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At a recent meeting of the Amenities & Leisure Committee of Earley Town Council, the Committee Chairman, Councillor David Chopping, praised the work done by the Water Bailiffs at Maiden Erlegh Lake. Seven Bailiffs were appointed for the season and they carry out, on a voluntary basis, a considerable amount of work at the Lake. Not only do they regulate fishing by checking permits, they also give advice and tuition to newcomers and support the various angling competitions that take place through the fishing season. Also, the Bailiffs do a considerable amount of work around the lake in maintaining the fishing platforms and the general environment. Bailiffs can be seen around Maiden Erlegh Local Nature Reserve on a regular basis, particularly at weekends and, for their services, only receive a small honorarium to compensate them for all the work that they do. For more information about how to become a Water Bailiff or for details of the fishing competitions, the public can contact the Town Council on 0118-9868-995.
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LOCAL MAN RECEIVES TOWN COUNCIL AWARD At the Annual Town Electors’ Meeting of Earley Town Council on 7th May 2008, the outgoing Town Mayor, Councillor Norman Jorgensen, was pleased to present the Service to Earley Award for 2008 on behalf of the Town Council to Mr Tony Henty. Mr Henty was a qualified and registered Volunteer Scout Assistant at Earley St Peter’s for 18 years. He also served as Treasurer to the Scouts and, additionally, he organised a Parents’ Committee for fund raising for the Scout Group. The Committee organised several fund raising events, including jumble sales. Currently, Mr Henty is a volunteer driver for Earleybus, a post he has carried on for 4 years. In presenting the award, Councillor Jorgensen commended Mr Henty for his long and dedicated service as a volunteer and, also, as an ambassador for Earley, because Mr Henty also helped with the Sea Scouts in other parts of Berkshire.
Click Here to return to list of news stories _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ At the Annual Meeting of the Town Council, held on 7th May 2008, the Councillors elected a new Town Mayor to replace the retiring Mayor. The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Norman Jorgensen, who now becomes the immediate Past Mayor, handed over the Chain of Office to Councillor Andrew Bradley. Councillor John Armstrong was then elected as the Deputy Mayor. Councillor Bradley presented Councillor Armstrong with his Badge of Office. Following these proceedings, Councillor Armstrong then presented the Past Mayor Chain and lapel badge to Councillor Norman Jorgensen. During the course of the meeting, appointments were made to the Standing Committees, who will be chaired by the following Councillors: Amenities & Leisure Committee Chairman – Councillor David Chopping, Vice Chairman - Councillor Michael Firmager Planning Committee Chairman – Councillor Pauline Jorgensen, Vice Chairman – Councillor Tim Chambers Policy & Resources Committee Chairman – Councillor Norman Jorgensen, Vice Chairman – Councillor Shakeel Khan The Town Mayor and the Deputy Town Mayor, together with the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of Committees will serve for the Municipal Year up to the Annual Meeting in May 2009. Click Here to return to the list of news stories ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ At a recent Planning Committee Meeting, Town Councillors were disappointed to learn that the litter problem in and around the Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, the District Centre, ASDA and Chalfont Way appeared to have returned with a vengeance. Considerable effort was made by Officers from the Town Council and Wokingham Borough Council to resolve this problem in 2006 and early 2007, and it was hoped that the actions taken at that time would continue to maintain the area to an acceptable standard. Regrettably, this is not the case. Town Council Officers have, therefore, been asked to begin work again with relevant parties to try to improve the situation. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TOWN COUNCIL PRESENTS GRANTS TO WORTHY ORGANISATIONS At the Policy & Resources Committee held on 4th June, the Committee Vice Chairman presented grant cheques to support the work of two local organisations in Earley, namely the Senior Action Group, Earley (SAGE) and Just Around the Corner (JAC) Group. The Senior Action Group award was accepted by another Councillor, John Armstrong, who is also a member of the SAGE Committee. In accepting the cheque, Councillor Armstrong said that this was a contribution that would greatly assist SAGE in maintaining its services to older people, in particular, its monthly meetings at the CResCent Resource Centre. The Just Around the Corner cheque was accepted by two representatives, Sam Milligan and Indy Nottage. Mr Milligan said that it was gratifying to be recognised by the Town Council for the work that the volunteers in JAC carry out, particularly with young people in Earley during the evenings, when they are out and about in the various locations in the Town. The presentation also gave the Town Council the opportunity