Category Archives: Wokingham and West Berkshire Issues

Some weeks ago I was asked to support a substantial tax increase for the fire service. Before doing so I asked to see the existing budget and the case for how the extra money would be spent. This was not available at the event I was attending but they promised to send me these documents. […]

The bad floods in some parts of the country are a reminder of the dangers of building on flood plains and low lying land. One of the best arguments for a lower rate of new building in Wokingham in the next plan period is the need to protect the remaining floodplain in our area. Those […]

February 2020 Dear Sir John, Following your recent meeting with one of my colleagues, I wanted to follow up with you regarding our airspace plans. You have always been clear with us that Heathrow needs to focus on operational improvements today, as well as with expansion, to improve our airspace operations. I thought it might […]

I have received this update from the Secretary of State for Transport: Dear John South Western Railways update I would like to provide you and your constituents with an update following the reckless strikes which affected thousands of South Western Railway journeys throughout December. Due to the unprecedented level of strike action by members of […]

I have received this update from Wokingham Borough Council: There’s great news for visitors to Wokingham town centre today as the council has just finalised a deal to re-open the former Eurocarparks section of the Denmark Street car park. Completion is due in the next couple of weeks. WBC has exchanged contracts to purchase the […]

I recently met with Julia Simpson, Area Director at the Environment Agency (EA) on 27 January 2020. During the meeting, I set out the concerns constituents have expressed about the noise and odour emanating from the site and emphasised the need for more to be done to ensure A1 is a good neighbour. I also […]

I have received a reply to my congestion busting suggestions from the Roads Minister. She says: The Department is “delivering the street manager project which will be a new digital service for planning and managing street and roadworks. …every organisation will be using it from 1 April 2020” “With regards to your suggestions about rephasing […]

On Friday I visited new homes under construction by Crest at Arborfield Green, in order to accompany the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. He was on a visit to launch the government’s new policy of promoting more affordable homes for purchase. He used his visit to Wokingham to launch  a new scheme […]

Out and about and on  doorsteps I find congestion is the most common concern. The combination of new traffic lights, road closures for utility renewal and road closures for new homes and related works are delaying too many people trying to take children to school, to get to work or get to the shops. The […]

I met the management of Heathrow again recently. They are consulting further on the development of the airport, and will early next year consult on possible flight path changes. I reminded them of the noise increases constituents have experienced since the change of the Compton Gate and routes and pressed them again to change back. […]