Three new playgrounds open in Reading

Reading Council’s ongoing major investment in children’s play areas continues to deliver for communities across Reading: -Lulworth Road Playground -South Whitley Recreation Ground -Coley Recreation Ground Play Area. Playgrounds are an important part of our communities and Reading Borough Council is committed to a widespread programme of improvements. Outdoor play is vital for children’s health and wellbeing and high-quality equipment accessible as possible for all children and their carers is a key priority. Continue reading Three new playgrounds open in Reading

Saying Thank You on BBC Radio Berkshire

BBC Radio Berkshire wants your help. They are creating a brand-new afternoon show which will cover both Berkshire and Oxfordshire. This will be featuring a segment offering thanks to a person or people who have made a difference in someone else’s life. If you would like to thank someone who has inspired/impacted your life, and would like to talk about it on air then please get involved as BBC Radio Berkshire would love to hear from you. Continue reading Saying Thank You on BBC Radio Berkshire

Household Support Fund

As part of the council’s Household Support Fund scheme this year, any Reading borough resident can now apply for financial support. Priority will go to low-income households who are struggling financially. That primarily means those in receipt of low-income benefits or other related state benefits, and residents who are not in receipt of those benefits but have specific circumstances that have negatively impacted their overall cost of living, such as unexpected or increased expenditure. Continue reading Household Support Fund

Help make Reading greener – sponsor a new tree

Residents can now help to make Reading greener by sponsoring the planting of a tree in the street of their choice. Reading Borough Council has teamed up with charitable enterprise Trees for Streets to work with residents either individually or in a group, so anyone can apply to have a tree planted on their behalf as close as possible to their chosen location. The initiative comes in response to frequent requests from people wanting trees planted near where they live. Continue reading Help make Reading greener – sponsor a new tree

Caversham Court Gardens wins Green Flag award

Caversham Court Gardens has been confirmed amongst the best parks and open spaces in the country by being awarded a prestigious Green Flag award and Green Heritage Accreditation for 2023. The Green Flag award recognises high-quality maintenance and excellent wildlife and climate-friendly practices, with winners having to demonstrate that standards are being maintained and continuous improvements are being achieved. Continue reading Caversham Court Gardens wins Green Flag award

Revealed! The names of Reading’s new waste trucks

News from: Reading Borough Council – Five electric bin lorries will be cleaning up Reading emblazoned with new names given to them by residents after a borough-wide competition. The competition, launched in June, celebrated yet another milestone in the Council’s ongoing commitment to tackling the Climate Emergency by letting residents name the Council’s first five electric bin lorries, otherwise known as electric refuse collection vehicles. Continue reading Revealed! The names of Reading’s new waste trucks

Have your say: alcohol licensing

The council is required to review its licensing policy every five years, and this is the latest draft: Draft Statement of Licensing Policy. A consultation is now running for this new draft of the licensing policy and will expire on 12 September 2023. In addition, where an authority is concerned about the number of licensed premises in an area and its effect, it needs to publish a Cumulative Impact Assessment. Continue reading Have your say: alcohol licensing

NCVO Time Well Spent 2023 report released

News from: Reading Voluntary Action – The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) have released the latest report in the Time Well Spent series. Exploring what volunteer participation and experience looks like in 2023, against a backdrop of five years of significant external change, there is a lot to interest anyone seeking to involve volunteers in their work. Continue reading NCVO Time Well Spent 2023 report released

Hexagon Theatre revitalisation reaches first major milestone

Reading Borough Council’s £13.7 million project to revitalise the town’s much-loved and popular Hexagon Theatre reached its first major milestone this month. The ambitious Hexagon Theatre project will see the creation of an attractive, flexible and exciting new space for performances and community use. On Monday 10 July the council announced the official appointment of the internationally renowned professional team who will support this major project moving forward. Continue reading Hexagon Theatre revitalisation reaches first major milestone