to congratulate Just Around the Corner, who had been nominated for a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, in successfully attaining that award. The purpose of the Award is to recognise groups of individuals who are giving their time freely for the benefit of others. It is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon groups of this kind and is equivalent in status to the MBE. Of course, Earley Town Council was delighted to learn of the successful nomination that it put forward for Just Around the Corner. The Town Council nominated JAC for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in appreciation of the outstanding work with young people in Earley, in particular, the Street Work sessions carried out by the Volunteer Youth Workers. Click Here to return to the list of news stories __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EARLEY TOWN COUNCIL TAX AGREED At the meeting of the Town Council held on Wednesday, 6th February, Earley Town Councillors voted for a budget increase of 5.8%. However, the increase in Council Tax for each household will be under 5% at 4.98%, leading to an increase of £2.64 per year on a Band D property. Despite containing the budget increase, Councillors wanted to stress that the levels of service will be maintained within the Town, indeed, grants to local organisations has gone up and there will be money available to provide a new garage to house vehicles and equipment for Sol Joel Park and Mays Lane Cemetery. Also, provision has been made to refurbish the kitchen at Maiden Place Community Centre and the Council Offices will have a new computer server which will increase the reliability of the IT system. Additionally, the budget contains continued provision for the PCSO and for the Litter Picker, services that were both introduced within the last four years. All this is being achieved, while keeping the Council Tax increases to a minimum and, also, providing money to go to the Council's reserves for future projects. Click Here to return to the list of news stories FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS FOR PEDESTRIAN SAFETY TO CHALFONT SQUARE BEING SOUGHT Since installation of the much awaited pedestrian crossing in Chalfont Way in Lower Earley, the Town Council has received several requests, including from the Maiden Erlegh Residents’ Association, for improvements to be made to the access once pedestrians have crossed to the Chalfont Square side. A number of suggestions as to how this could be achieved have been forwarded to Wokingham Borough Council for consideration. The Town Council is very much looking forward to working with Wokingham Borough Council to bring about improvements in this area which Town Councillors consider are very much needed. Click Here to return to the list of news stories To Return to Current Stories, click here ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Earley Town Council has opposed a recent proposal from Wokingham Borough Council to create a shared route for cyclists and pedestrians along part of Church Road in Earley. The Town Council has received complaints from pedestrians in Church Road about the danger they face from cyclists using the pavements, and particularly in the narrow section between Mays Close and the Three Tuns Crossroads. The Town Council felt that to formalise a shared facility in any part of the road could, potentially, further exacerbate the problem in the narrower sections. The local Police Community Support Officers will be attending on site to liaise with cyclists and to highlight the dangers they pose to pedestrians. If necessary, fixed penalty notices will be issued. The PCSO’s are also considering embarking on an education programme with students at Bulmershe School. Reading University are being very proactive in trying to make students cycling between the two campuses aware of the situation, and the University’s own PCSO’s will be liaising with the students. It is also hoped that the potential dangers of the situation will be brought to students’ attention through the Students’ Union information channels. Click Here to return to the list of news stories PLAYTIME FOR ALL AT SOL JOEL PARK At a meeting of the Amenities & Leisure Committee of Earley Town Council held on 27th February, Members considered proposals to install new play equipment in the children's play area at Sol Joel Park. The Park currently has a traditional two-seat cradle swing, a two-seat swing for older children, a toddlers' roundabout, a small combined multi-play structure and two toddler size spring mobiles. Members were concerned to provide play equipment that would be suitable for all ages. Now proposed are three exciting, new pieces of equipment, namely a pod swing, which is also suitable for use by disabled, a giro spiral and a rodeo board. These new pieces of play equipment are designed for older children but can also be used by younger children as well. In addition, for the future, the Town Council is looking at further pieces of equipment that would be suitable for all ages. The old sandpit area, in which a number of pieces of play equipment were previously located, is being dug out so that the sandpit itself will be relocated in a different part of the play park, thus separating the play equipment from sand play. In digging out the sandpit area, the Town Council will be re-using much of the sunken concrete base for hardcore material in other locations, thus recycling and not contributing to further landfill. In particular, much of the concrete can be used as a foundation for the proposed equipment storage shed which services the Park and is located at Mays Lane. In all, therefore, the improved play facilities will cater for all ages and be fully DDA compliant and has the added advantage of being installed in a way which also contributes to an environmentally friendly outcome with respect to the removed foundation materials. