Part time receptionist post at WPLC
New parking machines for WBC car parks
Wokingham Borough Council has replaced the majority of its car parking payment machines in council-run car parks across its borough
The digital screens on the parking devices allow customers to make a pre-authorised payment with a new ‘check in/check out’ system, where they only pay for the time stayed. All visitors have to do is input their vehicle registration, tap or insert their card and then are free to shop or go for a bite to eat.
When they return they tap or insert the same payment card to check out. This method means visitors can avoid the worry of a ticket expiring or change their plans to stay in a location with ease. The system automatically checks out all vehicles when the payment window for the relevant car park closes.
The digital displays have step-by-step instructions for each method of payment. More traditional payments by coin or card will also be possible. Whatever payment method is chosen, visitors have to put in their registration on arrival.
Ringo App
Customers can also pay for their parking via the Ringo app until September 2020, at which point an alternative phone payment system will be introduced via the new machines. The old payment machines have been replaced as they were more than a decade old and were becoming more costly to repair as parts had become obsolete.
The rollout of the new machines began in April when Cockpit Path car park in Wokingham town centre was the first to have them installed. The project covers council car parks across Wokingham, Woodley, Earley, Wargrave, Twyford and Winnersh as well as five solar-powered machines being installed at Dinton Pastures.
As part of the rollout, there has been a change to the payment process at the Carnival multi-storey car park. The automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system has been removed, as have the entry barriers. Local authorities are not allowed to use ANPR camera systems for enforcement of parking restrictions.
Pay On Entry
Visitors need to be aware they will now have to pay on entry, rather than on exit. As the new system involves inputting vehicle registration, no ticket needs to be displayed as all details will be checked electronically. This is even the case when selecting the pay and display option. Only Winnersh Park and Ride is yet to have its new machines put in, with completion there expected before the end of summer.
“These new machines have proved very popular at Cockpit Path car park, so it is great they have been rolled out across the borough,” said executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen. “I would like to thank residents for their patience while there were a few teething problems after the initial installation in some locations. But the variety of payment options available means users can now be more flexible when they go out and enjoy their leisure time by visiting one of our towns or villages.
“The innovative ‘check in, check out’ payment system provides an improved service as it means visitors only pay for the exact amount of time they are actually using the car park. They will no longer have to play it safe by overpaying as the new technology works for them to ensure they pay the lowest amount possible.”
Woodley Community Picnic
Don’t forget Woodley Town Council’s Community Picnic is on this Sunday – 11th August 11.00-15.00 – at Woodley’s Memorial Ground!
Make sure to be there early to claim your FREE picnic – only 100 available!
There will be lots of FREE entertainment and is the perfect opportunity to relax in the sunshine with friends and family. We look forward to seeing you there!
Basil & Crew Farm Animals
Berkshire Reptile Encounters
Circus Allstars
Jadoos Jingles
Brown Bag Cafe
U3A exhibition about Woodley town centre
A recent project by the Woodley & District U3A (University of the Third Age) exploring the history of Woodley town centre and its shops is now available to view at the Oakwood Centre
The project, in conjunction with the Wokingham U3A, the Reading U3A and partnered with Woodley Town Council, Woodley Library, the Museum of Berkshire Aviation, Reading Borough Libraries and the Berkshire Record Office, explores the history of Woodley’s shops, dating the first shop to circa 1854.
According to the 1847 Kelly’s Directory of Berkshire, Woodley was described as “a scattered village and consists principally of farm houses”. By 1854, there were three shopkeepers in the village, while the first actual shop on Crockhamwell Road was Bertie and Beatrice Ambrose’s Fish & Chip shop in 1939.
Interestingly, the first shopping centre in Woodley was on Headley Road and the first stage of the Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct was not developed until 1965.
Further interesting facts and photos are displayed along the corridor towards the Woodley Town Council offices in the Oakwood Centre.
Weekly scheduled roadworks – 06 August
A4 London Road, Earley12 August — 16 August |
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Delays likely – Traffic control (multi-way signals) |
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Works location: At the junction with Rosedale Crescent |
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Works description: Excavate to install chamber a duct to connect to existing duct for fibre optic cable |
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Responsibility for works: NEOSCORP LTD |
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Weekly scheduled roadworks – 30 July
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Free priority service for vulnerable people
Thames Water’s FREE priority service
Thames Water offer a freePriority Service to customers who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances. By registering for this service Thames Water aim to provide free support in the unlikely event you have no water, by prioritising the most vulnerable first.
