For several months now, Finchampstead Parish Council has been in consultation with Wokingham District Council and the Finchampstead Baptist Church about the future of the land at The Rides, and, at the July meeting of the Parish Council, a decision was made to relinquish the Head Lease, subject to the terms of a Deed of Surrender.  This would allow Wokingham District Council, which owns the land, to deal directly with the Rides Association, and to further the plans of Finchampstead Baptist Church to build a large multi-purpose sports hall at The Rides, along with other community buildings such as a library, children’s centre and youth facility.  Finchampstead Parish Council has supported the Rides Community Association for over 20 years, and the decision to surrender the lease was not taken lightly.  However, it was felt that the new development would serve the whole of Finchampstead and provide much needed facilities for the Parish.

Regular Multi-Agency meetings, attended by Parish Council representatives, are held at St Mary and St John’s Parish Centre, followed by meetings of the Gorse Ride Residents’ Association.  The Parish Council is always keen to support such community action and has agreed to send two people to judge the “Gorse Ride in Bloom” competition, and to donate a sum of money for prizes.

The purchase of land near the doctors’ surgery by a land banking company continues to be of concern to the Parish Council, and the situation is being monitored by Councillors.

Cllr. Mrs Newcombe, Chairman of Planning, reported that a letter had been sent to Wokingham District Council expressing concern about its plans for a “Southern Gateway” into the town.  Whilst Wellington House and its surrounding temporary buildings have probably outlived their purpose, Elms Field provides an attractive open space which is an asset to the town, and should not be used for commercial development.

Cemex, the gravel extraction company, which recently put on a display of its future intentions at Finchampstead Memorial Hall, has plans to extend gravel extraction to the West of Longwater Road.  Parish Councillors were concerned by this as it was hoped that gravel extraction in the area would be completed in the next year or two.

Litter on Footpath 9 (from the Church to the Village) has long been a problem, but our footpath warden has agreed to clear it once a month.  The Parish Council is grateful to the Warden, John Alexander, and to the Litter Warden, Roger Long, (who keeps the roadside verges clean) for all they do to keep our Parish attractive.

And, finally, we are looking for local nominations for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.  This award is for organisations (not individuals) which rely on groups of people who give their time voluntarily to enhance the life of the community.  If you would like to nominate an organisation, please let the Parish Clerk know by the middle of September.

There is no main Parish Council meeting in August.  Have a good summer.

Cllr Chris Driver

The date this page was last altered was March 11, 2007.

Copyright © 2003 Finchampstead Parish Council