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TOWN COUNCIL FOOTBALL PITCHES A WINNER It was reported to a recent meeting of the Amenities and Leisure Committee of Earley Town Council that the Town Clerk had received a letter from the Laurel Park Football Club expressing its thanks to the staff involved with Sol Joel Park at Earley Town Council for accommodating its request for pitch hire at very short notice. The letter went on to say that the Football Club wanted to also congratulate the Town Council for the excellent condition of the football pitches. Click Here to return to the list of news stories Earley Town Council is in the process of looking into green initiatives. Specifically, enquiries are being made into the possible sponsorship of solar panels for heating and lighting at the Council's Interpretation Centre at Maiden Erlegh Local Nature Reserve. The Interpretation Centre is used extensively for educational purposes and is frequently visited by parties from local schools. Also, investigations are to be made with regard to the possible use of bio fuel in Town Council vehicles. At a recent meeting of the Amenities and Leisure Committee where these issues were discussed, it was also noted that the Town Council makes extensive use of volunteers in a number of areas, particularly around Maiden Erlegh Lake. The environmental work carried out by the Water Bailiffs, amongst others, was much appreciated by members. Also, it was observed that the Earley Environmental Group, together with Reading Rescue, would be holding its annual litter pick on Sunday, 16th March from 10.00am to 12.30pm. it was also hoped that local youth groups would become involved. Further information is available from the Senior Park Ranger at the Town Council who can be contacted on 0118 9868995, or by e-mail to administration@earley-tc.gov.uk. Click Here to return to the list of news stories TOWN COUNCIL GETS TOP MARKS FOR BIO DIVERSITY At the Amenities & Leisure Committee of the Town Council, Members were informed of the exceptional results achieved by Earley Town Council in the Wokingham Bio Diversity audit of Parish and Town Councils in the District. The audit concluded that in overall terms it is clear that Earley Town Council has made the most significant contribution to the District’s bio diversity of any of the Parish or Town Councils. Earley Town Council is the only one that has achieved a positive result in all of the areas which had been included in the audit questionnaire. The Council is unique in its ownership and management of a Local Nature Reserve at this tier of Local Government. Also, as well as this very important part of its activities, Earley Town Council makes a considerable contribution across a number of areas. These include specific wildlife and bio-diversity projects, surveys of wildlife and bio- diversity and giving grants and promoting groups for these purposes. The nearest rival was Sonning Parish Council which scored in nine out of the ten categories. The members of the Amenities & Leisure Committee offered their congratulations to all the staff involved with promoting the Local Nature Reserve, in particular the Park Ranger Service, the Water Bailiffs and also the many volunteers who work on the Maiden Erlegh Lake site as well as other locations within the Town. The Maiden Erlegh Local Nature Reserve is a unique asset for the Town because it provides a facility for wildlife completely surrounded by urban development. It is also the site for the annual Green Fair, a major event for all the family in the Town’s calendar. Click Here to return to the list of news stories COUNCIL TAKES LEAD IN DOG CONTROL Earley Town Council is considering applying for Dog Control Orders to require dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead while in the Maiden Erlegh Local Nature Reserve. At a meeting of the Amenities & Leisure Committee on Wednesday, 21st February, Members voted to apply for these Orders both around the Lakeside itself and in the woods, which form part of the Nature Reserve. A number of reasons were put forward for these Orders, including public safety and also to preserve the species of wildlife that inhabit the area. The procedure to be followed is that laid down by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, under which there are various Dog Control Order Offences. If these Orders are brought in, the Town Council will have the authority to impose fixed penalty notices to people who persistently offend. However, the intention, initially, is one of education to prevent the level of dog nuisance and fouling, rather than to generate