Thursday 13 February 2025
Our usual round-up of local news includes good news, flooding, money, Fridays, a pop-up and helpers – plus a look at the issues surrounding the regular use of West Ilsley as a diversion route from the A34, most recently last Friday . See also below for community notices and news from your local council.
Upcoming Compton area events include Focus on Compton Exhibition. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.
• Closing the road
In many ways, it’s great living near a major road. We’re only about four miles from the M4, which is thus within easy reach but out of earshot. The problem comes when it’s closed: then the local routes, particularly the A338 and the B4000, get snarled up with lorries, cars, coaches and all sorts, all the drivers of which are stressed, late, lost and cross. This is not a good combination.
Residents of West Ilsley will not need reminding about this. As frequently as once a month there’s some crisis on the A34 – an A road with ambitions to be a motorway if ever there was one – which results in a diversion through the village. This involves going down Main Street (to and from the A34 junction at East Ilsley) and Bury Lane (to and from the one at Chilton). To get from one to the other, there’s a 90º junction where the two roads meet right in the centre of the village.
When the A34’s closed, there can sometimes be traffic trying to get through both directions. When this happens in the dark, in the rain and at the end of a long week, and when the closure lasts for several hours, the chaos can be considerable. All of these conditions were met at about 6.30pm last Friday: following a vehicle fire, the A34 was closed right the way through the evening.
Clearly, if the big road’s closed then traffic – and it’s the HGVs that cause the real problems – need to go elsewhere. The question is whether there’s anything that can be done to stop it going through West Ilsley.
it seems that there isn’t, unless WBC wants to put a weight reduction on the road, something it’s so far refused to do. Bury Lane and most of Main Street has, the Council claims, been “constructed to an exceptionally good standard.” WBC may have had some hand in this and so you can see it’s unwilling to say “actually, they’re a bit rubbish.”
If this were to happen, Highways England would then need to divert overweight traffic off the A34 and onto a suitable road earlier, such as at the M4’s junction 13. This wouldn’t catch all the problems and still need enforcement but it’s a big step forward. As matters stand, though, HE will not do this: if the local highways authority (WBC) thinks the diversion routes are up to the job, that’s good enough for them.
The consequences of this lead to a matter of startling simplicity. If Main Street and Bury Lane are to be used as regular diversion routes of an A road, often with no notice, they need to be treated as if they were A roads themselves. (The anticipation of this extra purpose might explain the “exceptionally good standard” to which they were built).
However, they also need to be maintained to a high standard. This includes gritting them in cold weather, dealing with damage to verges which can cause mud and water to gather on the road and quickly sorting potholes.
Although the last two problems are often caused by the heavy traffic, it would appear from talking to West Ilsley PC and the ward member that none of these are being done (Main Street is gritted but Bury Lane, which is also on a hill, is not). I understand that pressure is regularly applied on WBC’s highways team to change its mind on these points, so far to no avail.
“HGVs should stop using West Ilsley as a rat-run following accidents on the A34,” local ward member Carolyne Culver told Penny Post. “The latest incident on Friday evening resulted in lorries driving through the village for several hours, with a resident standing in the road trying to direct a Royal Mail HGV to negotiate the junction in the centre of the village. A parish councillor was nearly run over by a lorry mounting a kerb.
“West Berkshire Council won’t impose a weight limit unless the police commit to enforce, but the police say the council needs to agree a plan and then pass it to the police to review. Will it take a death before the authorities take action?”
It seems to me that WBC can’t have it both ways. Either the route’s suitable for heavy traffic or it’s not. If it is, it needs to be maintained to “exceptionally good” standards: “exceptionally good” construction only gets you so far.
• Other news
• Compton Parish Council is thrilled that the recent budget proposals by West Berkshire Council indicate that the Downland Sports Centre will remain open (see last week’s column for our coverage of this).
• Congratulations to Hampstead Norreys Primary School who were crowned the winners at this year’s annual Maths challenge at St Gabriel’s School in Newbury. More than 20 local primary and prep schools took part, with pupils from Year 5 putting their skills and teamwork to the test in an afternoon of mathematical challenges and conundrums.
• WBC’s 2025-26 budget just requires approval at Full Council later this month and doesn’t make for particularly happy reading. Similar documents, with similar conclusions, are currently being published up and down the country. Please click here to read our article covering this. One bit of good news from this, as reported last week, is that the Downland Centre will not be withdrawn from the leisure contract. This would almost certainly have led to the centre needing to close, or perhaps being taken over by The Downs School and no longer be available to the public at all.
