The January meeting of Finchampstead Parish Council was chaired by Councillor Geoff Markham and was a fairly routine affair as many committees had not met since the December meeting; so this report will be quite short!

1. Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) is investigating the flooding in Reading Road/Park Lane, but no decision has been made on how to alleviate it.

2. The track from Policeman’s Corner to Goose Green is on its way to being designated a Bridleway.

3. Chris Buggy, from Wokingham Borough Council Countryside Services, has been invited to the next Amenities Meeting to discuss future plans for California Country Park.

4. The Roads Committee is concerned that “repaired” pot-holes have re-appeared on roads in the parish.  WBC Highways to be informed.

5. The Council was dismayed to hear that a property in the parish, which should have been demolished when another was built in its grounds, has been granted a Certificate of Lawful Use by WBC.  The Parish Council believes that this makes a mockery of planning rules.  At the same time WBC has refused planning permission for a caretaker’s house at the new Baptist Church Community Centre.  The Parish Council will write to WBC and express its concerns over both issues.

6. Louise Morris, Youth Worker, reported on activities at The Rides. Louise’s job has been made much more difficult now that the Rides Hall is closed, but she is always up-beat and positive.  She is currently trying to find a site for a Skate Park, and has plans to work with Community Wardens to set up activities for half-term.

Advance notice is given of the Annual Gathering, which will take place on 26^th March at St James Church Centre.

Cllr Chris Driver

The date this page was last altered was March 15, 2008.

Copyright © 2003 Finchampstead Parish Council