an income through penalty tickets. Specific offences being considered are failing to remove dog faeces, not keeping a dog on a lead and not putting and keeping a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer. Under the 2005 Act, Wokingham District Council will have to be informed and consulted, particularly, as there may be existing Orders in force for part of the areas now being considered or for specific offences within these areas. Click Here to return to the list of news stories TOWN COUNCIL OPTS FOR EDUCATION RATHER THAN ENFORCEMENT AT NATURE RESERVE The Amenities & Leisure Committee of Earley Town Council considered proposals to extend dog controls at Maiden Erlegh Local Nature Reserve to include a requirement that dogs be kept on a lead in all of the Nature Reserve. At present, the dog controls only require dogs to be on a lead around the Lakeside area but not in the woods. Petitions were received both in favour and against the proposed Orders and formal responses to the statutory consultation over the proposed Order amounted to 10 in favour and 69 against. The Town Council also consulted with the Kennel Club and their comments were taken into account during the debate. A number of members of the public were present at the meeting of the Committee and representations were heard from the floor both in favour and against the proposals. At the end of the debate, the members of the Council decided that they would not proceed at this time with a formal Order requiring dogs to be on a lead in the wooded area of the Nature Reserve. However, being mindful of the need to protect the various species, it was suggested that advisory signs be placed asking for dogs to be kept on a lead at sensitive times in certain areas thus attempting to educate the public rather than to enforce Orders which carried penalties. Members also agreed that over the next twelve months the situation be monitored by the Park Ranger Service and a further report will be considered in a year's time by the Committee. Members were keen to stress that the Local Nature Reserve should be accessible to all the various users, whether dog owners or otherwise. Having a Nature Reserve of this type surrounded by urban development must be almost unique and, therefore, is considered a most valuable asset by Earley Town Council. Click Here to return to the list of news stories As a result of discussions which took place at a recent Planning Committee Meeting, residents were asked to forward to the Town Council any suggestions for additional or improved bus routes/bus services in the Town. Whilst the decision on bus services in the Town does not lie with the Town Council, Councillors felt that it would be extremely useful to have residents suggestions to assist in negotiations with the Borough Council and Reading Buses. Please forward your suggestions to the Town Council at Earley Town Council, Council Offices, Radstock Lane, Earley, Reading, RG6 5UL. Or E- mail to administration@earleytc.co.uk Click Here to return to the list of news stories The Play Club Scheme run through the summer holidays at Radstock Lane Community Centre finished on 31st August. The scheme, designed to cater for 5-11 year olds attracted an increased number of children compared with the same scheme last year. Attendances at the morning sessions overall were up by 16% and in the afternoons by 9%. In the first week, the afternoon session clocked a record 82% increase over last year. When asked at the meeting as to why there had been this large increase, the Town Clerk, Philip Truppin, responded that he thought the weather may have been a contributing factor, but, more importantly, it was the reputation and quality of the Play Scheme in the area that had attracted increased numbers. A wider variety of activities was being offered this year, including crafts, games, various sports, dance and also the opportunity for children to interact with each other on a supervised, but fun basis. The Scheme had come within the budget allocated by the Town Council and the members of the Amenities and Leisure Committee resolved that similar schemes will be offered next year, to include a week long Play Club at Easter and six weeks over the school summer holidays. Click Here to return to the list of news stories DEMOCRACY AT WORK AS RESIDENTS MAKE SKATE PARK REPRESENTATIONS At the Town Forum, an opportunity at each meeting of the Town Council for residents to voice their opinions, a small group of concerned people made representations concerning the proposed Skate Park at the Riverside site in Earley. Their chief concerns were the re-designation of the area by the Environment Agency as being of greater risk to flooding than was previously the case. The number of residents present, approximately 12, made their comments and sought reassurances from the Town Council that no decision had yet been reached on the location of the Skate Park and BMX track facility. Councillor David Chopping, Town Mayor, from the Chair, stated that there was still some way to go and that further information was still awaited from the Environment Agency. The Town Clerk, Philip Truppin, said that a further report was being prepared for consideration of Members and this would be tabled for the first meeting of the