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OXFORDSHIRE REORGANISATION

The Government has confirmed that Oxfordshire will move to unitary councils from April 2028. There are no changes to Reading’s borders, but we will have a new neighbour: Ridgeway Council, formed from three existing councils, with a population of almost half a million and an area considerably larger than South Oxfordshire District Council. The new Greater Oxford Council will have a similar population, taking in many parishes around the old city and extending south to the edge of Benson.

The announcement emphasises that Greater Oxford will have a distinct voice in future devolution arrangements and could be a preferred partner for a possible Development Corporation. One sentence could apply equally to Reading: “some of our smaller cities are highly productive, but have been constrained by tight boundaries, set decades ago, which stop them from building the homes they need.” It goes on to say that any Reading expansion into West Berkshire settlements is a matter for the Local Government Boundary Commission.

READING FESTIVAL

The festival has applied to extend its licence for live music to include Thursday and to increase alcohol sales hours to 3am. CADRA has been speaking to several stakeholders about this proposal. If you are concerned that these changes might impact you, please let us know.

CONSERVATION AREAS

The Council is consulting on a draft appraisal for The Mount Conservation Area, covering streets between Allcroft Road and Christchurch Road near RBH. The appraisal has been prepared by the Reading Conservation Area Advisory Committee (CAAC). These are always fascinating pieces of work highlighting the character and heritage of a particular area. Please take a minute to read this appraisal at: The Mount Conservation Area

And a reminder that CAAC are asking for help with the Surley Row appraisal in Emmer Green. If you can help or contribute information about Surley Row, please let us know.

HEDGEHOGS IN FOCUS

A researcher at the University of Reading is looking for volunteers to help with a project on hedgehogs. Volunteers can choose to participate in one, two, or all three projects, and no prior experience is needed. If you are interested, you can find more details at: Garden Wildlife Watch

CAVERSHAM CENTRE PLANTERS

A huge thank you to the Caversham Globe volunteers who are replacing some of the planters in the centre of Caversham. The team maintains all the planters, helping to keep the centre looking wonderful.

ST PETER’S RAISE THE ROOF FETE

Thank you to everyone who visited us at the fete. We were delighted that our special guests: local councillors, the Mayor and our MP came to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Caversham Bridge and the launch of CADRA’s book about it (available from Fourbears bookshop). We were pleased to host Caversham Bridge Newspaper, Friends of Caversham Court Gardens and Caversham Globe on our stalls.

Each year we try to focus on a safety topic, and we were thrilled that our special guests all took the opportunity to learn about throw lines for river rescues. Our colouring competition also had a safety theme, supporting the Fire Brigade’s Float to Live campaign. At the end are the two winners — the first chosen by the CADRA committee, the second by RBFRS Service Prevention Manager Gail Muirhead.