Housing plays a huge role in the health, environmental, social and economic well-being of everyone who lives in the borough. It is more than just bricks and mortar; everyone is affected by housing.

Wokingham Borough Council is in the process of updating its Affordable Housing Strategy and its Young People’s Housing Strategy and would like to seek your views as to whether you think the Council is prioritising the right areas and has identified the right actions to work towards tackling these priorities.

Complete the Surveys by 18 February.

Apply for latest round of Community Diversity Grants

The borough’s Equality Forum has re-opened the fund for applications and is offering a total of £2,500

Community groups are being urged to apply for the latest round of Community Diversity Grants being made available.

The borough’s Equality Forum has re-opened the fund for applications and is offering a total of £2,500. Any new or small community voluntary organisation can apply for a maximum grant of £500 to help with things such as developing the organisation, holding events and increasing employment opportunities of protected characteristic communities in the borough.

Applicants will provide innovate and imaginative approaches to promoting inclusion and commit to tackling inequality and discrimination locally. Organisations can apply by downloading the application form from Wokingham Borough Council’s website.

Once completed, this should be returned by email to equalityforum@wokingham.gov.uk. These groups should support:

• Women and young girls
• LGBT+ community organisations
• Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities
• Religious or faith groups
• Older of younger people
• Disabled people/communities

Panel

A panel from the forum, which has more than 30 members from a diverse range of groups, will decide the successful applications.

Alice Kunjappy-Clifton and Emma Cantrell, joint chairs of the Equality Forum, said: “We are delighted to see another round of funding open, giving even more community groups the chance to enhance the local offer available to minorities in Wokingham Borough.

“A great deal of good has already been done thanks to previous rounds of funding. These small grants make a big difference to smaller, underrepresented communities. We’ve seen from the grants awarded what a lasting impact the money can make.”

Previous grant recipients

The previous round of applications closed in October last year and saw another £2,500 awarded. The successful organisations were:

• Berkshire LGBT+ Parents Network
• Me2 Club
• Parenting Special Children
• Project Salama
• Headway Thames Valley

The first batch of grants were awarded towards the end of 2022. Almost £5,000 was given to nine organisations making a difference locally. Case studies on how the money has been used can be found on the council’s website.

The initiative is funded by the council and is part of its Equality Plan 2021-25, where it has pledged to act on its commitments to equality, diversity and inclusion in the way it plans, delivers and shapes its services.

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, executive member for equalities, inclusion and fighting poverty, said: “The benefits of the money awarded through Community Diversity grants are widespread and I am excited to see another round of funding has opened for applications.

“Providing a meaningful impact to underrepresented communities in the borough is a huge part of the council’s ongoing commitment. These community groups know how to help people and tailor proposals to meet their needs. I look forward to seeing lots of applications.”

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 8 February.

Our grants

During the current financial year, Woodley Town Council has allocated funds to make the following grants:

• Community Grants – Up to £250, for community groups / organisations either based in or supporting residents of Woodley, to fund one-off costs such as specific projects or purchases.
• Individual Grants – Up to £100, for individuals under the age of 21 living in Woodley, excelling in sporting or cultural activities, to fund representation at county, regional, national or international events.
• Youth Grants – Up to £3,000 (although exceptions will be considered), for organisations, to assist and facilitate projects that reach, engage and support young people (those aged 21 and under) in Woodley.
• Annual Grants – No cap, for fully constituted ‘not for profit’ organisations either based in or supporting residents of Woodley, to fund annual running costs or specific projects.

Please visit the Grants section on our website for more information, including how to apply and when.

Plans for new woodland and wildflower meadows at Wokingham Borough Council-owned Ashenbury Park are moving forward under a trial scheme that could benefit the whole borough, both environmentally and financially.

Planting and seeding at Ashenbury Park in Woodley is set to start in early spring and continue throughout the year. This is part of a pilot initiative to make the site more welcoming to wildlife by improving and enriching its natural habitats, a concept known as “biodiversity net gain” (BNG).

The pilot was approved by Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC) decision-making executive in March last year and, if successful, could lead to further enhancements at other green spaces across Wokingham Borough.

Protecting green spaces and raising funds

By improving the biodiversity of its existing properties, like countryside parks, public open spaces and farmland, WBC hopes to become a provider of so-called “BNG units” to developers.

These will soon be created under new Government rules aimed at offsetting the impact of development, and ensuring a positive outcome for the environment, by creating new wildlife habitats, restoring degraded ones and improving existing ones.

The new rules, part of the Environment Act 2021, will require all new developments to provide a BNG of at least 10 per cent. This is measured against Government standards and must be protected for at least 30 years.

Developers must assess their sites after completion and, if they find biodiversity has improved by less than 10 per cent, they must provide additional BNG units off-site to make up for it.

They can buy BNG units from any landowners, including local authorities, who create and maintain new or enhanced biodiversity habitats. The landowners are required to monitor their own sites to ensure their improvements are succeeding.

