Thursday 22 May 2025
Our usual round-up of local news includes the latest newsletter from the Ridgeway ward member and a report by the parish chair at Brightwalton’s recent annual meeting – plus the leisure-centre survey on the Downland Centre has been extended, a sponsored walk for the Beavers, the Pen Meadow application in East Ilsley, allotment plots in Compton and safety concerns on the A34. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.
Upcoming Compton area events include Hampstead Norreys Open Gardens and a Have-your-Say event at the Downlands Centre. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.
• A ward member writes
Carolyne Culver, the WBC ward member for Ridgeway, has sent us her latest newsletter describing what she’s been up to in the many parishes she represents.
“I’ve been attending the annual parish council meetings recently. It’s great to see that our communities remain strong. I attended one of the workshops organised by Homes England, the current owners of the Institute site, to discuss options for the green space at the top of the site. Thank you to residents who attended one of the two workshops. Homes England is preparing a new planning application so that the planning permission to build on the site does not lapse. There is no news yet about when the Baxter site will go to planning committee.
I attended the Hampstead Norreys men’s breakfast on 10 May to talk about my role as councillor and answer questions. Everyone Active, which operates leisure centres on behalf of WBC, has extended its public survey about the future of Downland Sports Centre at The Downs School until the end of June [see separate section below]. I look forward to seeing the results. I’m going to the school later in May to have a catch up with them.
As you will no doubt be aware by now, the council intends to change the black bin emptying schedule to every three weeks rather than every fortnight. The starting date for this has not been announced yet. The council leadership says this policy has improved recycling rates when adopted by other councils. Green bins will continue to be emptied every fortnight, and food waste every week. Plastic pots and tubs can now be recycled in the green bag along with plastic bottles and cans.
At annual full council on 15 May Scrutiny Commission, which I have chaired for the past two years, was split into three separate committees. Scrutiny committees hold the Liberal Democrat Executive and the civil servant directors of the council to account by examining documents, asking them questions, and making suggestions for how things could be improved. [You can read WBC’s statement on these changes here.]
I will be chairman of Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee which will scrutinise the council’s finances, highways, waste and recycling, environment, countryside, planning, housing, economic development, leisure, libraries, public protection, and heritage. I will also be on Governance Committee for the next year and will continue to be a substitute member on Western Area Planning Committee.
Some of the queries and case work I have been dealing with recently include concerns about special educational needs provision, planning applications, contaminated land and water, fly tipping, road closures and diversions, broken fences, and damaged verges. Residents can report problems (unemptied bins, broken streetlights, potholes, abandoned vehicles on public highways etc) by clicking here. For information about road works (e.g. utility companies digging up roads) please look at One Network which contains a map where you can search for details of what is happening in your area.
• Brightwalton’s meeting
You can click here to read the report provided by the Parish Council Chair, Tim Wyatt, to Brightwalton’s annual parish meeting on 12 May 2025.
Cherry trees, vandalism, maintenance lessons, a refurbished phone box, a tight budget and thanks to his fellow councillors and the Clerk are all covered.
• Other news
• Everyone Active, which manages the Downlands Leisure Centre, has created a short survey “to help engage with the local community and better understand how the Downlands Sports Centre can be used to meet their needs.” You can click here to take part in the survey. This has now been extended and will run until 30 June.
• On Wednesday 1 June Compton Squirrels and Beavers will be doing a sponsored walk to raise money for the charity Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, to raise enough money to sponsor a puppy. To help the Squirrels to achieve their aim, please donate here.
• The deadline for the submission of comments on the Pen Meadow planning application for 14 homes in East Ilsley (25/00599/FULMAJ) has been extended to Wednesday 4 June. However, if the matter hasn’t been determined by then, you can continue to make comments until this has happened. You can click here to see the full details on WBC’s planning portal. This is not the first time an application has been made on this site. The last one failed on three grounds: highways sightlines; insufficient demonstration of the local housing need; and drainage.
• Allotment plots available at Newbury Lane allotment in Compton from £12.50 per year. If you’re interested please mail newburylaneallotmentmanager@comptonparishcouncil.gov.uk
• The BBC reports that pressure from local MPs and others is continuing in an attempt to improve the A34 in West Berkshire which has what Olivia Bailey MP calls “some of the most dangerous slip roads in England.” The one at East Ilsley is a particularly ghastly example of this.
• Last chance to visit OPEN Studios 2025 in West Berkshire which runs until Monday 26 May. Explore their OS Guide and Website to help you choose the local artist studios you wish to visit. Click here for full details.
• West Ilsley Willows welcome new members to their women’s cricket team. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned player go along to meet the team at a Thursday evening training.
• The next Fantastic Friday trip in the Downland Volunteers Group Handebus will be on Friday 23 May to Stourhead Gardens and 6 – 8 June to Avon Beach, Mudeford. See here for details and how to book.
• 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.
• 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:
Consultations being run by West Berkshire Council:
- Hungerford Neighbourhood Plan (Regulation 16 Consulation) – deadline 23 May.
- Draft Local Transport Plan (LTP4) Strategy Document 2025-2040 and the associated Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment (SA/SEA) Report – deadline 25 May.
- Early Help Services for Children, Young People and Families in West Berkshire Feedback Survey – deadline 31 May.
- Draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment Document 2025 – deadline 13 July.
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.
• Compton Netball, for all ages and all abilities at The Downs School Sports Hall. Please message Nadia Oriani Balfour if you’re interested and she will send you a link to the WhatsApp group.
• 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
• Mon 19 to Sun 25 May Dementia Awareness Week West Berkshire.
• Sun 25 May Hampstead Norreys Open Gardens, Hampstead Norreys.
• Mon 26 May Open Garden Day in aid of HomeStart, Englefield House.
• Wed 28 May Have-your-say event, Downlands Sports Centre.
• Sun 8 Jun East Ilsley Sheep Fair, East Ilsley.
• Sat 28 Jun Compton’s Got Talent 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 9.30 a.m to 11 a.m 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 10 a.m.
• 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 9.30 a.m to 11 a.m. 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 7 p.m 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 12 noon. 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 11.30 a.m 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 Aldworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 6 May and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the election of the Chair and Deputy; the Chair’s annual report; the Ward member’s report; highways; a councillor vacancy; parish council policies; parking; planning matters; and financial matters.
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 1 May and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the election of the Chair; a councillor vacancy; planning matters; financial matters; and repairs and maintenance.
You can also click here to read the minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting on 24 April.
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 7 April and you can read the minutes here.
You can also click here to read the minutes of Compton’a Annual Parish Meeting on 10 March. We have also published the Chair’s address in a separate post which you can read here.
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 Hampstead Norreys Council for which minutes are available took place on 27 March and you can read the minutes here.
You can also click here to read the minutes of the annual parish assembly on 24 April.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of East Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 11 March 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 meetings of Ashampstead Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 10 March 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 Brightwalton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 10 March and you can read the minutes here.
You can also click here to read the minutes of the annual parish assemble oin 12 May.
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 4 March 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 6 March and you can read the minutes here.
You can also click here to see the minutes of the annual parish meeting on 3 April.
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 5 March 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.
