Thursday 31 July 2025      

Our usual round-up of local news includes breaking news (or not), Compton projects and progress with The Downs’ School pool – plus a Library, a road closure, an application, walks, councillors, oil and scams. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Compton area events include Compton FC at home and East Ilsley Garden Party & Dog Show. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• Breaking news?

Readers of a local news website, which also produces a weekly newspaper, may have been interested to learn recently that the site for 160 homes in Compton “has now been cleared”. Published on 29 July, this actually referred to an activity (the demolition and decontamination work on the Pirbright site) that was completed in November 2024, over eight months ago.

Even more surprising was the announcement that the “homes build could be by March 2026”. It’s not clear whether this odd phrase means that the dwellings would be started or finished by this date: but we’re seemingly being invited to believe that something dramatic will have happened by then. If the planning approval is granted by March next year then we’ll be doing quite well. As of 30 July Homes England had yet even to appoint a developer for the project so we’re obviously some way from seeing any spades in the ground.

The piece could also have added that both Cognition (which did the clean-up) and Homes England (which owns the site) have conducted themselves very well over the last eighteen months. Communication was first-rate by both organisations and a number of engagement exercises have been held this year which enabled the community to understand what was proposed and to make suggestions, particularly about the wildlife area at the north of the site. Homes England also organised a site visit (which we attended) earlier this year which provided useful insights into what had been accomplished and what tasks still remained.

There’ll be more on this story, and the smaller but still significant site down the road at the Baxter site. We’re in regular contact with all the main participants and will bring you updates on what you need to know and how and when you can express your views as soon as it’s available. This column is updated every week and, what’s more, doesn’t cost you a penny.

• Compton issues update

August news from Compton Parish Council illustrates how busy the councillors have been, with the housing needs survey results, sports pavilion upgrades, burial ground progress, local walking routes, and councillor vacancies.

Several issues we’ve covered over recent months including the Pirbright Site, the Baxter Site, housing needs survey (as well as funding of The Downs). As mentioned above, we’ll continue to feature updates to these stories as soon as possible after they’ve happened.

• Pool progress

• So far £3,500 has been raised for vital refurbishment of the covered outdoor school and community swimming pool at The Downs School. The pool faces the prospect of closure unless it is refurbished. The pump system is failing, the surrounding surfaces are in disrepair, and general wear and tear are placing the future of the pool at risk.

The goal is to raise £5,663 which will be match funded by Sport England. This pool is not just used for school PE lessons. It supports swimming for pupils with special educational needs, hosts after-school and holiday swimming sessions for local families, provides well-being opportunities for staff, and offers a safe and familiar space for younger children to learn to swim. See here for how to donate or help in other ways.

• Other news

• With school out for summer, don’t forget Compton Pop-up Library on the second Thursday of every month from 10.15am to 11.45am, in Compton Village Hall. What’s more, if you tell them about the sort of books you like to read they will choose a selection for your next visit.

• As mentioned previously, in late 2024, an application was been lodged by Archel Homes to redevelop the former Baxter Healthcare site at the junction of Wallingford Road and Horn Street in Compton. This will involve the “demolition of existing building and erection of 40 x residential units with associated landscaping, parking, drainage, open space and other associated works.” You can see the documents, and make your comments, by visiting WBC’s planning portal and entering the reference 24/02809/FULMAJ. You can also click here to visit the project’s website.

• Quick reminder of how the closure of Compton Road in East Ilsley for essential water main renewal works will affect journey times (see map) and buses: the 6/6a service will terminate at The Swan in Compton and will not serve East and West Ilsley. To compensate, WBC’s Transport Service is operating a Monday to Friday shuttle bus service (and on-demand service) between Newbury and East and West Ilsley during this time.

• Quick reminder that Compton Parish Council has created a detailed map of scenic walks in the area, that can be downloaded here, for free.

• The next Fantastic Friday trip in the Downland Volunteers Group Handebus will be Friday 8 August to Water Perry Gardens. See here for details and how to book.