The first step in a green transformation

Wokingham Borough Council intends to plant more than 1.7 hectares of native British trees, likely including oak, alder, birch, wild cherry, hawthorn and more, to extend the existing woodland at Ashenbury Park and link up the two adjacent local wildlife sites.

They would offer significantly more natural habitats and provide valuable food sources to help countless species thrive, from insects like stag beetles, butterflies and caterpillars to birds and other animals like squirrels, badgers and deer.

Another 4.8 hectares of wildflower meadows are proposed between the new and existing woodlands, where the soil is not deep enough for tree planting. These will be made up of colourful flowers like oxeye daisies, common knapweeds, lady’s bedstraws and bird foot trefoils to provide new nectar sources for insects. The existing paths will be kept as mown paths, so residents can roam freely and enjoy nature without disturbing the wildlife.

Residents, especially frequent park users, and other interested parties can learn more about the proposals and designs and share their thoughts on WBC’s Engage website.

The plans are based on detailed studies of how welcoming the park already is for wildlife, as well as its soil and landscape. The improvements would cover most of the site, though the children’s play area and the events field would stay as they are.

A win-win for everyone

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure at WBC, said: “We expect the biodiversity net gain scheme to offer a win-win for everyone – not only developers, but also residents, us as a council and the environment. 

“This innovative scheme would help raise much-needed funds to create and enhance some of our green spaces, which will be maintained for at least 30 years.  Our environment, including wildlife species, would therefore be improved and protected at no cost to us at all.

“We know how important our green spaces are to residents, and this scheme would help balance our need to protect and enhance the natural world around us with the demand for economic development that new development brings.

“The pilot at Ashenbury Park will help us test local demand for the biodiversity net gain scheme and give us hands-on experience in how to deliver it for the benefit of the borough, and more importantly our finances in this challenging time.”

Woodley Town Council Parks & Green Spaces

You can find out which parks and green spaces we manage in Woodley, HERE.

Changes have been made to the electoral ward boundaries in Wokingham borough, with two new constituencies. 

Important changes to the parliamentary constituencies and ward boundaries in Wokingham Borough have been made following independent reviews.

There will be all-out borough elections in May 2024, with all 54 seats up for contention on Wokingham Borough Council.

Ward boundaries

Following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE), changes have been made to the electoral ward boundaries in the borough. The LGBCE began this process in August 2022 and held two rounds of consultation to gauge public opinion on its recommendations. The final proposal was approved by Parliament in November.

The review was conducted to ensure councillors represent roughly the same number of electors and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively. The number of councillors will remain at 54 but there will now be 18 wards, represented by three members each, which are as follows:

• Barkham & Arborfield
• Bulmershe & Coronation
• Emmbrook
• Evendons
• Finchampstead
• Hawkedon
• Hillside
• Loddon
• Maiden Erlegh & Whitegates
• Norreys
• Shinfield
• South Lake
• Spencers Wood & Swallowfield
• Thames
• Twyford, Ruscombe & Hurst
• Winnersh
• Wescott
• Wokingham Without

Both the new and current boundaries can be viewed online, while full details of the LGBCE review are available on the commission website.

Check your poll card

This means that some residents will be voting in a different ward to the one in which they last cast their vote. It is therefore important to read your poll card carefully when it arrives in April, as it will tell you which polling station you can vote at. Any new polling stations will be confirmed at the end of January.

Parliamentary constituencies

In addition to the ward boundary changes, there are also new parliamentary constituency boundaries to elect Members of Parliament.

There are now two constituencies in Wokingham Borough which are:

• Wokingham
• Earley and Woodley

The Wokingham and the new Earley and Woodley constituency are administered by Wokingham Borough Council.

This change came because of a different review, which was carried out by the Boundary Commission for England.

Andrew Moulton, returning officer at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Our message to residents is to get ready for this year’s elections as soon as possible. There are significant changes being introduced to elections and the voting process, but by planning ahead you can cast your vote with confidence in May. Remember to read your polling card carefully when it arrives, as this will tell you where to vote and remind you to bring photo ID.”

To administer the election, the council is currently reviewing the polling places used. A four-week consultation was held on proposed changes to polling places and any changes will be confirmed by Council this month.

What you can do now

With all of these changes in mind, it is important to ensure you are prepared and able to cast your vote in May. Make sure you are registered to vote by midnight on Tuesday 16 April and remember to bring suitable photo ID with you to the polling station. A list of accepted forms of ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.

If you do not have suitable ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online. Those residents wishing to vote by post or proxy in May can also apply online.

In May 2024, there is also a Police and Crime Commissioner election for Thames Valley, with the possibility of parish council elections if there are any contested seats. Residents should not only be prepared for the elections in May, but also the next general election. Although a date for the next election has not yet been announced, it must be held by 28 January 2025, although it could be called sooner.

Don’t bin it – fix it!

Woodley Repair Café will be launching on Sunday 7 January, at Christ Church on Crockhamwell Road (RG5 3LA). It will be running on the first Sunday of each month, from 2pm to 4pm.

Same as other repair cafés, there will be volunteers standing by to help you fix your broken household items. 

