OTHER NEWS

Road Works – Reading Borough Council began five weeks of major carriageway resurfacing on 17 August. The schedule for work in our area includes parts of Gosbrook Road and George Street which complete this week, and the Henley Road between Chiltern Road and Lower Henley Road, 25-28 September, 8am–5pm.

Reading Festival - At the Licensing Hearing on Tuesday 18 August, the application from Festival Republic to extend timings was considered. CADRA had written to support the Festival but to oppose the introduction of live music on a Thursday night and other changes, effectively extending the length of the festival. CADRA and others spoke at the hearing to press those points. The panel approved the application after an offer from Festival Republic to cease live music at 11.30pm rather than midnight as proposed. This will be limited to the main stage.

Following the hearing, Festival Republic reported their intention to add a donation of £1 to each ticket from 2027 onwards to form a fund to benefit the local community. CADRA expects to be involved in how the fund will be allocated once everything is confirmed.

Look out for information on how to contact the festival hotline for issues as they arise during the festival and please share comments, positive or negative with us after the festival, so we can report them as part of the annual review.

Heritage Open Days - Reading’s annual Heritage Open Days return 11-20 September 2026.

CONSERVATION AREAS

Surley Row Conservation Area - Reading Conservation Area Advisory Committee (CAAC) is starting work on the conservation area report, which helps guide planning for that area. If you would like to be involved, then please let us know.

Although not in our area, members may be interested in reading about Reading’s other Mount. This area near the University has at its core the listed houses built for Huntley & Palmers’ clerks, foremen and managers. The Mount Conservation Area Consultation