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjLKrORz-axyiejIao2DrwuUNum_iTlf6PmZRXKogGZlq5TQO4aILgTAw-SY9CMomYLeRYsLgGghtWRrcORUnGxtEyKeWpZVPRLEPT8knQcQ2Un9EmySdeQGrXKMcnEflHhTaMTd1RI6M/s200/Orion_laser.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AWE's Orion laser</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Britain no longer needs a 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year continuous-at-sea patrolling service designed to meet a
threat in the Soviet Union that no longer exists. Instead we should support our international allies and contribute
meaningfully to the new multilateral drive to marry arms reduction to threat reduction. This will also save billions of pounds to concentrate on more pressing domestic demands.<br />
<br />
Announcing the review, LibDem Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander MP, said,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"It is the right and sensible thing to do. And it could allow long-term savings to be made against current plans for like-for-like replacement.We can, at last, have an open and much more informed debate about what our nuclear weapons are for and how they should be deployed."</blockquote>
Liberal Democrats are leading this debate.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJve_vy-v7TYjBf8YKVOTd7Ec9vfOuma2jez_2TTb05UFr5qF-tbbQnmIul7d8anCLyxSnModjjN3WQrFsonQ4x84S2rQep1_77YGK9uyjsvenRJzVgn6JU34X-hrjaecCsXND60s111jz/s1600/awe_aldermaston_falcon_gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJve_vy-v7TYjBf8YKVOTd7Ec9vfOuma2jez_2TTb05UFr5qF-tbbQnmIul7d8anCLyxSnModjjN3WQrFsonQ4x84S2rQep1_77YGK9uyjsvenRJzVgn6JU34X-hrjaecCsXND60s111jz/s400/awe_aldermaston_falcon_gate.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AWE Aldermaston Falcon Gate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Read <a href="http://www.libdems.org.uk/latest_news_detail.aspx?title=Danny_Alexander_launches_the_Government%E2%80%99s_Trident_Alternatives_Review&pPK=76485538-fcff-4db1-94f2-ab4ad5a4e6dc">Danny Alexander's complete speech</a> to the Royal United Services Institute.</li>
<li>Read the <a href="http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/fairertaxes/mailings/443/attachments/original/Trident_factsheet.pdf?1373972581">LibDems Trident factsheet</a>.</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://actionawe.org/">Action AWE</a> campaigning website.</li>
<li>More on <a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=awe">AWE Aldermaston</a>.</li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-65278972220425181352013-07-11T11:30:00.000+01:002013-07-11T11:30:03.451+01:00The Battle For Paices Wood<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzczzFPDwCCWdNHFaJBjSt3uNG07Eb36ijGOdff47qRiBBBYUSoOk__O1UYncBxAtIKb2lB7gFCS3oQMofVmtdNxyOeMDx_zeBRpovCBkpN4jwbBcQp2OnwKV14WXuT2vW5syRuXuspYK/s1600/fishponds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzczzFPDwCCWdNHFaJBjSt3uNG07Eb36ijGOdff47qRiBBBYUSoOk__O1UYncBxAtIKb2lB7gFCS3oQMofVmtdNxyOeMDx_zeBRpovCBkpN4jwbBcQp2OnwKV14WXuT2vW5syRuXuspYK/s200/fishponds.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peaceful Paices Wood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Saturday 6th June local LibDem activists met naturalists and conservationists from Berkshire's Wildlife Trust and Ornitological Society on a pleasant <a href="http://www.paiceswood.net/news/article.php?newsid=66" target="_blank">country walk around Paices Wood Country Park</a>.<br />
<br />
Paices Wood is a former gravel extraction site <a href="http://www.paiceswood.net/about-us/" target="_blank">comprising extensive woodland, grassland and several lakes</a> near Aldermaston, in the shadow of AWE.<br />
<br />
Following exhaustion of commercial quarrying in the 1980s the site was restored and landscaped, however access became restricted due to increased security requirements through Youngs industrial estate after 2000. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnrHYeKae76SKy8MrlE-hc1NkvNHPaVfbc9r_nGo3et2NmxzuiZoVO8ypAwr8CaaONriu8_XbvA8F1n7weUnnFARyDgCeQPpjaIfF2X4_msyY5DD8PLEy_sMawDv_TuxuQWZEkFlYEqDV/s1600/lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnrHYeKae76SKy8MrlE-hc1NkvNHPaVfbc9r_nGo3et2NmxzuiZoVO8ypAwr8CaaONriu8_XbvA8F1n7weUnnFARyDgCeQPpjaIfF2X4_msyY5DD8PLEy_sMawDv_TuxuQWZEkFlYEqDV/s200/lake.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gravel pit at Paices Wood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The owners campaigned for a dedicated entrance to the park, and planning permission was eventually granted in September 2010, with funding from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF).<br />
<br />
