DECEMBER came with the news that the Government is set to shake-up housing targets so they are flexible and meet local circumstances.
The move was welcomed by all corners of the borough as it was a potential light at the end of the tunnel for Wokingham’s battle with development.
The housing bill would be amended to allow ‘the right homes in the right places with the right infrastructure’, and give residents a greater say.
Wokingham borough currently has to build nearly 800 new homes every year.
This would no longer be a fixed target.
Michael Gove, the returning Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said: “If we are to deliver the new homes this country needs, new development must have the support of local communities.”
James Sunderland, the MP for Bracknell, said: “I have been clear since being elected that we must not concrete over what is left of our open spaces.
“Having fought hard against top-down housing targets, I am delighted their abolition will now allow local people to better protect their own communities.
“It will also give our councils the power to say ‘no’ to unscrupulous developers and landowners.”
This view was shared by Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood, who said in a House of Commons debate in June: “(Local people) have a right to a say in that and may have something useful to contribute to the discussion.”
Wokingham Borough Council leader Cllr Clive Jones also welcomed the change in policy.
“We’re very, very pleased,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to taking up an invitation to join a round table discussion with ministers on the matter.
“It gives us a chance to influence housing numbers, something a leader of Wokingham Borough Council has never had a chance to do before. It means more influence on the type of housing that is built in Wokingham. We need more affordable homes.
“Our position has led us to having a big opportunity to have an influence on government policy.”
Cllr Jones’ predecessor, Cllr John Halsall, also lobbied the government – then led by Boris Johnson – over housing numbers.
As one battle for council representatives appeared to have eased, the concerns around its finances continued.
Our front cover on December 22, depicted Rishi Sunak as Ebeneezer Scrooge after the government released the first details of its Local Government Finance Settlement grants for the forthcoming financial year, and once again Wokingham is set to be the lowest funded unitary authority.
While the final figures have yet to be determined, it is thought the borough will receive around £1.8 million – £200,000 less than expected, adding to the council’s financial deficit.
Announcing the plans, the Levelling Up secretary, MP Michael Gove, said overall it was a 9% increase on last year’s settlement. The rate of inflation at the time was 10.7%.
Mr Gove said: “We recognise the pressures councils are facing right now and this spending boost will provide the support and funding local authorities need to continue delivering first rate public services.”
However, Wokingham Borough Council leader Cllr Clive Jones had concerns over the figures that were announced.
“I have quite a number of questions,” he said.
“We’ve unwrapped a Christmas present from the government and the box is empty.”
Earlier in the month, Wokingham welcomed a new pub to the town as the Foundry Bell opened its doors to punters on Friday, December 2.
The London Road pub, on the site of the former Loch Fyne which closed earlier this year, was returned to its roots nearly 100 years after it opened as The Plough back in 1924.
It underwent a three-month refurbishment that pays tribute to its heritage while looking forward to the future.
The pub’s manager Mason Gray said: “After months of renovation, we’ve been waiting patiently to be able to open our doors, and the whole team is hugely excited to finally welcome locals dropping in for a pint by the fireplace, friends getting together or families hosting celebrations in our new pub.
Woodley’s town centre was once again transformed into a winter wonderland as its annual extravaganza returned.
The Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct was packed with people as crowds turned out for a day of festive merriment.
Launching the event were Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Caroline Smith, Woodley town mayor Cllr Janet Sartorel and Reading East MP Matt Rodda.
Woodley Town Centre manager Brian Fennelly was delighted with how the event had gone, not least as it was set up in drizzly rain which later gave way to a cold, but dry day.
“I’m really pleased, we had decent weather in the end and huge crowds came out,” he said.
The final month of the year saw the launch of a new initiative launched by town centre stores as they teamed up with Thames Valley Police, Wokingham Borough and Wokingham Town Council to create Shopwatch, a way to share real-time information about thieves.
The scheme will operate in the Wokingham town area, including Woosehill and Norreys, and has been funded for an initial two years thanks to the Community Safety Partnership.
PS Paul Bentley said: “If a theft has just occurred in store, or some anti-social behaviour outside, that can immediately be shared with other shops, so everyone in Shopwatch gets the message.”
And to any thieves thinking of targeting Wokingham, PC Bentley warned: “You will get banned from all premises that are participating in Shopwatch. It’s going to make it tough for shoplifters.”
With Christmas just around the corner, Santa’s were busy delivering presents – but not on a sleigh.
Thousands of Santa’s and Minions took to the streets of Reading and Wokingham on their motorbikes for the 36th running of the Reading Christian Motorcyclists’ Toy Run
Gifts were delivered to High Close School to be given to children who might not otherwise receive presents this festive season.
New and experienced participants were blessed with ideal conditions as the course stayed dry throughout the event.
The Revd Sean Stillman, one of the event’s organisers, said: “It went really well, we had a great turnout with around 1,600 participants altogether coming from far distances.
“As always, we are hugely grateful to those who took part as riders and for the community’s support and volunteers. We have a team of 20 people called the road crew who take care of logistics, signage and liaising with the council and police, as well as 100 volunteer marshalls.
“For a volunteer effort, it’s not bad. Most of those working relationships have come out of doing the Toy Run, so it really is a communal venture from start to finish.”
At the time of writing, the group had exceeded their £1,500 target and were close to £2,000.
Kris Kringle wasn’t finished there as hundreds of red robed runners took part in a charity fun run.
The Rotary Club of Reading held its annual Santa Run at a new venue – the grounds of the University of Reading.
There were two-routes with an accessible option making it a family-friendly event, the only proviso is they had to run wearing a Santa suit or Elf costume.
And given the very cold temperatures – the mercury was just above freezing – it was almost as if the race was taking place in the North Pole.
Eydis Bjornsdottir, one of the organising team, was delighted with how the event had gone.
“The new venue was winter wonderful, the white fog and frosty trees were absolutely beautiful and incredibly festive,” she said.
Saint Nick was being well-represented in Emmbrook the grounds of Emmbrook infant and junior schools were de-iced in time for the Jingle Bell Jog.
Freezing temperatures may have meant the earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone, but that didn’t stop those taking part from enjoying the two-mile course.
Christine Leddy, from the PTA, said around 250 runners took part in the event.
“People enjoyed dressing up,” she said. “There was a prize for the best fancy dress, which was won by a man with a turkey hat on, a man wearing an Elf dress, and a family wearing Oodies.” (A kind of poncho-like hooded blanket – editor).
The season of giving continued in with more than 1,000 presents donated to this year’s Giving Tree appeal, ensuring it will be a happy Christmas Day for children across the borough.
Each recipient is a young person whose family is experiencing hardship, and may not otherwise have a present to open on the big day.
The appeal was organised by Gill Mckernan. She is work experience coordinator at Barnardo’s High Close School, Wokingham, and starts planning the annual appeal in September, with November and December very busy months as the appeal gains momentum.
She said: “Words cannot express how grateful all the charities are with the response to this year’s Giving Tree.
“The kind and generous local people have dug deep, even during these difficult financial times, and bought the most amazing gifts so that no young person will go without this Christmas.”
