The September meeting was attended by some residents from Park Lane who wished to draw attention to their concerns following the July flooding in their area when 20 houses were damaged.  Wokingham Borough Council has held a Flooding Road show in conjunction with the Environment Agency for some parishes, but Finchampstead had not been included in this.  However, following representations from the Parish Council, a similar show is to be organised in the near future when it is hoped that their worries will be addressed and steps taken to prevent any recurrence.

An update on the new Baptist Community Centre at Gorse Ride was given:  tenders have been issued with a closing date of the end of this month, and the hope is that work will start by February at the latest.  The funds to pay for the new Centre are still being raised, although the Borough Council is adding to the problems in that, although they initially offered a long-term lease, this was then amended to a short-term lease with a notice period of 12 months – obviously not a viable proposition for such a major development – and the latest is that they are now asking the Baptists to buy the land (price unspecified at present):  this from the Council which invited the Baptists to consider moving to the site in the first instance!

Can I remind local residents that there is now a manned refuse lorry at the Avery Corner car park every third Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. – the next one will be on 20^th October.  This vehicle will take any kind of domestic rubbish from garden waste to kitchen sinks.  This is much larger than the original skip so please do make the most of it.

Regular readers will be aware that the Parish Council has been seeking land for allotments following requests from parishioners.  Cemex have made an unofficial offer of land near the Blackwater in Longwater Road, and Yateley Town Council have now asked if they could have some land for allotments here also.  It was agreed formally to request land for both Councils in this area from Cemex – we are very hopeful of achieving this now.

The time of year is approaching when the Fuel Allotment is distributed.  This is a gift of £20 from the Parish Council to about 30 elderly residents who are long term parishioners and who live independently.  If any reader would like to nominate someone for inclusion this year, please contact the Clerk on 0118 932 8256.

Cllr Lauraine Newcombe

The date this page was last altered was January 20, 2008.

Copyright © 2003 Finchampstead Parish Council