Howard Woollaston: Parish Matters – November 2024

Howard Woollaston
West Berkshire Councillor: Lambourn Ward

I have been away for two weeks in October, so this month’s newsletter is fairly light. We are now past firework night, the clocks have gone back, so it is dark just after 4.00 in the afternoon and places such as the Garden Centre in Hungerford are already full of Christmas goodies – If I sound like Bah Humbug – sorry!!!!

 Sewage and Flooding

I chaired the Lambourn Valley Flood Forum which covers the whole of the Lambourn from the source in Upper Lambourn down to where it joins the Kennet. The good news is that the whole Flood Warden initiative is growing traction. All credit to James Potter and Andrew Gorton in Eastbury and Martyn Wright in East Garston who have showed just what can be achieved with some effort and determination over several years that seems to have captured imaginations and produced results.

 The only downside of this LVFF meeting was that Environment Agency were unable to attend as many of the thirty odd virtual attendees had questions for them but attendance from Thames Water and the West Berkshire Council Flood team were appreciated and constructive.

West Berkshire Council confirmed that it is well on top of gulley and ditch clearance that is its responsibility, and it’s pressing private owners to do the same.

This is all of course in the context of expected flooding this winter with groundwater levels above last year, the Lambourn never drying up and the wettest September since records began – the message is be prepared.

We were given a presentation by Piers Allison, who has developed an Environmental Information Website for the Pang Valley which he has adapted for our Lambourn Valley, and I think it fair to say that we were all “blown away”.

Just an amazing amount of information available which can be accessed at www.floodalleviation.uk/Lambourn. I am not sure that the link is working so you may need to type it in but well worth a browse!

Roads

Things continue to progress well on the roads front. I am sure that you are all noticing road closures for repairs – annoying on the day but necessary.

Police

I had a useful session at the Forge Eastbury with our two PCSO’s kindly organised by James Potter. We discussed drugs, off roaders and rural crime. They encourage people to report any misdemeanour to 101. Unless they know there are problems they cannot react.

Neighbourhood Development Plan

I said this last month, but I will repeat it. After a really long haul we are I think finally there to submit it. There has been a further consultation process and people’s views have been taken on board and the plan is being amended where necessary. I hope that those who attended understand the huge effort put in by the Steering Committee, chaired by the indefatigable Sue Cocker.

This has taken over 5 years and the only worrying thing is that there is a review in less than two! It is our opportunity as a community to shape the future of Lambourn in the face of pressure from Government for more extension of rural communities.

Parish Council

As usual I attended the monthly meeting, albeit by Teams as I am not a great fan of driving country lanes at night now that I have achieved the glorious age of 70! A good series of debates on numerous issues including planning. leisure areas, Christmas Lights, finance and the beautification of Lambourn etc.

 I would like to put on record that on the getting on for six years that I have been your District Councillor, I have never seen the Parish Council so well organised and making a real difference. A real thank you to all of the Parish Councillors who do it on an entirely volunteer basis but particularly to the Chair, Vicky Rieunier and the Clerk, Gary Wyatt-Hawkins. Lambourn Parish Council is genuinely doing a great job for you all.

Casework

As ever it never stops! Even on holiday. I really do not mind as I believe that if you sign up to this role it goes with the territory! Ongoing issues with Sovereign continue sadly. The people I talk to there on a day-to-day basis are outstanding and really helpful, but I just do not think that they have the support up the line. Similarly, I think that we have the same issue with police response particularly on Anti-Social Behaviour. Much still to be done!

 Get in touch.

Whatever is concerning you please do get in touch on 07836 718100 or howard.woollaston1@westberks.gov.uk