The Parish Council was pleased to see District Councillors Rob Stanton and Angus Ross at its January meeting, and welcomed the opportunity to raise several issues:-

Library at the new Community Facility.  The Parish Council is most anxious that this should be part of the plan, but Wokingham District Council appears not to be fully committed to its inclusion.   Cllr.Stanton explained the financial constraints, but assured the Parish Council that he would do all he could to ensure that a library would be included.

Thames Basin Heath. This legislation, which has prevented building development in Finchampstead for a year or so, is being challenged by developers, and the District Council is working to resolve the matter.

Southern Gateway.  The Parish Council has already voiced its concern over plans to develop the Elms Field area of Wokingham town.  District Councillors assured us that the area would be dealt with sensitively and that full consultation would take place before any development was allowed on this attractive green space. 

The Chairman thanked the District Councillors for their attendance.

The Chairman then went on to report on the meeting at the Rides Hall which had taken place the previous evening.  At least 150 people attended, mainly to raise concerns over the proposed opening-up of the two ends of Gorse Ride as part of the new Community Facility plan.  Keith Burns from WDC assured residents that the District Council took their concerns seriously and would seek to reach a compromise over access and parking for the sports hall which is being proposed by the Baptist Church.

Cllr. Newcombe reported that the Planning Committee has asked WDC to investigate the erection of the fuel prices sign at Inchcape garage, which is felt to be garish and distracting to drivers.

Residents may have seen new Parish Council notice boards at St James’s Church and Kiln Ride.  At the moment these have to be locked in order to be closed, but will be modified in the near future so that residents can have access to them.  However, only non-commercial notices are acceptable.

The Youth Mobile Facility will be visiting the Memorial Park on 15^th February between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm.  Elsewhere in the District, the “Spring in2Action” programme will be providing sporting opportunities for children of all ages.  Children can be enrolled for courses in tennis, soccer, athletics, netball and much, much more throughout the Spring at a variety of venues.  More details can be obtained by calling 0118 974 2624 or 974 6254, or e-mail sportsdevelopment@wokingham.gov.uk

Cllr. Pam Hughes had attended the Finchampstead Older People’s Forum, where the proposed changes to WDC’s Social Care Services were discussed.  Given that we have an ageing population and limited funding, WDC is looking to modify the services which it provides for older people.  Whilst those with critical needs will not be affected, those with substantial or moderate needs may find that services are reduced (full details of the proposed changes can be obtained from WDC and we have information in the Parish Office).  This reduction is due, in part, to the low level of funding which WDC receives from central government, which considers Wokingham to be a wealthy area.  You may have views on this!  If so, please write to your MP, or direct to Patricia Hewitt MP, Secretary of State for Health, Dept of Health, 79 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2NS.

And finally, the Council notes with sadness the death of Finchampstead’s oldest resident, Miss Iris Hoboken, who has just passed away in her 105^th year, having lived in the village since 1919.

Cllr Chris Driver

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

Copyright © 2003 Finchampstead Parish Council