Category: Wokingham and West Berkshire Issues

        In the Wokingham constituency the railway is one of the main causes of traffic congestion. The Wokingham Station junction delays traffic around the town for much of the day when the crossing gates are down. Star Lane  crossing now has a long delay from the gates coming down to the train passing. The Waterloo crossing also impedes traffic flows. It is one of the green ironies that rail travel, hailed as a green option by some, can make car travel less green by the congestion it creates for others.

        The Ufton crossing has been the scene of two tragic accidents in recent years, reminding us of the risk when vehicles get in the way of trains, as trains cannot steer away from danger and do not stop quickly. Railway enthusiasts understandably wish trains to run at far faster speeds than cars, so they present a danger to anything in their way.  We also now have traffic delays from lengthy bridge work improvements and repairs over the railway at Sulhamstead.

         I have in the past sought to get more accurate time sensors and safety devices attached to the gates so safety can be combined with minimising the time the gates have to be down. The railway is reluctant to shorten the times that the gates are closed for operational reasons.

           I am pursuing the question of the delayed  bridge works for constituents in the Sulhamstead/Aldermaston area with Network Rail. I am also about to take up with them the issue of the level crossings. Some constituents are rightly pressing for a better answer at Ufton.

            As Network Rail seems to have a large budget for improving existing bridges, I wish to see it spend some of that money on new  bridges. We need additional bridges over the railway, to ease congestion and improve safety. The safest way of avoiding conflict between trains and cars is to keep them apart. The greenest solution to the problems the railway creates for road traffic is to have sufficient bridges.

        I recived a piece of good news today.  Fast broadband will be installed in the Burghfield Common exchange next year, boosting line speeds and slashing download times. I am pressing for it to be available throughout the Thames Valley. It is good to know they are making a start soon.

              On Saturday afternoon I attended the Earley Conservatives tea in Cutbush.  A number of new people turned up to talk about a wide range of issues from education and the economy to climate and the regulation of magazines.

               The scones, cakes and sandwiches were great, and the rain held off. I am grateful to all those who organised and catered so well.

           I have been looking with worry at my summer diary this year for all outdoor events. The weather has been so unkind to so many. It was therefore a double joy to be an official guest of the Winnersh fete last Saturday afternoon when we had some respite from the rain and even the occasional glimpse of sunshine.

            Many in the village did a great job to lay on a varied programme of events in the main ring, and to provide a series of challenges and retail therapy on the side shows. I was asked to judge the home made crowns competition for the children, which brought some imaginative head gear centre stage. I also presented a community award to Winnersh’s retiring Police Community Support Office. Nellie has been a popular and helpful point of contact for the village with the force.

           I would like to say “Thank you” to all involved. I discovered I need to work on my wellie throwing and on the skittles!

             From the Elizabethan madrigals to the National Anthem, and from Handel to the Beatles, Wokingham was in fine voice on Saturday night. Wokingham Choral Society excelled even their usual high standards with an uplifting programme. They were ably assisted by Wokingham’s Choral Academy. Many singers and their friends, families and supporters crowded into a full All Saints Church for a great concert.

              I would like to thank all involved in planning, staging and singing. The result was a wonderful evening. The music provided a good balance between the popular, the well known, and the thoughtfully chosen. It was the best of British. I enjoyed the evening to the full.

Reunion of past Chairmen of Wokingham Conservative Association with John Redwood on June 10th 2012.

I attended the Guide Dogs for the Blind reception at the Commons this week. Several constituents had written to tell me that some Guide dogs are being attacked by aggressive dogs that are not properly controlled or trained by their owners. I agree that this is dreadful, as Guide dogs do such good work. I think they do deserve our help in protecting them, and will pursue it with the government to see what could be done to improve the situation.

Yesterday I was invited to the opening ceremony for the new Wokingham cricket ground. It is a fabulous facility. There are two good quality pitches and outfields, five modern changing rooms, a bar, terrace and function room. I have never been invited before to such a high standard pavilion for amateur teams.

It was an enjoyable occasion. The club staged a short 15 overs a side game between two teams of club members. I was able to play for the team that turned out the winner. It was particularly enjoyable to be able to bowl the last ball for victory, and see it knock over the middle stump. After that the high quality cricket tea – with a wonderful chocolate cake – went down well.

I wish the Wokingham Cricket Club every success in their new quarters. I met several keen and talented players and expect to hear more success from them in the years ahead.

         I called in to Gala Bingo in Wokingham today at their request. They told me that the 20% tax on gross profits that now applies to bingo is penal, and doing damage to their business. Other forms of gambling face a 15% tax.

         Wokingham’s bingo facility is hit by unrelieved VAT and by the bingo profit tax. This is making it difficult for the business, which aims to give a good value afternoon or evening out for those who fancy a game and a meal. They would love more people to support them. Meanwhile, I will take their case up with the Chancellor. It is important not to overdo tax rates, for fear of damaging the very businesses that pay the revenue to the Treasury.