Februry 2024

Works starts on Tanhouse Bridge

Network Rail has started work on a permanent bridge across the Tanhouse crossing, which many residents use to get to the town centre. Your Lib Dem councillors have been campaigning for a singlembridge to replace the two dilapidated bridges.

“We will continue to campaign for ramps to be added to the new bridge,” says Councillor Rachel Bishop-Firth.

Contaminated Flood Water

Councillor Adrian Mather and campaigners Mark Ashwell and Lou Timlin have been to inspect the state of our rivers after a Wokingham school was forced to close due to a sewage-contaminated flood in January. Mark Ashwell says, “For Emmbrook School to be forced to close for this disgusting reason is unacceptable. Children across Evendons have had their education disrupted. I'm happy to see the local Lib Dem team, including Clive Jones, our Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Wokingham, holding Thames Water accountable for fouling our rivers. Children should not be forced to walk through sewage contaminated water on their way to school, and it should never end up in our schools!” You can join the campaign by signing the Lib Dem petition at wokinghamlibdems.org.uk/campaigns/stop-the-sewage

Berkshire Care Home, Barkham Road

The decision to buy Berkshire Care Home will provide additional good quality dementia and nursing care for people in the Borough, allowing them to continue to live in their communities. Adrian Mather says, “This investment will ensure vulnerable people are able to access the care they need, and allow the council to better manage its long term finances.”

January

Leslie Sears Play Park

Evendons Lib Dems are delighted with the work done by the Town Council in Leslie Sears Play Park. The junior play area has been fully resurfaced, creating a smooth and brightly coloured environment for our children to play in safely. A footpath has also been laid that makes it much easier for parents with pushchairs to walk through the park.

Planned Developments on Limmerhill Green and Blagrove Meadows

Evendons Lib Dem Councillors would like to thank the Evendons Area Residents Association, the Limmerhill Residents Association and community members who have joined with us to make our concerns known about the planned building developments at both
Limmerhill Green and Blagrove Meadows.

We know residents have genuine concerns about the impact on traffic, road safety and the environment of these proposed  developments and we will continue to ensure your views are heard.

November

Edneys Hill Planning Refusal

Evendons Lib Dems are delighted that the planning authority has refused permission to build 40 homes on the green space at Edneys Hill. Councillor Sarah Kerr says, "The community really pulled together in opposing this speculative application. The developer could try re-applying with an alternative scheme, but the principle that this is not a suitable development location has been decided by the council. “Your Lib Dem councillors will continue to support the community view.” 

Fox Hill is blooming!

The partnership between the Friends of Fox Hill (FOFH) and the council is continuing to bloom. We are incredibly grateful to the work and commitment from the FOFH committee and volunteers that help make the woodland accessible and managed for nature.
The unveiling of the new information boards is the icing on the cake and has been a labour of love between the committee, Town Council, Men’s Shed, Countryside Services, and of course the talented artist who has brought this to life. This is a brilliant example of working in partnership for greater community benefit and we would like to thank everyone involved.

September

Molly Millar’s Lane crossing

In 2018 and 2019, Helen Power campaigned for a new pedestrian crossing on Molly Millar’s Lane opposite Lidl. Councillor Sarah Kerr says, ”Thanks to the hard work of Helen and the support of the community, we now have a safe place for people to cross this busy road. This makes access easier to the supermarket for those on foot and bike. “On behalf of the Lib Dem team, I'd like to thank the community for their patience in this long process and to Helen for her persistent campaigning.”

Berkshire care home

Lib Dem-led Wokingham Borough Council has made a bold step by purchasing The Berkshire Care Home. The purchase maintains an existing business, with the option for the staff to continue in service, instead of the business closing and the staff losing their
jobs. Originally the council was planning to do a new build care home in the Borough; however, the purchase of the Berkshire Care Home will save Wokingham Borough Council over £10 million.