Amenities & Leisure Committee of the new Council to be held on Wednesday, 30th May. Councillor Chopping said that he hopes that the members of the public with concerns would be reassured that there would be further opportunities to make representations, all of which would be taken into account by the newly elected Council members. The Town Forum, which precedes every Town Council Meeting, is by no means the only opportunity for electors in Earley to make direct representation to Town Councillors. There is also an Annual Electors' Meeting, held in May, for residents of the Town to ask questions of their elected representatives. Also, it has been the custom for the Chairmen of Committees to allow members of the public to address those meetings, all of which are held in public. It was stressed in the Town Forum that all of the reports to the Full Town Council and to Committees are included in the agendas of these meetings and are available for the public to scrutinise prior to the meetings. The opportunities for the public to make representations on the BMX/Skate Park or, indeed, any other issue relating to the services of the Town Council are as follows:
Click Here to return to the list of news stories TOWN COUNCILLORS RETIRE AFTER A COMBINED SERVICE OF 135 YEARS As election time approaches, a number of Councillor who have served on Earley Town Council have indicated that they will not be standing for re-election in May. At the final meeting of the Town Council before the elections, the Town Mayor, Councillor David Chopping, thanked all the serving Members for their contributions and, in particular, to all of the Councillors who will be retiring. it was calculated that there was a combined 135 years of service given to the Town by the retiring Members. The following Councillors all having given to the Town by the retiring Members. the following Councillors all having given at least twenty years, and in some cases, over thirty years, of service as Town and Parish Councillors; Councillor Alan Spratling, Councillor Mrs Elaine Spratling, Councillor Mrs Fiona Rolls, Councillor David Swindells. Other members of the Town Council not standing for re-election are; Councillor Mrs cynthia Swindells, Councillor Miss Teresa Bauckham, Councillor Munir Ahmed, Councillor Steve Scarrott, Councillor Mark Thomas, Councillor Kelly Ward and Councillor Clive Rowden In total there will be 25 seats in 8 town Wards that can be contested at the election to be held on Thursday, 3rd May Click Here to return to the list of news stories TOWN COUNCIL URGES SUPPORT FOR BRITISH TROOPS STATIONED OVERSEAS At a meeting of its Policy and Resources Committee held on 21st March, 2007, Earley Town Council Members considered a request from Tewkesbury Borough Council to support a motion that had been overwhelmingly passed by that Authority to suport British Troops and their families stationed overseas. The motion was worded as follows: "This Council is aware of the situation in which British Forces and their families, who are stationed overseas, cannot receive parcels free of charge, as they could in 2003. This Council believes that the situation is both an appalling and disgraceful way to treat our dedicated and hardworking troops and their families, given the hardship that they face in the world's hotspots and war zones and, therefore, asks that the Government reinstates this service as a matter of urgency" Earley Town Councillors resolved to support this motion which will now be sent to the Secretary of State for Defence, the Right Honorable Des Browne MP. In the discussion members present stressed that, whatever views may be privately held about the appropriateness or otherwise of military action overseas, the fact that young men and women are stationed overseas requires the full support of those back home and that the Government should be doing more to provide this. Click Here to return to the list of news stories NEW MAYOR & NEW COUNCIL FOR EARLEY The first meeting of the new Earley Town Council following the elections held on 3rd May took place on Wednesday, 16th May at the Council Offices in Radstock Lane. A number of Members, 13 in all, were Councillors for the first time. All present saw Councillor Norman Jorgensen, representing Hillside Ward, installed as the Town Mayor for Earley for the municipal year 2007/08. Councillor Jorgensen succeeded Councillor David Chopping, who was the first Mayor of Earley, following the decision of the Council to alter the status of its Chairman to that of Town Mayor. Councillor Jorgensen paid tribute to Councillor Chopping, who had served in the capacity of Town Mayor and who had served the Council admirably in that Office. The Deputy Town Mayor appointed for the municipal year 2007/08 is Councillor Andrew Bradley. Chairmen of the three Council Standing Committees were also appointed at the meeting as follows: Amenities & Leisure Committee - Councillor David Chopping Planning Committee - Councillor Pauline Jorgensen Policy & Resources Committee - Councillor Matthew Deegan
