One of the councillors in this ward is a Liberal Democrat.
I moved to Charvil from London just before my first child was born 3 years ago. We love the sense of community and countryside- it’s a great place to bring up a family, with the added bonus of nearby grandparents!
I grew up in Lancaster, and after getting a maths degree from Cambridge University, I moved to London to become a Chartered Financial Analyst. I work in climate finance at a large energy company and am passionate about doing what I can to address the climate emergency. I want to become your councillor to meet the needs of residents and the environment - for example by making it easier to walk and cycle between our villages, and helping residents to make their homes more energy efficient.
I’ve been really impressed by the hard work and dedication of the Wokingham Lib Dem team, which inspired me to get involved to serve the residents in the Thames ward and the most vulnerable in our borough. I have recently joined the Charvil Parish Council, and look forward to working with local people to deliver an even brighter future for our area.
Water pollution is an increasing concern, with reports of raw sewage being pumped into the Thames. “This poses a danger for those using the river. The Thames at Wargrave is a popular spot for canoeists and paddleboarders,” says Lib Dem campaigner Yonni Wilson. “It’s time to stop water companies pumping tons of raw sewage into our rivers!”
Lib Dem Paddy Power shares these concerns that impact the Thames at Sonning. “I’ve been told that anglers are fed up with seeing raw sewage floating past the end of the fishing lines. “The water company need to take action!”
A request from local residents for parking restrictions has led to double yellow lines set to be introduced in Wargrave.
“The Lib Dems are helping make the roads safer by bringing in parking restrictions where they are needed.”
“The lines are to be put in at the junction of Hamilton Road and Purfield Drive, by the end of March,” says Lib Dem campaigner Yonni Wilson. “I know this has been an issue for people in this area, so I am looking forward to seeing them in place. "
There’s good news for our area with additional places being funded at the Piggott senior school! “This will help many families in Wargrave and surrounding areas and is a good example of Lib Dems listening to people's concerns,” says Lib Dem campaigner Yonni Wilson.
The long-awaited new Twyford library is heading for opening in the spring. Wargrave campaigner Yonni Wilson says, "This has come about after years of effort by many people. The new Lib Dem administration at Wokingham has delivered this new community facility.”
Wokingham Borough Council is carrying out a consultation about changes in polling stations following the council ward boundary changes. The proposal for Wargrave East is to
use the Wargrave Pavilion for polling instead of Hare Hatch Village Hall.
Six new green-roofed bike shelters have been installed at The Piggott school. The shelters are covered with a tough, low maintenance, succulent plant that absorbs rainwater and soaks up carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the atmosphere, adding further benefit to the environment. “This is so good for the environment and the pupils that cycle to school,” says Lib Dem Wargrave campaigner Yonni Wilson. “Active travel is so important for health and well-being; it can reduce car journeys and so improve air quality. It helps to
combat the climate emergency.”
Twyford's long-awaited new library is making good progress. The builders are working on the internal changes and the hoardings outside the new library building will soon be displaying artwork from local children. We expect the new library to be open for business in the first months of 2024.
Naturally enough, many people in the new Thames ward enjoy the river – or they used to! But now, boat-users and swimmers and parents with children are having to think very carefully about using the water because of the threat of pollution. Less than twenty years ago, our rivers were an environmental success story but now the government is giving free reign to water companies to undo decades of hard work and turn our rivers into open sewers. The Wokingham constituency will include Remenham, Wargrave and Charvil at the next general election and Lib Dem candidate Clive Jones is committed to restoring the river to its former glory.
Electoral ward boundaries for Wokingham Borough Council are changing next year. Remenham, Charvil and Wargrave will form part of a new ward to be known as ‘Thames’ ward. The ward will elect three members and local Lib Dems have been out and about meeting local people in an area that has traditionally been taken for granted by one other party.
Local campaigner Yonni Wilson says, “It seems to be a bit of a novelty for local people to have their opinions listened to! The Lib Dems are well known for being involved with communities and I look forward to doing the same in the new Thames Ward.”
The Borough Council has given subsidised bus routes a funding boost to keep them going until at least 31st August 2026. This includes the 127, 128 and 129 services that operate through Winnersh from Wokingham to Twyford station here it connects with the Elizabeth Line. This funding, also supported by Winnersh Parish Council, will provide certinity to residents and businesses in the area.
Firstly I'd like to say a huge thank you to the people of Wokingham who have put their trust in me and elected me to represent you in parliament as the first ever Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham
Stephen Conway's interview with the local paper.
As the local elections draw near, it is a good time to reflect on some of the good things that the council has achieved over the last two years under Lib Dem leadership.
Green recycling bags can now be picked up from 12 additional hubs across Wokingham Borough, bringing the total up to 17, as the council prepares to change its household waste collections.
Twyford's long-awaited new library is making good progress.
Our volunteer deliverers are the backbone of our campaign. Thank you if you can help!
