New Facilities at Midgham Station

Network 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...

...as well as bollards and painting lines for a disabled parking space.

Sadly there's no sight of the new shelter yet.

Network Rail Update on Frouds Lane Bridge

Many Aldermaston ward residents will be aware of ongoing plans for the electrification of the railway between Reading and Newbury, which involves some serious engineering work.

Frouds Lane bridge and engineering works

 However, the disruption caused to rail and road travel has also become a regular feature of local life.

Frouds Lane is closed

So it has been a relief to many to hear the latest progress report from Network Rail on the works.

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.

The next steps are the waterproofing of the deck, followed by installation of the bridge aproaches and stabilisation of the road embankments.

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!

Patience rewarded...

It's been a long time coming [1, 2, 3], but with thanks to your local Focus team these announcements have finally been posted:

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!

'Vital Signs' and Vital Challenges in Berkshire

Berkshire Community Foundation recently published its 'Vital Signs' report.

The report 'measures the vitality and aspirations of our communities, identifies significant trends, and identifies social priorities critical to quality of life'.

This is a summary of the headlines:

• Work and Local Economy - While earnings and productivity are high, unemployment in parts of Berkshire is a significant issue.

• Getting Started in Berkshire - Immigration has increased across the county – especially in Slough and Reading.

• The Gap between Rich and Poor - Berkshire’s overall affluence masks significant levels of local deprivation.

• Housing and Homelessness - Berkshire is one of the least affordable areas in the UK in which to live.

• Crime and Safety - Civil society organisations can play a key role in diverting young people from crime and anti-social behaviour.

• Education - Although Berkshire performs well overall, some deprived urban areas show cause for concern.

• Arts and Culture - Berkshire residents are very satisfied with their cultural amenities, though access for vulnerable groups is an issue.

• Communities - Residents generally feel that Berkshire is a strong community, though isolation is an issue for some groups.

• Environment - While Berkshire has some enviable rural countryside, its urban areas have a number of environmental issues.

• Health and Well Being - Overall, Berkshire is a healthier place to live than most areas, though obesity and smoking remain issues of some concern.

• Civil Society Organisations - Public spending cuts and the current economic climate are taking their toll on civil society organisations, curtailing many much needed services.

• Young People - Many young people in isolated rural communities or pockets of urban deprivation face very challenging conditions. 
   

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.

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.

The report states:

"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."

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."

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.

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'.

You can read the full report here: [Berkshire Vital Signs 2013]

'On Track' With Local Station Manager Alison Stone

Last Saturday we were lucky enough to be able to meet with First Great Western's Alison Stone, Station Manager for Aldermaston and Midgham stations.

James Spackman with Alison Stone

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.

The first topic for discussion covered the redevelopment of Aldermaston station and reasons for long delays rebuilding at Midgham (see here and here).

Following this we talked about the effect of new car-parking charges at Aldermaston and the potential for their introduction at Midgham.

Then we raised issues of passenger safety, vehicle security and potential need for CCTV in local stations.

Next on the agenda was growing demand for cycle lock-up facilities.

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.

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 [ref].

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.

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.

In the meantime you can:

• download the FGW Passenger Charter
• view daily performance and punctuality results

If you have an issue regarding local train services email:  fgwfeedback@firstgroup.com
If you have an issue regarding local station services call:  0800 912 0843

Midgham Station Update

Improvement work at Midgham Station was slow to get started, but has been gradually getting moving - thanks to your local LibDem Focus team!

Here's a review of what's been happening:

At the end of June the old shelter was demolished.

During July the new ramp was removed and fencing was replaced.

Towards the end of September work began on a new information board.

Now the Newbury platform has two electronically updated boards, but still no shelter!

New A4 Road Markings Fail Cyclists

In 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 on the major thoroughfare between Newbury and Reading.

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.

Your local Focus Team went out to look at the issue and this is what we found:

The UK is currently experiencing a cycling boom, 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.

Newbury Road Club, for example, operates two time-trial courses [10 miles, 25 miles] along the Woolhampton section of the A4, making it one of the most popular competitive cycling routes in the whole of Berkshire.

Furthermore, the gradients and sweeping corners which make the stretch of road appealing to cycle along also make it dangerous - especially considering recent accidents along the stretch and the fact that West Berkshire drivers have relatively high numbers of  penalty points on their licences.

Aldermaston Ward campaigner James Spackman commented,

"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."

Meanwhile, cycling campaign group West Berkshire Spokes reports 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.

