Mystery surrounded proposals that appeared to indicate that Wokingham Borough Council has plans to impose further parking restrictions.
The plans appeared on the council’s website on Monday but were quickly removed. If they had been taken forward, they would have meant an end to all free parking in the borough.
A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council confirmed there is no consultation or decision regarding additional parking restrictions, and that the information appeared on its website in error.
They told Wokingham Today: “The webpage mock-up seen by the newspaper was part of early work being done to consider a potential review of on-street car parking policy in the future.
“There are no detailed plans for any changes to on-street parking at present and, if there are changes in the future, these will be fully consulted on.”
The information appeared on the council’s ‘engage’ consultation website, and although searchable it was not linked to from the main website.
The apparent leak came at a time when residents and retailers are becoming increasingly frustrated with the council’s policy to derive additional income from parking.
Members of the Shinfield community learned more about the Natural History Museum’s upcoming move to the parish at a public event.
Displays presented at the Thames Valley Science Park’s Gateway Building laid out plans for the proposed £200 million facility, with museum and University of Reading staff available to answer visitors’ questions. Residents were also able to get hands-on with artefacts including a mammoth tooth, seal skull and starfish.
The Natural History Museum science and digitisation centre will allow researchers to access and study artefacts using state of the art analytical technologies, helping to further society’s understanding of its most pressing ecological issues.
Tim Littlewood, director of science and NHM Unlocked programme senior responsible owner, said: “Speaking on behalf of the science staff, who are dedicated to the access and usage of our collections, knowing that the collection is going to be in a far better condition and is going to be used more readily and actively is really exciting professionally.”
A proposed timeline suggested that the move will be completed in its entirety in 2031, with construction of the facility starting and ending in 2024 and 2027 respectively and the relocation of collection, equipment and people taking place between 2028-31.
Wokingham Borough councillors considered the sale of its Shute End headquarters.
A meeting of its executive committee was asked for agreement in principle that the council should review its office accommodation provision, including the opportunities for the relocation from Shute End to a more appropriately sized and energy efficient building or buildings.
In a letter sent to council staff seen by Wokingham Today, Susan Parsonage, chief executive officer of Wokingham Borough Council, wrote: “The way we work changed during the Covid-19 pandemic and this more agile way of working has continued, with more colleagues working from home and fewer people coming into the office on a daily basis.”
Wokingham has more than 1,000 years of history, yet underneath the vestiges of the modern town, it is still possible to uncover a secret past that includes takes of bull baiting and highwayman, breweries and medieval fairs.
A new book, Secret Wokingham, looked at the history of the town.
Finchampstead author Richard Gibbs wrote: “Secret Wokingham lies to be discovered by those who open their eyes.
“Much of the town’s history is hidden in plain view. If we know where to look, and what we’re looking for, the story of the town can be uncovered by walking around.”