• Check out Project Groundwater‘s Innovation Fund if you would like to empower your local community to mitigate the challenges of local flooding. They are awarding grants to groups and organisations in Compton, from £5,000 to £20,000 to deliver innovative projects that address groundwater flooding issues. Find out more here.
• February news from West Berkshire Libraries includes Pop-Up Library at Compton Village Hall on Thursday 24 Feburary.
• Downland Volunteer Group Handebus’s next ‘Fantastic Friday’ trips are Friday 21 February to the snowdrops at Welford Park and Friday 7 March to The Watercress Line. See the 2025 schedule here. Email Dvg.handebus@btinternet.com for pick-up times and to book a seat. Chartered Handebus trips also available for any group (of 10 or less) and it costs just 50p/mile.
• Find out everything you want to know about local highways at West Berkshire Council’s next Community Forum when officers from the Highways Team will be in attendance along with councillors to discuss the work they carry out. The Forum is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 25 February at Upper Bucklebury Memorial Hall RG7 6QH but you can also join by zoom. To register, email CommunityForumQuestions@westberks.gov.uk and state if you will attend in person or online. You can also send questions to that email address by midday Friday 21 February and they’ll be answered during the Forum. The event will also be streamed live on WBC’s YouTube channel.
• A Thames Valley Police (TVP) initiative , together with Milton Keynes College, has launched an antisocial behaviour campaign to empower both witnesses and victims of antisocial behaviour to report incidents. If you are experiencing troublesome behaviour from a neighbour, find out more by clicking here.
• Olivia Bailey MP has been contacted by residents concerned about the A34 slip roads at East Ilsley and Beedon following collisions and near misses. To build a case for change based on the views of as many residents as possible, she is asking residents to complete this survey.
• An Illegal Money Lending and Loan Shark Awareness Raising Event is taking place at the West Berkshire Council Offices in Newbury on Monday 3 March between 6pm and 7.30pm. No booking is necessary and the event is open to any resident of West Berkshire. Further information here.
• Compton Guides are looking for Volunteer Adult Helpers on Monday evenings. You don’t need any experience in Guiding, but there will be the opportunity to take an active role in planning and delivering activities, as well as working towards a leadership qualification, if desired. Please contact Vanessa 1stcomptongirlguiding@gmail.com.
• Don’t forget the Household Support Fund is there to support those most in need. Priority will be given to households who are ineligible for other government support and vulnerable groups regarding the cost of living crisis. To apply click here.
• West Berkshire Health & Wellbeing encourages and reminds everyone to check your eligibility for flu and Covid vaccines. Book now here.
• For Hampstead Norreys news visit the Parish Council’s Facebook page.
• Latest local newsletters
• Chaddleworth News.
• West Ilsley News.
• Have your say on:
• 2025 West Berkshire Youth Survey – deadline 14 Feb 2025.
• Consultations being run by West Berkshire Council:
- Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025 – deadline 16 Feb 2025.
- Proposed School Term and Holiday Dates for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools 2026/27 – deadline 28 Feb 2025.
Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.
Community notices
• Have your say on current consultations by West Berkshire Council. Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.
• The Downlands Practice Social Prescribing Facebook page has details of social get-togethers and community support.
• Compton Stay, Learn & Play in Compton Village Hall on the second and fourth Thursday of the month for young families. See here for details.
• Ilsley Evergreens welcomes all to join its coach day trips. Just contact Liane on ilsleysevergreens@gmail.com to book a place.
• Downland Volunteer Group has an electric HandeBus. For those wishing to use the HandeBus or volunteer to help the DVG’s work, contact 07713 813 523; dvg.handebus@btinternet.com or on its website. More information can also be found here.
• U6, U7 and U16 footballers are welcome at FC Cougars. Please contact Graham on graham@fccougars.com.
• Compton Karate based at Aldworth Village Hall is a small and friendly dojo that welcomes new members.
• For how to avoid scams and what to do if you unluckily get caught, please see important advice here from Citizen’s Advice. There is no shame if you do get caught out by scammers (Penny has) and you must seek help and warn others.
Local events and activities
For more information on events and activities across the Penny Post area, see the website calendar.
• Dates for the diary
• Wed to Sat Focus on Compton Exhibition, West Berkshire Museum, Newbury.
• Thu 27 Feb Pop-Up Library, Compton Village Hall.
• Regular events and groups
• Stay, Play and Learn at Compton Village Hall on Thursday mornings during term for children 0-4 years to socialise with others, exploring a variety of play activities and crafts. Book online with West Berkshire Council here.
• The Handybus service to Wantage picks up Chaddleworth and Leckhamstead residents from their homes on the second and fourth Tuesday morning. The round trip will cost £4. See here for more details and how to book.