Thames Water can tailor their services to meet customers’ needs, from using their preferred means of communication to delivering water to their door, giving them peace of mind at a time when they need it most. Financial support is available too.
Thames Water work with electricity network operators to help customers benefit from support during both power cuts and water supply interruptions. Amongst the eligibility criteria are poor mobility, sight or hearing loss, using medical equipment at home, speech or hearing difficulties, mental health issues.
For more information, email ecs@thameswater.co.uk, call the Extra care Team on 0800 0093652 option 3, or visit www.thameswater.co.uk/priorityservices. Financial support is available as well: search ‘help paying your bill’ on the Thames Water website.
Weekly scheduled roadworks – 23 July
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A4 London Road, Earley29 July — 31 July |
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Delays unlikely – No carriageway incursion |
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Works location: On verge between A4 & London Road. Opposite Junction with Hilltop Road. |
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Works description: Hand dig to replace failed anodes, all works on verge, no carriage way or footway incursion, Signs and Barriers to be used, all works to be completed in 1 day. |
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Responsibility for works: SGN |
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Kingfisher Drive, Woodley26 July — 26 July |
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Delays unlikely – Traffic control (give & take) |
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Works location: Outside 2 -22 |
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Works description: Works pre-micro patching |
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Responsibility for works: Wokingham Borough Council |
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Volunteers needed
Wokingham Volunteers need you!
Wokingham Volunteers is holding its next Volunteer Recruitment Fair on Saturday 28th September, 10.00 – 13.00, at Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham RG40 1AS
Volunteering is a fantastic way to make a difference in your local community! With local groups working with children, young people, the elderly, education including literacy/numeracy, people with mental and physical health issues and disabilities, gardening, transport schemes, befriending and environment/conservation, there really is something for everyone. Added to that, there are well researched health benefits to volunteers, who tend to have a greater sense of wellbeing and live happier and longer!
If you can’t come on the day, there are loads of ways to get information on volunteering – try the new volunteering portal, www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk, email or phone to book an appointment to chat face-to-face at the Volunteer Centre.
Christine Knox, Manager of the Centre, says: “Some volunteers are passionate about a certain cause. Others see a need for their help or particular expertise and go where they are needed most. Whatever your motivation and availability, we can help you find the right role for you.”
Contact Christine or Helena at The Wokingham Volunteer Centre on 0118 977 0749, email at volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit its website www.wokinghamvolunteercentre.org.uk or the volunteering portal, www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk.
Rogue traders in the Woodley area
Thames Valley Police has published a warning to be aware of potential Doorstep Rogue Traders and Cold Callers in the Woodley area
You may receive a cold call knock at your door from someone claiming to be a tradesman working in the area. They will call unexpectedly, offering services or goods you had not asked for. Those who accept work often find the price increases or the work is left unfinished.
The usual type of work offered includes pressure washing driveways, garden clearance, chimney repairs, replacing loose tiles, repairing leaking roofs or guttering and driveway work. If you accept work from a doorstep trader you’re very likely to pay much more than the price initially agreed for very poor, unnecessary and sometimes dangerous work and you are likely to be targeted by them again in the future. They often target the older generation, who are often more trusting and vulnerable to falling victim to these types of traders.
Doorstep traders rarely provide paperwork so they can’t be traced once they’ve left your home. Names, addresses and business details are often false and telephone numbers are not answered. They have no interest in doing work properly, their only concern is getting the cash and disappearing before Trading Standards or the Police can catch up with them.
Cold Calling can also be a cover for persons planning more serious offences, such as burglaries, to see if houses are occupied. Cold Callers might also commit Bogus Official offences where they gain entry to the house by deception in order to steal, whilst the occupant is distracted.
Please pass on this advice to friends and neighbours who might not receive Thames Valley Alert emails or texts. Genuine reputable local tradesmen do not need to find work in this way.
You should never feel pressured to accept any work or service you do not want or need. It is your home and your right to say NO. If you suspect a crime is in progress, or about to occur, please note any descriptions and contact police on 999.
Download your FREE Home Security Guide from the Thames Valley Police website: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/police-forces/thames-valley-police/areas/advice/home-security-guide/
No Cycling reminder for Woodley town centre
Please can we remind all residents and visitors to Woodley town centre that cycling is not permitted in the precinct.
This is to protect the safety of everyone and particularly those who are vulnerable or have mobility issues.
We appreciate your cooperation.
Weekly scheduled roadworks – 16 July
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