The new entrance to Paices Wood was officially opened in May 2011 by Newbury's Conservative MP Richard Benyon, ironically only weeks after ALSF was scrapped by Defra Minister Richard Benyon - a move <a href="http://centrallobby.politicshome.com/members/member-press/member-press-details/newsarticle/mpa-says-scrapping-of-aggregates-levy-sustainability-fund-works-against-localism///sites/mineral-products-association/" target="_blank">heavily criticised by the Minerals Product Association</a>. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd92LYCD5xy38o29mfUEvw_hFROUNNMIM4Gqumx_IzVTIWjFMQ3d8xrwqme-PDCAaK0TUvX1bYaAG2MZK8pJtAczglp-I3Lp03soAM1__cJOCfzmhLAb4GAWhp17oqRfH_8mLA7szAN4E/s1600/fields.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd92LYCD5xy38o29mfUEvw_hFROUNNMIM4Gqumx_IzVTIWjFMQ3d8xrwqme-PDCAaK0TUvX1bYaAG2MZK8pJtAczglp-I3Lp03soAM1__cJOCfzmhLAb4GAWhp17oqRfH_8mLA7szAN4E/s200/fields.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An undisturbed gravel site nearby</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The fund was stopped despite changes which increased the total levy by £15m/year in 2011 to more than £300m/year, having being used to channel about 7% of levy income (<a href="http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/funding/alsf.aspx" target="_blank">£10.8m from 2009 to 2011</a>) back to communities to pay for conservation, community and other sustainability projects.<br />
<br />
Given the recent <a href="http://aldermastonlibdems.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/local-news-controversial-gravel.html" target="_blank">application for new gravel extraction in the area</a>, residents will be concerned about the loss of a vital environmental fund to mitigate problems with <a href="http://www.mineralproducts.org/11-release022.htm" target="_blank">nothing to replace it</a>.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Paices Wood is <a href="http://www.bbowt.org.uk/news/2013/05/10/bbowt-talks-about-future-management-nine-west-berkshire-council-wildlife-sites" target="_blank">one of nine sites under consideration</a> by West Berkshire Council to transfer management repsonsibility to BBOWT, as the ruling Conservatives seek to cut expenditure and rein in budgets.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Find out more about the <a href="http://www.bbowt.org.uk/" target="_blank">Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust</a></li>
<li>Find out more about the <a href="http://www.berksoc.org.uk/index.shtml" target="_blank">Berkshire Ornithological Club</a></li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-27107026840350537762013-07-03T11:00:00.000+01:002013-07-08T21:19:48.607+01:00Local News: Re-dedicating Ourselves To Their MemoryLocal LibDems joined with residents to attend <a href="http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2013/villagers-mark-rededication-of-woolhampton-war-memorial" target="_blank">the rededication service for the Woolhampton War memorial</a> on Saturday 29th June.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEUWtnc_ZBgle7entL4McsCQBp7qGUSqXLL8-SUNxVV6UMjurCStkSbGz1cGfA6boPEqjk0E-ONuiSMISCwHfLl4WrVHaXIhH7M1Z4TvlZvYtsV1ejGvosZzJvSFy5mePwnH-FDF1sMbq/s1600/27-1013a-Rededication-of-St-Peters-Church-War-Memorial-Woolhampton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEUWtnc_ZBgle7entL4McsCQBp7qGUSqXLL8-SUNxVV6UMjurCStkSbGz1cGfA6boPEqjk0E-ONuiSMISCwHfLl4WrVHaXIhH7M1Z4TvlZvYtsV1ejGvosZzJvSFy5mePwnH-FDF1sMbq/s400/27-1013a-Rededication-of-St-Peters-Church-War-Memorial-Woolhampton.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
The 17ft memorial bears the names of 15 men who died
from 1914-18, and 5 more who died in the 1939-45 war.<br />
<br />
It bears the
inscription "They passed out of the sight of men by the path of duty and self-sacrifice."<br />
<br />
The octagonal cross in Doulting stone had come into disrepair and required cleaning to ensure the names weren't lost, as the parish gears up for the centenary of the outbreak of war.<br />
<br />
The service fittingly recreated <a href="http://westberkshirewarmemorials.org.uk/memorial.php?link=WB373" target="_blank">the original dedication made on 16th March 1921</a>, when Brigadier-General Phipps Hornby gave an address.<br />
<br />
In it he exhorted attendees to remember the names made 'immortal', but not forget the heroism of survivors who must fulfil the obligation to maintain the hard-won happiness brought by peace.<br />
<br />
Local resident Mansell Oakes gave a similarly well-recieved speech before Rev. Becky Bevan reiterated the Blessing and the ceremony was appropriately brought to a close by Beenham bugler Simon Whitcombe with the sounding of The Reveille. <br />
<br />