• Marcham Cricket Club welcomes new cricket players and officials.
• Tea and a Chat on Mondays from 9.30am to 11am at the Wilkins Centre in Compton: all welcome.
• Downland Practice’s Social Prescribing reminds patients that Hillier’s Garden Centre is delighted to be able to host the Ladies Breakfast Club on the second Wednesday of every month.
• Wellbeing and mental health free one-hour introduction session with Recovery in Mind and The Downland Practice. Please contact pm.downland@nhs.net to book your place.
• Drop Off/Drop In Coffee Morning every Wednesday during term time at Brightwalton Church from 8.45 to 10am.
• Aldworth Saturday Market at Aldworth Village Hall, RG8 9SE from 10.30am to 12noon sells fresh fruit and vegetables, groceries, stamps and cards plus tea and coffee. Contact Kathy on 01635 578090 or e-mail kathyneville@outlook.com.
• The Gents Breakfast Club created by The Downland Practice – Social Prescribing is proving popular. If you would like more information please contact nicky.ager@nhs.net.
• Compton Tots on the first and third Thursday of every month at Compton Village Hall from 9.30am to 11am. Providing a safe, fun and educational space, in partnership will Compton Pre-school for 0-5 years and costs £2 per family (cash only).
• Quiz night at The Crown and Horns in East Ilsley every Thursday from 7pm with prizes to be won. You can reserve a table by calling 01635 281545, and see more information here.
• Brickleton Babes Baby and Toddler Group in Brightwalton Village Hall. Join its Facebook group for details.
• Autumn Group regular meetings include the Hobbies Club at the Wilkins Centre, Compton. Visit its Facebook page for details. Anyone from surrounding villages very welcome.
• Aldworth Art/Painting Group at the Aldworth Village Hall on first and third Tuesday of every month from 9.30am to 12noon. Details on the East Ilsley Communicator (issue 105, p 21) here.
• Aldworth Craft Group meets at Aldworth Village Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month (within the school term-time) from 10am to 12noon. More details in the East Ilsley Communicator (issue 105, p 16), which you can download here.
• Hampstead Norreys Village Hall club and event information is on Hampstead Norreys Community website.
• Ilsley Under Fives meets every Wednesday between 10am to 11.30am at various locations throughout the Ilsley villages. Please join its Facebook group or see details here.
News from your local council
Note: “the most recent meeting” refers to the most recent one for which minutes (in some cases draft) or some other summary is available. Other meetings may have taken place since. Some councils publish minutes more promptly than do others. If the link is scored through this may be because draft minutes have been replaced by approved ones and the drafts file deleted. If so, please follow the links provided to the council’s website.
• The most recent meeting of East Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 14 January and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: public questions; a report for the ward member; speeding; repairs and maintenance; the allotments; financial matters; and dog bins.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Compton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 13 January and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: planning matters; financial matters; a grant to the Pang Valley Flood Forum; footway lighting; and the 2025-26 budget and precept (£84,403).
To see the dates of future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), agendas and minutes, please click here. Please click here for the latest on Compton’s neighbourhood development plan (which has now been ratified).
• The most recent meeting of Brightwalton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 13 January and you can read the minutes here. items covered included: the fence at the school; a report from the ward member; the Church; the Village Hall; repairs and maintenance; the parish plan VE Day; financial matters; the 2025-26 budget and precept (£13,200); and the member’s bid.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meetings of Ashampstead Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 6 January and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the Bradfield College road closure; Police report; planning matters; weed treatment at the Recreation Ground; the phone box; the Jubliee Hall; financial matters; and the 2025-26 budget and precept (£10,080).
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
.• The most recent meeting of West Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 3 December and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees) please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Hampstead Norreys Council for which minutes are available took place on 11 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Beedon Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 7 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates and agendas for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. To see minutes from past meetings please click here. Please click here for details of the planning applications currently active in the parish.
• The most recent meeting of Peasemore Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 6 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Chaddleworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 5 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Aldworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 16 September and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• Compton & Downlands area council contacts
- Parishes: Hampstead Norreys Parish Council, Compton Parish Council, Ashampstead Parish Council, Beedon Parish Council, Chaddleworth Parish Council, Brightwalton Parish Council, Peasemore Parish Council, Aldworth Parish Council, West Ilsley Parish Council and East Ilsley Parish Council.
- West Berkshire Council: click here to visit the website.
News from other areas
- Penny Post area – please see the following separate sections: Hungerford area; Lambourn Valley; Newbury area; Thatcham area; Burghfield area; Wantage area; Marlborough area.
- News and views from across the area and beyond: please see the most recent Weekly News with Brian column.