Click Here to return to the list of news stories TOWN COUNCIL REWARDS VOLUNTARY SERVICE At the Annual Town Electors' Meeting, which took place immediately prior to the first meeting of Earley Town Council on Wednesday, 16th May, the two nominees for the Annual Service to Earley Award were presented with their certificates and plaques by the outgoing Town Mayor, Councillor David Chopping. The recipients of the awards this year are Chris Nunn and Barbara Reeves. Detailed information on each of the recipients is given as follows: Chris Nunn has been extensively involved in various voluntary groups such as Earley Bus, CResCent where he was a Trustee and Vice Chairman, Sage (Membership Secretary), Woodley & Earley Lions (Treasurer), St Peter's Church (Chairman of Finance Committee) and was also a School Governor at Earley St Peter's. He was the Secretary at Earley Neighbourhood Action Group and was on the Steering Committee of the Wokingham Older People's Forum. Barbara Reeves was a volunteer on the Earley Bus for many years, in fact she was there at the beginning when it was set up fifteen years ago, and held the position of principal scheduler. She was also an escort on the bus for the Earley Arthritis Group. Furthermore, she was very involved in the Mobile Information Centre (MICE) and was also helping EMAG which was the predecessor to MICE. Both award winners received their presentations to generous applause from the Town Councillors and members of the public who were present for the Electors' Meeting Click Here to return to the list of news stories The Earley Town Council Annual Town Electors' Meeting took place immediately prior to the first meeting of the new Town Council on Wednesday, 16th May. This was the most well attended meeting of the Town Electors for a number of years and many used the opportunity given to them to express their views and ask questions of the Town Councillors. Town Electors' Meetings are required by law to take place each year and they are the only opportunity within the British system of Government where the local electors have the right to attend and raise their points directly with the elected Members. Following the presentation of the Service to Earley Awards, covered in a separate Press Release, the outgoing Town Mayor, Councillor David Chopping, gave the Annual Report of the Council. The Full text of this report is underneath this article. Questions from the floor covered a variety of topics. Concern was expressed about the increased graffiti that has occurred in the area. In particular, it was felt that the area in the view of one member of the public, was becoming "more like an inner city" than a leafy, residential area. Also, the amount of litter appeared to be increasing. Councillors Chopping said, from the Chair, that the Town Council would be looking at possibly increasing the duties of the Litter Picker employed by the Council. It was important, however, for members of the public to report graffiti to Wokingham Borough Council and there is a graffiti hotline Tel: 0118-974-6302/03. Another topical issue is the proposal by the Town Council to consider Orders to require dogs to be kept on a lead in the Maiden Erlegh Local Nature Reserve. In response to questions from the floor, the Town Clerk, Philip Truppin, explained the process that had to be followed in law before an Order could be implemented by the Council. He said that formal Notices were to be posted, stating the intention of the Council and these would appear on 17th May in the press and around the Nature Reserve. Members of the public would have the opportunity to respond for a period of 28 days, following which the Council would consider all representations, both for and against, and decide at that point whether the Order would be implemented. The other issue which was of concern to residents in the area near to the Riverside Park has been the proposed Skate Park and BMX facility. Concerns have arisen because of the potential flooding in the area and Councillors were urged to consider again possible alternatives to the proposed site. Councillor Chopping pointed out from the Chair that this subject would be debated again at the next Amenities & Leisure Committee of the Council to be held on 30th May and that the comments made at the Town Electors' Meeting would be taken into consideration Click Here to return to the list of news stories This is the third year I have had the privilege of speaking to the town about the activities of the Town Council over the past year, the matters raised by residents and the progress we have made in dealing with issues and progress made by the Town Council in its plans for both the present and the future. Last year, I talked about the Draft Town Plan and I am pleased to say this has made progress, with a lot of work being put in by both Council staff, in particular our Deputy Town Clerk, as well as Councillors. Hopefully, this will be in a position to be presented to the new Council for adoption in the near future. One of the most hardworking Committees has been the Planning Committee and they have, again, considered some hundreds of applications and have made a useful contribution in District and Borough Officers’ considerations. The town has also been in the forefront of meeting residents’ wishes by opposing inappropriate development, not just the so-called “back land development” but also the way in which developers seek to increase density at every opportunity without regard to the effects on the local