Howard Woollaston: Parish Matters – October/November 2023

Howard Woollaston
West Berkshire Councillor: Lambourn Ward

October/November 2023

I commented last month about the way the nights were closing in and it is now really noticeable. I am writing this on Halloween and as this is the first time for many years that I have lived in the middle of a village I was prepared for trick-or-treaters with a box of Celebrations: no takers, however. Their loss…

20mph at last?

West Berkshire Council provided a report to Executive on 2 November 2023, advocating more 20mph speed limits but not a blanket reduction from 30mph. I have been pushing for this for High Street Lambourn and Eastbury for four years but always met officer and Police resistance.

Only the Executive members vote on these reports, but I am entitled to speak as a Shadow Executive member. I was in support as were the rest of my Conservative colleagues, the Greens, and our new Independent Member – unanimity of views! I specifically asked for the two Lambourn locations to be given a priority and I will be following that up next week.

Road accident in Lambourn

There has been a small accident opposite the Wheelwrights Arms which has caused some damage to a house. Thankfully this was nowhere near as serious as the accident in Hungerford last year which has led to costs for the Council, a contraflow for the residents and general chaos for everyone (all still ongoing).

Casework

Casework as ever carries on including trying to convince the Revenue and Benefits team along with the Valuation Office that a particular Council Tax demand is ridiculous; and putting a resident in touch with our local architects Mathewson Waters to give advice on a possible small housing scheme. Inevitably there are also yet more planning and enforcement issues, including fly tipping.

Sewage and flood risks

Groundwater levels are getting concerningly high as can be seen in the amount of water in the river. This is compounded by the weed growth that we have seen over the summer.

I reported last month on the Scrutiny Commission of WBC interrogation of Thames Water and the Environment Agency. Encouragingly, this has resulted in further dialogue and an offer by Thames Water to share further information. I am asking the Lambourn Valley Flood Forum what might be helpful.

Member’s bids

Three Posts Lane proved a non-starter as it requires lime mortar to repair the wall which can only be done in the spring or summer. However, we have found a good local tradesman able to undertake the work and I am continuing to try to get WBC to pay for it out of CIL/S106 monies.

The replacement of St. Michael and All Angels Lambourn flagpole was submitted in time with three quotes. The bid, which is match funded, needs to be recommended by a Council Officer as well. His email on the subject was encouraging:

“I believe that your member’s bid to replace the flagpole on top of the Grade 1 listed Church of St Michael and All Angels, Market Place, Lambourn is most worthy of funding.

 As can be seen from the official photograph of the listed church, the flagpole is integral to it and I believe has become very dangerous and, rather than repaired yet again, it should be replaced altogether so that this magnificent building can continue to “fly the flag” for all in Lambourn.”

Hopefully this level of support will win the bid.

Harvest supper

I attended the Harvest Supper at St. James’s Church in Eastbury – a wonderful evening capped off by a really interesting talk by Sue Cocker about Eastbury Manor.

School transport problems

There has been some positive news on this.

WBC has been successful in procuring a replacement coach to provide transport for King Alfred’s pupils, which started after the October half term. This week they have issued bus passes and are ready to start work. A similar result for John O’Gaunt families, with a replacement coach confirmed and this has started. Families were contacted by email and bus passes issued. However, they could not arrive in time for Monday, so the bus operator was made aware of that.

If you have any problems with your passes (such as non-arrival), please contact Client.Transport@Westberks.gov.uk.

I would like to congratulate the WBC team which went the extra mile to get a resolution to these problems which were completely outside their control.

Lambourn’s Neighbourhood Development Plan

Nothing further to report apart from the fact that progress continues. The work on such things isn’t always visible but that’s not to say it isn’t happening. When the time for public engagement comes round again this will be given wide publicity, including by me.

Get in touch.

Whatever is concerning you please do get in touch on 07836 718 100 or howard.woollaston1@westberks.gov.uk.

My thanks as ever to Brian Quinn of Penny Post for bringing his journalistic expertise to my ramblings.