News

• Water Fest returned for its 35th year on Saturday, in partnership with the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust
• More than 12,000 visitors enjoyed the annual celebration

• Consultation for extended licensing scheme with aim of providing better homes for tenants
• Landlords and tenants to be consulted on new scheme
• New targeted scheme in three wards where all rental properties will require a licence

• King's Meadow footbridge will be closed for 13 weeks whilst the replacement is installed
• New modern structure will be 4.5m wide, more than double the current width

Reading’s popular Ranger Station at Prospect Park has achieved national recognition for its educational visits and outreach work with vulnerable young people.

• Volunteers sought aged 14-18 who are enthusiastic about reading
• Summer Reading Challenge 2024 launches on 6 July
• Opportunity to develop new skills and work experience

10 organisations in Reading have been awarded funding to help reduce health inequalities across the borough.

• Approximately 400kg of illegal meat was seized from two Reading food businesses in April
• Stock included 172 sheep heads and two large bags of smokies cutlets, illegal under UK law
• Costs of £6,000 ordered to be paid by the business owners

• Water Fest returns for its 35th year on 8 June 2024, in partnership with the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust

Residents in Reading can access free support with no waiting list for common mental health challenges.

• Countdown to Rivermead pools' opening date
• 25-metre pool and teaching and diving pool set to open - culmination of £40 million Council investment in leisure facilities
• New facilities include splashpad fun zone for younger residents

• South Oxfordshire District Council licensed taxi driver pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates Court in April
• He was ordered to pay over £1,400 in financial penalties and had eight penalty points added to his driving licence

• Council reiterates planning protections for Southcote Farm after the land was recently offered for auction
• Site is located on floodplain and absorbs water which would otherwise impact on other parts of Reading