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Reading Borough Council parking price rise fuels anger

Published

1 year ago

March 11, 2024

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Outraged residents in Reading are expressing their discontent over the “outrageous” council decision to not only increase parking fees in many of their Reading Council car parks but also to eliminate the free 30 minutes parking benefit in several key locations. The affected areas where the 30 minutes are removed are Recreation Road Car Park RG30 4UD, Dunstall Close Car Park RG31 5AY, and Chester St Car Park RG4 8JH. The revised charges amount to £1 for parking, with an additional £1.40 administration fee if utilizing the parking app.

On various online forums, residents have voiced their dissatisfaction, emphasizing that a typical day out in Reading often extends beyond three hours. Faced with these exorbitant parking costs, some residents are contemplating diverting their shopping activities to neighboring towns such as Basingstoke, Bracknell, or Oxford, where parking is more affordable.

Leslie Clements, a concerned resident, has taken proactive steps by reaching out to the local MP and the Reading Council through email, urging fellow residents to follow suit. The objective is to collectively lobby for a reversal of the council’s decision and the reinstatement of the 30 minutes of free parking.

Steve W, another resident, highlighted the diminishing appeal of shopping along School Rd due to the lack of incentives. While larger retailers like Co-op may weather the storm, smaller independent stores, such as the local cobbler, could be at risk of adverse effects from these new parking policies.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments in parking charges by checking the Parking Public Notices provided by Reading Borough Council (RBC). It remains to be seen whether the collective voice of the community can influence a change in the council’s decision and restore the convenience of free 30 minutes parking in these key areas.

Related Topics:Featured Select Reading Borough Council parking price rise fuels anger

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Host a Street Party This Summer – Apply Now for Free Road Closures in Reading

Published

4 days ago

April 4, 2025

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People are being encouraged to bring communities together this summer by holding their own street parties as part of The Big Lunch 2025.

This year’s celebrations are particularly significant, as they coincide with the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day – a special opportunity to come together with neighbours in both celebration and commemoration.

Free Road Closures for Summer 2025 Street Parties

Reading Borough Council is once again supporting local events by covering the cost of road closure fees for street parties on any of the following weekends:

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June – The Big Lunch Weekend
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June – Armed Forces Day
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 July
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 July

How to Apply

To host a street party, residents must apply by Monday 21 April 2025. Applications must ensure the proposed road closure does not affect a main through-route or public transport route. Organisers are also asked to consult with neighbours, address any concerns, and ensure access for emergency services is maintained throughout the event.

You’ll need to provide:

Your name and contact details
The name(s) of the road(s) to be closed
The date and times of the closure
A list of the properties that will be affected
Details of how you will notify residents of the closure
Confirmation that neighbours are on board with the plans

So, roll out your bunting, get the trestle tables down from the loft, and start planning your perfect summer street party!

For more information and to submit your application, visit the Reading Borough Council website.

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MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang shortlisted for women’s prize

Published

2 weeks ago

March 28, 2025

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MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang among shortlisted women for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction in 2025.

Yuan Yang, the MP for Woodley and Earley, wrote Private Revolutions: Coming of Age in a New China, while Oxford-based Dr Rachel Clarke wrote The Story of a Heart.

Ms Puri said the non-fiction works were “united by an unforgettable voice, rigour, and unique insight”.

The shortlist is rounded out by Dr Rachel Clarke’s The Story of a Heart, The Buffalo Stance singer’s A Thousand Threads, Chloe Dalton’s Raising Hare, Clare Mulley’s Agent Zo: The Untold Stories of Courageous WW2 Resistance Fighter Elzbieta Zawacka, and Helen Scales’ What the Wild Sea Can Be: The Future of the World’s Ocean.

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Windsor Great Park Illuminated Returns for Its Fourth Year with New Festive Wonders

Published

5 months ago

November 15, 2024

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15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025
Tickets Available Now: www.windsorilluminated.com

The award-winning Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns for its fourth magical year, bringing a spectacular festive light trail to the enchanting woodland of Windsor Great Park. Running from 15 November 2024 to 4 January 2025, this much-loved event promises a refreshed experience with an all-new trail design and exciting new installations.

What’s New in 2024

This year’s trail introduces several never-before-seen attractions, including a floating installation debuting in the UK and impressive 8-metre stags exclusively crafted for the event. Visitors can also look forward to revamped favourites such as the Lasers, Field of Lights, and the Light Cathedral, now bigger and brighter than ever. A stunning new fountain show and additional photo opportunities ensure a memorable visit for all.

A Festive Wonderland

As you wander through the illuminated trail, you’ll encounter vibrant colours, festive surprises, and cozy rest stops. Warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate, or toasted marshmallows by the firepit. Foodies can enjoy treats from vendors such as The Crepe Stop, Waffle Wands, Churros Hermanos, and more.

Event Details

Dates: 15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025 (closed Christmas Day)
Opening Hours: 4.30pm – 10.30pm (last entry 8.30pm; from 4.15pm after 29 November)
Ticket Prices: Starting at £18 for adults, £11 for children, and £51 for families (plus booking fees).
Popular dates sell out fast, so advance booking is highly recommended.

How to Get There

By Car: Use postcode TW20 0UJ for navigation.
By Train: The nearest stations are Egham, Windsor Central, Windsor Riverside, Ascot, and Virginia Water. Taxis from these stations take approximately 15-20 minutes.

A World-Class Event

Windsor Great Park Illuminated is brought to life by IMG, the team behind iconic events like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Hampton Court Palace Festival, in collaboration with DEAG Entertainment AG and Christmas Garden Deutschland GmbH, creators of Europe’s leading light trails.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this magical winter adventure. Secure your tickets now at www.windsorilluminated.com.