Howard Woollaston: Parish Matters – June/July 2023
Howard Woollaston
West Berkshire Councillor: Lambourn Ward
My profuse apologies for the delay in sending out my usual monthly newsletter but my world has been rather turned upside down!
Firstly, I was away on holiday for the first two weeks of June. Then for personal reasons it was necessary to move from our house where we have lived since 2005 and I have as of last Friday moved into my new house in Boxford. Nearly 20 years accumulation of belongings takes a lot of moving and I am still surrounded by boxes to be unpacked. I did try very hard to remain in the ward but there was no houses on the market that were both suitable and affordable. Boxford is just over 10 minutes’ drive from Eastbury and 12 from Lambourn so you will continue to see me very regularly and all my contact details remain the same.
I had the misfortune to be “homeless” for a week dotting between hotels and generous friends without access to my main computer. iPads etc are all well and good but not the same as a screen and keyboard. I am therefore really behind on my ward casework which I normally take pride on being on top of for which I can only apologise again. Normal service will resume very shortly!!
The good thing to come out of this is that I was able to donate our Boudoir Grand piano (that’s between a grand and baby one) to the Primary School. They were really pleased to take it and I have high hopes that it may deliver a future concert pianist!
Legacy Projects
Penny Post have been very generous in pointing out that the recently announced new 3G football pitch at John O’Gaunts school in Hungerford was a project started under my watch as is the soon to be completed Lido in Newbury and the recent contract award for Leisure Centres which I hope will significantly improve service levels for customers.
If I am honest, it is rather galling to see the new administration taking credit for things that they have had zero input into but then that is politics!!
Sewage and flood risks
It does seem never ending but I think we are all getting towards the finale. I had no idea that Thames Water has a £14Bn debt pile albeit their operational profits remain fairly robust, and I am pleased that the major institutional shareholders have injected £750 M of funds with the promise of a further £250 M. I have to say that for all their faults I do get the sense that the people on the ground are committed to resolving our issues and I do feel a little “better the devil you know” rather than a takeover or privatisation. The river is extremely high for this time of the year and the Environment Agency has been out cutting weed as have the ever-reliable band of volunteers.
Driving
I would urge caution on driving on our local roads. I had the misfortune to have a Muntjac deer run straight out in front of me at night on the B4000 last month. There was nothing I could do to avoid it and thankfully for the poor animal it must have died instantaneously. The damage to my car was not inconsiderable – much to Ady Godwin’s delight!
Planning Enforcement
The Enforcement Team at the council has been strengthened, which is something I have been pushing for, for some time. I currently have four separate issues on my desk where I am asking for active intervention.
Councillor Matters
The start of a new administration always begins with a major training programme, mainly for the benefit of new members but the old hands are expected to take part not only to make sure we are up to speed but also to welcome the new boys and girls. So, I have attended Finance, Planning, Safeguarding, Corporate Parenting and Waste Management to name but a few!
I was also fortunate to be invited to RAF Welford to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the establishment of the base in the lead up to the D-Day landings. We were treated to a really interesting presentation and to see the Museum that has been established as well as to talk to some of the Officers and personnel who now man the base for the USAAF.
Get in Touch
A little shorter than my usual missives but I have been rather preoccupied, however as I said earlier back to normal service so as ever if I can help, please get in contact with me on 07836 718100 or howard.woollaston1@westberks.gov.uk.
Howard Woollaston
