Temporary Closure of Mapledurham Pavilion

Mapledurham Pavilion

BREAKING News: This afternoon a decision has been taken by Reading Borough Council (RBC) to temporarily close Mapledurham Pavilion.  The Pavilion is, like the Mapledurham Playing Fields themselves, held in Trust by RBC.

User groups are being told that an independent structural engineer has recommended the temporary closure as bowing is clearly visible on the southern external wall.  It is anticipated at this stage that the closure will be for approximately 6 weeks.

Please note that the Football and Tennis clubs will both be able to continue to run as normal as the changing rooms and Tennis club area are unaffected.

As Chairman of the Mapledurham Playing Fields Management committee I was informed of the decision.  I have asked RBC questions about the help that will be provided to users to find alternative accommodation but also about the cost of repairs; who and when a decision is likely; and at what level a tipping point is likely to be reached to make major works necessary.

I have asked that RBC issue a press release, put up notices on the Pavilion and keeps me updated.

MidWeek coverage: Woodcote Way PO Campaign

The MidWeek Chronicle this week had a two page spread (top half) on my campaign to retain the dedicated post office counter in the Woodcote Way Post Office.

Unfortunately though since June several roads in the area no longer have this free newspaper delivered so lots of residents will have missed the coverage.  However I managed to get a pdf from MidWeek and here is the link

Protest held outside Woodcote Way Post Office

Today over 25 residents & I congregated outside the Woodcote Way Post Office, voicing our objections to the local media about The Post Office’s proposal to do away with the shop’s dedicated post office counter.  The Woodcote Way Post Office works very well: Residents want The Post Office to just leave it alone!

As the local councillor for the area, I have been inundated with emails, letters and phone calls from residents appalled by what is deemed a short-sighted, unpopular plan.

I have just launched an online version of the petition (hard copies inside the shop on the post office counter) which you can sign here.

The Woodcote Way Post Office is well used and even with its dedicated post office counter with Satheech (the postmaster) and his wife serving, customers often have to queue as they attract a lot of business.  It seems a nonsense to do away with this dedicated post office counter.

Postal services would be moved to Conisboro Stores where all customers would have to use the one counter by the shop’s front door, whether buying groceries, newspapers, confectionery or accessing postal services.

If you would like to have your say, quote the branch code: 148939 and either fill in the online consultation or if easier email Will Russell, The Post Office’s Regional Manager at:  comments@postoffice.co.uk  Please copy me in so I can update you on this campaign at: Isobel.Ballsdon@reading.gov.uk

Look out for coverage from today on: BBC South, the Reading Chronicle and GetReading. BBC Radio Berkshire covered the protest on its lunchtime news.

Thank you to everyone who came along for your support!

Save Woodcote Way's Dedicated Post Office Counter

In November I raised awareness of a consultation by The Post Office about its proposal to move post office services away from the Woodcote Way shop to Conisboro Stores.  The Post Office proposes to do away with having a dedicated post office counter and salaried Post Office Master in favour of a commission-based arrangement where all customers would use the same counter.

This issue has got everybody talking as residents cannot see any benefit in getting rid of the highly successful current arrangement at Woodcote Way.  I have been inundated with strong objections from all of the Mapledurham Ward residents* who have contacted me, including many elderly residents heavily reliant upon this local Post Office and shop.  

Such is the public outcry I have started campaigning to “Save our Woodcote Way Post Office with its dedicated post office counter”.  

How you can help:  

1. If you are free tomorrow, Monday 7 December at 12 noon, please come along and join me at the Woodcote Way Post Office as the local press are coming to talk and take photos of objectors
2.  If you haven’t done so already, please sign my petition which is in the Woodcote Way Post Office or alternatively the online version
3. Lastly please respond to The Post Office’s consultation so your views can be taken into account. Scroll down to my previous post (27 November) for further details

NB The Post Office's consultation ends 8 January 2016

* The one exception was a resident who lives opposite the Woodcote Way Post Office and, understandably, he would prefer the Post Office parking to go elsewhere.

Do you want Post Office services to leave Woodcote Way?

The proposal:    To move Post Office services away from the Woodcote Way shop to Conisboro Stores. Post Office services would be accessed at the same counter as currently sells groceries/lottery tickets/newspapers etc. There would not be a dedicated Post Office counter in Conisboro Stores.

Main benefit:     Increased access to Post Office services as hours extended to Conisboro Stores opening times.

Whatever your views, please respond to the Post Office’s online consultation at: www.postofficeviews.co.uk  [Branch Code: 148939] *  Here are the links to download The Post Office's local consultation poster and letter (which can also be downloaded direct from its website as mentioned above.

In addition please let me know your views: Isobel.Ballsdon@reading.gov.uk  so I can respond as the local Councillor, having weighed up all the pros and cons. So far several residents have raised their concerns with me.

If you know someone who doesn’t have access to a computer I am happy to help them to respond.  Call me or drop a letter through my door, 10 Fernbrook Road.

Several residents are helping me leaflet the area to raise awareness of this important consultation.  Let me know if you too would like to help.

Thank you

Isobel Ballsdon

Mob: 07717 292003

* Consultation ends 8 January 2016

Survey of Mapledurham Playing Fields for The Heights

Mapledurham Playing Fields (MPF) are being surveyed to see whereabouts The Heights primary school's permanent home could be built on the 22 acre site, subject to: consultation, legal hurdles and planning permission.

Back in August the Education Funding Agency announced its intention to pursue MPF for the permanent location for The Heights, following a public consultation run by Reading Borough Council.  The results showed majority support for MPF over the other four sites.

Here's GetReading's report and Rob Wilson MP's statement, both published this afternoon.

Police Message of Criminal Activity in Caversham Heights

Be aware of reports that there has been a spate of thefts from vehicles in the area due to what is thought to be a "tool" enabling criminals to clone the infra-red signals when the owners lock their vehicle.

I've been told that the Pangbourne area was targeted recently and that last night several vehicles in Caversham Heights were targeted (further details below).  Vehicle owners found no sign of break-in, but that contents had been taken and doors left open.

What can you do?
Take out all valuables from your car whenever you park up.  Don't be tempted for example to leave your golf clubs or sat nav as these expensive items could be at risk of being stolen.

Please see information emailed by Thames Valley Police this afternoon below:

"Overnight last night and in the early hours of this morning (16/11)  a number of vehicles were broken into in the following roads .

Upper Warren Avenue , Gurney Drive, Chazey Road and Hewett Avenue .

Various property has been stolen and a number of the vehciles were insecure.

Also there was an theft from motor vehicle in Priest Hill, Caversham between 08/11/15-14/11/15 between 19:00-10.40 :  Vehicle was broken into and Sat Nav broken

Please follow the following crime prevention advice: 
 

·         When leaving your car, close all windows and lock your car

·         Park your car in an attended car park

·         Look for public car parks approved by the Park Mark scheme

·         When parking at home, use your garage. If you don't have a garage, park in a well-lit area

·         Don't leave anything on display in your vehicle

·         Take all your personal possessions with you

·         Remove sat nav holders and visible sat nav ring marks from windscreens

·         Leave the glove box open to show there's nothing inside

·         Fit an alarm or immobiliser to your car

·         Record the details of your property on the Immobilise website

·         Do not store your car's documents in the car

·         Secure your wheels using locking wheel nuts

·         Always check you have locked your vehicle and if using a key remote double check your doors are locked by hand

Please report any suspicious incidents, sightings or any information to The Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101"