• How well do you know the North Wessex Downs (NWD)? While there are many iconic features across our local landscape, there are plenty more hidden gems, local history and quirky tales off the beaten track. The latest Summer newsletter from NWD Landscape Trust features its collection of ‘Postcard’ sites that offer breathtaking views, fascinating stories, and little-known facts about the NWD, with a prize to be won if you visit a Postcard and take a selfie.

• The Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service is offering a Free Safe & Well Visit to a whole host of individuals, see here.  To see if you qualify call Freephone 0800 5876679 or email SafeandWell@rbfrs.co.uk

• West Berks Foodbank. are looking for support for their Hungry Holidays initiative. Every little donation makes a huge difference. Donate quickly and easily via The Good Exchange here.

• West Berkshire Council has teamed up with Warmer Homes to obtain funding for energy-saving grants to help the community reduce energy bills, cut carbon emissions and enhance home heating. The scheme is open to homeowners or private tenants only, housing association properties and council owned housing are not eligible. For further information or to register your interest click here.

• See the 26 June edition of this column for the latest on an important housing-needs survey which has been conducted in Compton, the preliminary results of which are now in. With about two hundred homes set to be built in the village, this will help ensure that WBC and Compton PC can insist that the developers contribute the  number of affordable and social-rent homes that the exercise has identified as being required.

• Compton Parish Council is keen to shine a light on exactly what its part-time Parish Council Clerk does to keep the Parish running smoothly. From legal advice to litter bins, the Clerk keeps the wheels oiled. Click here for more info.

• West Berkshire Council submitted its Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP) to the Department for Transport in October 2021 and received £2.6 million to make improvements to buses by March 2026. It established an Enhanced Partnership with local bus operators in April 2022 and received further funds in May 2023 and June 2025 to continue the work. To show the impacts the Enhanced Partnership is having on the local public bus service, WBC needs to measure customer satisfaction. The Council is therefore asking local residents to share their views by 31 August.

• Check out the latest scams to look out for, highlighted by Angela Money BEM from West Berkshire Neighbourhood Watch, 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.

• 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:

• West Berkshire Bus Service Survey 2025 – deadline 31 August.
• Extension of pedestrianisation hours for Newbury Town Centre from 10am-5pm to 10am-11pm trial – deadline 19 Nov.
• Springfield Primary School – School Streets Scheme – deadline 2 December.

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.

• West Ilsley Willows women’s cricket team West Ilsley Willows welcomes new members. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned player go along to meet the team at a Thursday evening training.

• 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

• Every Weds until end Sept Afternoon Tea with the Giants, St Mary’s Church, Aldworth.

• Sat 2 Aug Compton FC v Stanton  The Rec Compton

• Sat 2 Aug Garden Party & The Best Dressed Dog Competition  Crown & Horns. East IIsley

• 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.

• Allotment plots available at Newbury Lane allotment in Compton from £12.50 per year. If you’re interested please mail newburylaneallotmentmanager@comptonparishcouncil.gov.uk

• 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 meetings of Ashampstead Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 14 July and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: speeding and road safety; the ward member’s report; council policies; footpaths and byways; defibrillatoe training; planning matters; and financial matters.
You can click here to read the text of the Chair’s address to the annual parish meeting, also on 19 May.
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 14 July and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: a report from the Community Co-ordinator; the Village Hall; repairs and maintenance; 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 Beedon Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 3 July and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: planning matters; repairs and maintenance; the litter pick; and financial matters.
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 Aldworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 1 July and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the ward member’s report; litter; repairs and maintenance; 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 Chaddleworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 10 June 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 Compton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 9 June 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 23 May 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 Peasemore Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 21 May 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 East Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 13 May 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 West Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 1 May and you can read the minutes here.
You can also click here to read the minutes of the annual parish meeting on 20 May.
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.

Archives

To see earlier Compton & Downlands & Surrounding Area Weekly News columns, please click here.