James added,

"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."

Local News: Controversial Gravel Extraction Application Passed

A controversial proposal to extract 200,000 tonnes of gravel per year for the next 12 years from the Kennet Valley bed between Woolhampton and Aldermaston has been given the green light despite strong local opposition.

Gravel, the pits!

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.

The mineral itself will supply a local factory, supporting 75 jobs which would otherwise be lost when the Midgham quarryworks are exhausted.

Complaints centred around increases in lorry traffic on road access to the site described as 'inadequate', potentially harming road surfaces, damaging listed buildings located next to rural routes, as well as increasing danger for pedestrians from speeding lorries and adding to noise levels.

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.

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 Statement of Community Involvement.

Local LibDem campaigner, James Spackman, commented,

"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."

James added,

"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!"

• Find out more about gravel deposits in West Berkshire
• Find out more about West Berkshire Development Plans

Lift-off At Brimpton Airshow

It was good turnout at Brimpton Airfield for the annual Airshow and Fly-in last Sunday.

Crowds gather to watch the Fly-in

More than 100 people had a lovely day watching more than 30 aeroplanes, all designed to raise awareness of the good work done by the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust.

Among attendees, LibDem Parliamentary Candidate Judith Bunting joined your local Aldermaston Ward team to enjoy the afternoon.

Judith commented, "It's not often you see nearly as many people fly-in to an event as turn up in cars - it was a really fun day!"

High visibility!

The weather was cooler than the rest of the weekend, but stayed fine. There was only one report of burns - around the barbeque - which luckily didn't require air-lifting to hospital!

High visibility, medium cloud coverage and intermittently gusty wind meant good conditions for flying, for both the vintage 'planes and the radio-controlled model display.

After circling the beautiful airfield grounds we descended on the TVCAA stall.

Judith Bunting PPC at the TVCAA stall

There we met TVCAA volunteer John S. and listened as he explained the vital types of work undertaken by the Air Ambulance service - such as airlifting traffic accident victims to specialist treatment centres.

Judith said, "I was glad to meet John S. from the Air Ambulance and to hear about the good work they do in West Berkshire and beyond. They're an impressive outfit, and I signed up to their lottery as soon as I got home."


You too can give your support to the charity by signing up at their website: http://www.tvacaa.org/

A4 Accident Raises Road Safety Questions

A serious accident occurred on Thursday 11th April when a lorry jack-knived and ran out of control into the Rising Sun pub on the A4 between Woolhampton and Aldermaston. The road was closed for most of the afternoon and the driver was airlifted to hospital.

Meridian News posted a full selection of eye-witness accounts and BBC Berkshire also covered the story with this report.

The Rising Sun's landlord, Wayne Sangwell, has led renewed calls to improve safety, saying, "I'm lucky to be alive... it was an accident waiting to happen,".

A 30mph zone is in place through Woolhampton village, but speeding remains an issue, especially once drivers get beyond the speed cameras.

In 2006 the Woolhampton Parish Plan identified speeding along this section of the road as a longstanding issue at the same time as traffic flows showed marked increases. The lay-by was created in the 1930s after work was done to reduce the sharp corner and gradient, but the road has remained dangerous even after an speed restriction was imposed in1980 - as the DfT's interactive accident map highlights.

The cameras and pelican crossing were put in several years ago in response to the A4 Study conducted by West Berkshire Council in 2007, but as you can see on p14 of the draft document these measures represent the minimum scale of proposals identified through in consultations around the A4 study.

According to figures from the Department for Transport the traffic profile for West Berkshire shows an increase of 1/3 for light good vehicles since 2000. Meanwhile the capital spend by WBC on road safety in the years 2006-11 is loaded to the 2009-10 budget - ten-times more was allocated for road safety in the pre-election year than the annual average for the other years in the cycle.

Should more be done?

And, why wasn't more done when funding was available?

Midgham Station Improvements?

In January Network Rail completed their work to upgrade the access facilities at Midgham Station, adding a ramp to the shelter on the Newbury side of the tracks. Unfortunately the dilapidated wooden structure of the shelter collapsed only a couple of weeks later.

It has been boarded up since the beginning of February.

No shelter from the elements

This is what it looked like when the Aldermaston Ward Focus Team stopped by last weekend.

Local commuters are dismayed and frustrated - not just at the discomfort and the delays in sorting out this problem, but also the unnecessary waste occurring while rail fares continue to rise faster than inflation.

Your local team of LibDems are campaigning to find a solution.