community. One of the major Planning and Highways issues that we have faced over the past year has been Reading’s attempt to change the IDR into a roundabout and to export their traffic congestion into Earley and Woodley. It is important that our opinions are both heard and felt and I extend out thanks to the Wokingham Borough Council for the way in which they have handled the matter and the firm line they have taken on behalf of us residents. We have continued to promote "the third bridge" which, if built, will be in Earley. Unlike larger Councils, Earley receives no Government Support Grant and has to be self-supporting. Councillors are very aware of public concern over the levels of Council Tax and manage to keep the increase in this year's precept to just 3.3%, the equivalent of about 3.5p per week. The Council have introduced a number of service improvements in 2006. We became the first Town Council for successfully bid for a Police Community Support Officer (just for Earley) who is regularly seen on the beat. In previous years we introduced a Town Council litter picker service and this has proved popular. Indeed we have requests from residents to increase this service. For the coming year we plan to upgrade the Community Centre at Maiden Place, including installation of air conditioning and I am please to be able to inform the residents work on this is due to start immediately after the next Bank Holiday and that a sound barrier will also be put in separating the Social Club from the main hall, these features, hopefully, increasing the lettability of the building. Such investment helps us maintain our income from hirers, reducing pressure on the precept. We are also starting work on the major improvements at Sol Joel and its rather neglected Pavilion. Detailed Planning Permission has now been obtained, subject to only one or two minor conditions which will be dealt with as "reserved matters". We now have to start on the process of obtaining appropriate funding and, as most residents will already be aware, we are looking creatively at other sources of finances than simply borrowing money. We also wish to do more for our young people and are currently consulting on possible facilities. The Maiden Erlegh lake continues to attract accolades, particularly from the work carried out by our volunteer bailiffs in laying the reed beds and providing disabled facilities. This year has also been the election year and I have already thanked some 8 or 9 Councillors who stood down before the election and I now have to thank 2 others who did not get re-elected, specifically Freda Lumbar and Tim Lowe. We now have a new crop of Councillors and they will find over the next few months, there are a number of matters which the old Council have started but have seen fit to take no further than the initial stages so that considered opinions can be I wish my successors and them well. Click Here to return to the list of news stories FREE FISHING FOR EARLEY RESIDENTS Earley Town Council, at its Amenity & Leisure Committee held on 30 May, decided to hold a Family Fishing Day at Maiden Erlegh Lake. The day is targeted at local residents and their families of all ages and will provide a fishing day tuition on Saturday, 21st July 2007 between 10.00am and 2.00pm. Anybody who had wanted to try fishing but had not done so before come along for free training which will be sponsored by the Environment Agency. The Senior Park Ranger, Grahame Hawker, stressed that it will be on a first come, first served basis and spaces must be pre-booked. Earley residents may enquire of the Town Council on 0118 9868995 for further details Click Here to return to the list of news stories Earley Town Council is seeking to increase the number of Water Bailiffs who operate at Maiden Erlegh Lake. At its meeting of the Amenities & Leisure Committee on 5th September, three new Bailiffs were appointed and it was also resolved to consider the appointment of additional Water Bailiffs at the next meeting of the Committee to be held in early November. The Water Bailiffs, who are all volunteers, provide a service at the lake, supervising fishing permits, educating young people on the proper ways to fish and, also, carrying out improvement works to the fishing bays and platforms and to the lake itself. In the last year, over 10,000 reeds have been planted within the reed beds at Maiden Erlegh Lake. In considering its decision to appoint additional Bailiffs, the Committee was mindful of the excellent service given by the existing Water Bailiffs and feel that even more can be achieved particularly, in view of the ever increasing numbers of people who wish to take up fishing Click Here to return to the list of news stories The winner of this year's Earley Town Council award for the Best Allotment at its Culver Lane Allotment Site was awarded to Mr H Dawe. The competition is an annual award of a cup, which is kept for the year, a framed certificate and a voucher to be spent in the Earley Horticultural Society shop. The plot tended by Mr Dawe was judged to be the best for this year. Judges from Earley Town Council visited the allotment site on a number of occasions during the summer, in order to ensure that the judging was consistent. Mr Dawe was judged to be the holder of