Aldermaston ward campaigner James Spackman commented,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"It's only through the memory of those who served and made sacrifices that we can understand the reasons and causes of such terrible and traumatic events. We must honour them to ensure that the promise 'Never Again' is upheld."</blockquote>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-25913887007371731672013-06-22T11:00:00.000+01:002013-07-11T00:58:31.222+01:00Local News: Controversial Gravel Extraction Application PassedA controversial proposal to extract <a href="http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2013/aldermaston-quarry-gets-go-ahead-from-council" target="_blank">200,000 tonnes of gravel per year for the next 12 years</a> from the Kennet Valley bed between Woolhampton and Aldermaston has been given the green light despite strong local opposition.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabdg5WxuL3K9P8Utk3Zpa41gThvPHPzo5jvH30id7g5u6AxUHke12SF0snD2YqRFlW8SDcHEIID_wSee73Aslg0ogTVK8KrC1GRwQUg1fhJJVn_aO87EuwR9V-mG5lSLiyMIn1MewTL3u/s1600/gravel+extraction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabdg5WxuL3K9P8Utk3Zpa41gThvPHPzo5jvH30id7g5u6AxUHke12SF0snD2YqRFlW8SDcHEIID_wSee73Aslg0ogTVK8KrC1GRwQUg1fhJJVn_aO87EuwR9V-mG5lSLiyMIn1MewTL3u/s320/gravel+extraction.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gravel, the pits!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
173 acres of land will be dug up by aggregates giant Lafarge before being re-landscaped. Ground level will be reduced by several metres, eventually allowing for new angling lakes to be created.<br />
<br />
The mineral itself will supply a local factory, supporting 75 jobs which would otherwise be lost when the Midgham quarryworks are exhausted. <br />
<br />
Complaints centred around <a href="http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/roundup/articles/2013/06/20/90495-outcry-as-battle-over-wasing-park-pit-is-lost" target="_blank">increases in lorry traffic</a> on road access to the site described as 'inadequate', potentially harming road surfaces, <a href="https://www.hardtoinsure.co.uk/insurance-news/listed-buildings-insurance/concern-over-listed-buildings-after-quarry-plan-gets-planning-permission/801600054" target="_blank">damaging listed buildings</a> located next to rural routes, as well as increasing danger for pedestrians from speeding lorries and adding to noise levels.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile additional concerns about the potential for flooding caused by the impact on underground water flows were dismissed on the grounds that this would be mitigated by increases in surface water storage capacity.<br />
<br />
The application has been a long time coming - it originated following
consultation on the Preferred Options for the Joint Minerals and Waste
Local Development Framework in September 2007 and submission of a new
Core Strategy on 27th February 2009, and lapsed last year - which raises the question whether
WBC is abiding by its own <a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4006" target="_blank">Statement of Community Involvement</a>.<br />
<br />
Local LibDem campaigner, James Spackman, commented,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The determination of West Berkshire
Council to push ahead with unpopular plans without making any
concessions gives the clearest possible indication that Tories are not listening."</blockquote>
James added,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The failure of West Berkshire Conservatives to agree a new minerals and waste plan means exclusion sites have lapsed and they are powerless to save protected areas. No wonder residents are angry!"</blockquote>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Find out more about <a href="http://berksgeoconservation.org.uk/docs/Gravels-West_Berkshire.pdf" target="_blank">gravel deposits in West Berkshire</a></li>
<li>Find out more about <a href="http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3225" target="_blank">West Berkshire Development Plans</a></li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460953060211631638.post-69632410905437747002013-06-19T11:30:00.000+01:002013-06-19T11:30:06.052+01:00What LibDems Are Achieving In Coalition GovernmentMany people ask why LibDems decided to form a Coalition Government with our local opponents - well, there was much more to it than simply guaranteeing economic security at a time of crisis and uncertainty.<br />
<br />
So, to explain further, it's infographic time... enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ssZBHw_k4DEIMFelLqgnVmX5nZPWJ-YdlzKnBP7jmxhbYp7HXxTJJsBBrwjCxgV1bvJZp_vlzWyKCGrixoSB9s9Nt-OffQlDLCXKRsYoOu1nEKo_RSMs3JiVHY7iFcy3g-cf76_XkKkg/s1600/LibDem_achievmentsA3_1200px1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ssZBHw_k4DEIMFelLqgnVmX5nZPWJ-YdlzKnBP7jmxhbYp7HXxTJJsBBrwjCxgV1bvJZp_vlzWyKCGrixoSB9s9Nt-OffQlDLCXKRsYoOu1nEKo_RSMs3JiVHY7iFcy3g-cf76_XkKkg/s640/LibDem_achievmentsA3_1200px1.png" width="449" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.markpack.org.uk/libdem-infographic/" target="_blank">Credit</a> where credit's due.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0