It was an eerily quiet drive to Finchampstead Memorial Hall on Thursday, 18^th May. Deserted roads, no cars parked at California Crossroads, not a soul in sight! Could there have been a football match on TV?

This was in stark contrast to the usual traffic flow along the newly-opened Finchampstead Road.  Those of us who live there have enjoyed three months of relative peace and quiet, but now it’s business as usual!

The Parish Council met at 7.0 pm so that we could talk to our police team, whose numbers, we were pleased to hear, have been increased.  We now have PC Christine Beringer, plus two probationers as well as PC Andy Roberts and PCSO Jenny Skilton.  The Neighbourhood Action Group (Finchampstead & Barkham) has met twice and has identified anti-social behaviour and speeding traffic as priorities for police action.  Crime levels are quite low in our area, but there has been some theft from cars, particularly those parked at restaurants.

The Parish Council has, once again, provided funding for flower baskets at California Crossroads.  They were put in place by our Chairman, Roland Cundy, who then took one of them down again after the recent hot weather to re-plant it – definitely above and beyond the call of duty! Thank you Roland!

Whilst on the subject of the environment, did you know that Wokingham District Council will clear graffiti from private houses?  Ring Shute End if you need help.

You have probably received a form from Wokingham District Council requesting comments on the number of houses to be built in the Wokingham area.  The Parish Council has replied; stating that numbers are far too high; but comments from individuals are most valuable, so do get yours back. You can view the document containing the proposals at Shute End. It’s a very indigestible document, but an official will point you to the relevant parts.

As reported last month, the Parish Council is most concerned that a land banking company has bought land in Finchampstead and is in the process of selling it on in the form of small plots.  The land is not likely to get planning permission and Wokingham District Council has now taken steps to prevent owners of individual plots from erecting fences or sheds; but the Parish Council’s concern is that the land will become derelict and overgrown. 

The Parish Council is broadly in favour of the proposal by the Baptist Church to build a multi-purpose hall, sports facility, library, etc. to replace the Rides Community Centre.  However, some questions of management, ownership, etc. still need to be addressed and a meeting will be arranged in order to clarify the situation.

Last, but not least, don’t forget Finchampstead Fete on Saturday, 8^th July at the earlier time of 11.30 am, to be followed by a Caribbean Night to mark the 40^th anniversary of the Sports Club.  See you there!

Cllr Chris Driver

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

Copyright © 2003 Finchampstead Parish Council