the Best Kept Allotment because of his consistency and producing small amounts of a great variety of different crops. The presentation will be made at the Mayor's Christmas Reception on Wednesday, 12th December, commencing at 7.45pm, by the Town Mayor, Councillor Norman Jorgensen. This year an additional award was made by the judges for the Most Improved Plot. This is being given to Mr R Holdstock, also at the Mayor's Reception. Click Here to return to the list of news stories As a result of feedback received at the Earley Green Fair by representatives of the Neighbourhood Action Group, speed surveys were carried out in Silverdale Road and Redhatch Drive in October. The results of these surveys indicated that, with the exception of one vehicle, all vehicles using Silverdale Road in the period between 1600 and 1700 hours were at or within 10% of the speed limit. However, with regard to Redhatch Drive, a fairly significant speeding problem was identified in that road, as a result of which, the Borough Council has asked for suggestions as to how the speed of traffic in this road could be reduced. Click Here to return to the list of news stories CONCERN OVER PROPOSALS FOR WHITEKNIGHTS CAMPUS RE-DEVELOPMENT At a recent Planning Committee Meeting, concern was expressed about the proposals for the re-development of the Whiteknights Campus by Reading University and, particularly, that the proposals seem to suggest that the current footpath from Wilderness Road into the campus, which is much used by local residents will be closed. The consultation on the Whiteknights development proposals is open until 14th December, and residents can view the proposals at an exhibition in the foyer of the Palmer Building from 8.30am to 9.30pm Monday to Friday. Councillors considered that a formal representation should be made to the University concerning this particular aspect of the plan for the Whiteknights Campus. However, it was felt that there may be other aspects of the proposals which the Town Council would wish to incorporate within the Town Council's response to the consultation. Any residents with any views on the proposed re-development of the Whiteknights Campus are asked to forward any written representations to the Town Council by 12th December. Click Here to return to the list of news stories Earley Town Council has recently debated the charges for public hall hire at Radstock and Maiden Place Community Centres for 2008/09. Councillors were keen to distinguish between the charges made for non-charitable and commercial hire and users that were classed as "charitable". Consequently, while non-charitable rates will be increased by 5% initially from 1st April 2008, the charitable rates for both Earley and non-Earley based organisations will be kept at 2007 levels. The rate for Earley based people, however, is discounted by 33% from those who are non-Earley based, thus benefiting Earley organisations and local residents who contribute to the Town Council's share of the local Council Tax. Click Here to return to the list of news stories SKATE PARK AND MULTI SPORTS COURTS Earley Town Council is proud of its installations at Sol Joel Park for skateboarding and also the multi sports courts for 5 a-side soccer, basketball and hockey. These all weather courts were installed approximately 8 years ago and the facilities are widely used. At present the skateboard equipment is in the process of being updated and new equipment will be installed shortly. Despite the fact that there is regular and extensive use of the facilities, Councillors noted at a recent meeting of the Town Council that exclusive bookings of the facilities had not taken place to date. It was felt that some publicity should be given to the availability of these facilities at Sol Joel Park and to point out to the public and to organisations that reasonable hire charges for exclusive use are being maintained at the current levels, with no increases planned for the forseeable future. Enquiries about facilities available and the level of hire fees can be obtained from Earley Town Council Offices, on our usual telephone number, 0118 9868995. Click Here to return to the list of news stories TOWN MAYOR PROMOTES FAIR TRADE IN EARLEY At a meeting of Earley Town Council held last week, the Town Mayor, Councillor Norman Jorgensen informed Members that he had met with the local organiser of the Wokingham Fair Trade Group, Mr Colin Weedon in the summer. Discussions had taken place since then and the Mayor was now proposing that the Town Council support his initiative to encourage the sale of Fair Trade goods within Earley. It was, therefore, agreed at the meeting that the following statement be issued: "Earley supports the principles of Fair Trade with Earley and would like to see Fair Trade goods available in local shops so that residents can choose to buy them if they wish." It is probable that Earley Town Council is well on the way to achieving Fair Trade Town status because there are a number of shops that offer Fair Trade products. Councillor Jorgensen will be writing to the Wokingham Fair Trade campaign to inform them of the Town Council's support for their campaign. Click Here to return to the list of news stories
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