The March meeting of Finchampstead Parish Council began with the co-option of two new Councillors, Roger Black and Derek Moore, to replace John Dewhurst and Sharon Hall who recently resigned.

Then it was time for Sgt. Christina Beringer to explain the new police structure for Wokingham.  It sounded quite complicated, but appeared to feature more local policing, which most people would welcome.

Cllr. Newcombe reported that the Planning Committee had objected most strongly to the application to build seven dwellings, including flats, on a site on the north side of the California Ratepayers’ Hall.  This is the third application to build flats along Finchampstead Road, and the Parish Council regards them all as unwelcome developments.  For the time being, Thames Basin Heath legislation will prevent this development, but Wokingham Borough Council is working with English Nature to reach a compromise, so it cannot be relied on for much longer.

Cllr. Eric Cox, Chairman of the Finance Committee, announced that the Parish precept of £17.17, for the next financial year, is the third lowest in the Borough.

The Parish Council voted to accept the recommendation of the Roads Committee to install two street lights in Avery Corner car park.  These will be sited close to the school to ensure that children, parents and staff will feel safer when leaving the school on winter evenings.  The lights will be on a timer, and may not be needed at all during the summer months.

After many months of careful negotiation, the Parish Council has agreed the terms under which it will surrender the lease which it holds on land at The Rides.  Once planning permission has been granted to the Baptist Church for their new Community Facility, the Council will surrender its lease to allow the scheme to move forward.

And finally, a piece of non-Parish Council business.  Nine Mile Ride School is 75 years old and a celebration is planned for the Summer Term.  If you have memories of the school (not necessarily 75 years ago!) photographs, or any other information, the school would be delighted to hear from you on 973 3118.

Cllr Chris Driver

The date this page was last altered was April 28, 2007.

Copyright © 2003 Finchampstead Parish Council