Get involved

If you want to lend a hand with the repairs, or for any other information, please email Carol Jewell, the organiser of Woodley Repair Café, direct. 

You can also stay up-to-date on its Facebook page or website.

Other repair cafés in January

Also this Sunday, the regular repair café at Spencers Wood Village Hall (RG7 1AP) will be on from 10am to 1pm. 

The repair café at Lambs Lane Primary School (RG7 1YG) will continue to be held on the third Sunday of the month, that is, 21 January, from 10am to 1pm. 

From 31 December 2023, new regulations will allow residents of Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Boroughs to dispose of small amounts of DIY waste for free at re3 Recycling Centres.

Free allowance

Up to 100 litres of rubble, soil, plasterboard or asbestos OR one bulky sanitary ware item no larger than 2000mm x 750mm x700mm in size (the approximate size of a bathtub).

A free allowance will only apply where the household has deposited ‘DIY waste’ on fewer than 4 occasions in any 4-week period. DIY waste brought in during any additional visits within this period will be chargeable.

Any excess DIY waste brought in during a single visit will be chargeable.

Re3

Head to the Re3 website for more information.

Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) is updating its Local Transport Plan, an official document guiding how WBC improves footways, cycle lanes, roads, bus services and other ways of getting around for years to come.

Positive change

This will offer more chances to leave the car at home, especially for shorter journeys, helping us all to reduce air pollution and tackle climate emergency while helping us to live more healthily.

The Local Transport Plan aims to improve access to public spaces like parks and leisure centres, as this is good for people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and also to workplaces and local services.

Specific goals include reducing serious or fatal road traffic collisions, less traffic congestion, more active journeys in built-up areas, and better travel options in more rural areas.

As well as tackling your priorities, the Local Transport Plan will ensure WBC is complying with national policies and help it get funding from the Government towards improvements.

Have your say

Please fill in the survey to have your say about transport across the borough.

You can find out more about the Plan and take the survey HERE. 

The survey closes on Friday 23rd February 2024.

We are looking for a part time evening caretaker for one of our well used community halls. The role involves opening, closing, cleaning and looking after the hall. Hours will be in the evening and as required by bookings in the hall. 

Apply

Please apply using the application form on our vacancies page, which can be accessed HERE.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Bin collection schedule changes during festive period

To give the waste collection crews a well-deserved break, the regular waste collection dates will be adjusted temporarily over the Christmas and New Year period.

All rubbish and recycling collections, including garden waste, from 25 December 2023 to 12 January 2024 will change to a revised schedule:

• There will be no collections on Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January).
• Crews will work on Saturdays during this period (30 December, 6 January and 13 January).
• Garden waste collections will follow the same schedule.
• Normal collections will resume from Monday 15 January.

You can check the revised collection schedule on Wokingham Borough Council’s website to find when your waste will be collected. 

Wokingham Borough Council is updating its Statement of Licensing Policy to reflect changes in legislation and best practice since it was last reviewed.

Have your say on the proposed changes

The Council would like to hear from you whether you agree with some of the changes it has made.

Wokingham Borough Council as the licensing authority must have a Statement of Licensing Policy. All businesses and organisations that undertake licensable activities on a permanent basis must have a premises licence from their local authority. These include:

• Selling alcohol, such as in supermarkets, pubs and bars, cinemas and village and community halls.
• Hot food and drink served between 11pm and 5am
• Regulated entertainment, such as live music, boxing, indoor sporting events and performing a play

The licensing policy will be used as a guide when making decisions about licensing matters, such as reviewing applications for a new premises licence or a variation to an existing licence. 

Click HERE to find out more and take the Survey

Waste collections are changing – get ready for a greener future

Residents are urged to recycle as much as possible as Wokingham Borough Council prepares to change how it collects household waste in summer 2024

Residents are urged to play their part in driving up Wokingham Borough’s recycling rates as the council prepares to change how it collects most people’s domestic waste in August 2024.

These changes offer an opportunity for the borough to become one of the best in the country for recycling while meeting, and hopefully exceeding, the Government’s future targets.

From next summer, most households will be putting their rubbish out in a 180-litre black wheeled bin which will be emptied fortnightly, replacing the current weekly blue bag collections.

The wheeled bins will be rolled out to these properties from May onwards, and enough additional blue bags will be issued to cover the period until collections start.

Recycling will still be collected from green sacks, which are free and with no limits on how many are put out, but this is also changing to fortnightly collections on weeks when rubbish isn’t taken.

The weekly food waste collections and optional fortnightly garden waste collections are unaffected and will continue at the same frequency, and from the same containers.

Stay up to date with the changes

More information about collection dates, including any changes to existing collection days, will be available well in advance and will be widely publicised.

To help residents prepare for the changes, the council has created a detailed online guide. This will be regularly updated as the changes get nearer and more information becomes available.

Not all properties are suitable for wheeled bins, so alternative arrangements will be made in some cases, like flats or properties that don’t have any space to store them. The council is also reviewing the needs of larger households and those that produce medical waste.

Find out more:

https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/news/2023/waste-collections-are-changing-get-ready-greener-future