News

• Communities can host street parties again for free this summer after the Council waives road closure fees
• Residents can apply online and the deadline is April 29

• New Buzz 18 will serve central Reading, Rivermead, River Academy, Portman Road and Kentwood Hill
• Another new route from the Council’s £26m Bus Service Improvement Plan

• Reading was one of 67 areas of England to receive a share of a £95 million government High Streets Heritage Action Zone fund.
• Reading Borough Council delivered a four-year £1.6 million programme, investing in community engagement and cultural events alongside buildings and shop fronts.
• More opportunities for the public to get involved – join the Oxford Road Giant Puppet Parade, and help paint a large outdoor mural.

• Mayor's Let’s Sing competition 2024 grand final features 17 competitors from Reading
• Expanded to include soloists, duets, and groups, with two categories: junior and senior
• Finalists will compete on March 26 at the Hexagon, judged by a panel including the Mayor, with proceeds supporting Reading Refugee Support Group and Reading Stroke Support Group

• New station building contains an information counter, customer toilet and a space for future retail opportunity
• Station upgrade includes new, staffed ticket gates, improved lighting and CCTV

• £866,000 funding for installation of up to 2,700 on-street public charging points
• Programme will also fund up to 150 pavement gullies to enable on-street charging

OUTDOOR chess tables have been installed at Prospect Park and Palmer Park, made possible with Levelling Up and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Funding.

• Publication of updated national planning policy guidance means the next phase of consultation on Reading's Local Plan will now take place from November
• When finalised, Reading’s Local Plan will guide decisions on planning applications up to 2041

• Residents reminded of several changes to the polling process this year
• Voter ID will once again be required for people choosing to vote in person at polling stations
• Changes have also been made to the Absent Vote application process

Voluntary and community organisations across Reading can now apply for grants up to £10,000 to help reduce health inequalities across the borough.

• Butcher's shop closed by Council's Environmental Health team due to extensive rat activity
• Hygiene inspection revealed rat contamination on products for sale
• New ownership failed to register with Environmental Health; owners fined £3,020

• The Great British Spring Clean runs from Friday 15 – Sunday 31 March

• People can sign up for free litter picking equipment by joining the Council's RAYS scheme