Cllr Brooks and Cllr Pemberton to meet with Town and Parish councils.

The aim is to listen to both the residents and the councillors' views and discuss any concerns they may have.

Cllr Jeff Brooks, Leader of West Berkshire Council and Cllr Justin Pemberton, Executive member for Community Engagement, Economic Development and Regeneration and Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation, will be attending the following Town and Parish meetings:

• Pangbourne - 7.30 pm on 9 September
• Theale - 7.30 pm on 15 September
• Purley - 7.30 pm on 29 September
• Tidmarsh with Sulham - 7:30 pm on 2 October

We are currently coordinating dates with Tilehurst and Holybrook, and we will share confirmed details as soon as they become available.

Of these meetings, Cllr Pemberton said:

"It is really important that we take this time to go out to these areas in the east of the district and listen to the residents and hear their opinions on this. These towns and villages are vital parts of West Berkshire whose voices and opinions continue to have the utmost importance when it comes to their day to day lives. We continue to support the residents in these towns and villages through developments and outreach across this area of the district."

The Greater Reading proposal is a reaction to the proposed new unitary council 'Ridgeway Council' covering the districts of West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse. The proposal is a response to an announcement by the Government which will see two-tier authorities, as seen in Oxfordshire, end.  Further, all new and existing unitary authorities, such as West Berkshire, will need to serve around 500,000 residents.

The new Ridgeway Council will enhance the unique character of our market towns and rural areas. West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, and the Vale of White Horse share deep historical, economic, and geographic connections. The new councils will support innovative businesses and foster economic growth across the region. 

If West Berkshire becomes part of a new Ridgeway Council, Reading wants to expand its boundaries to include Calcot, Tilehurst, Theale, Pangbourne, and Purley-on-Thames. Reading Borough Council describes these areas as "the urban areas close to Reading's boundary" and claims these areas rely on Reading for services. However, we consider that these areas are best served by West Berkshire Council and many residents we've spoken to over the summer agree with us. Reading Borough Council currently has a survey open to gather views on the proposal.  

You can find out more about Ridgeway Council online and complete the Reading Council here.