These notes incorporate some but not all of the matters discussed at the HTC meeting on 7 July 2025, the agenda for which can be found here. The official minutes of the meeting will in due course be found on the HTC site. Any references below to “the meeting” refer to this event unless specified otherwise. Any such issues are not necessarily covered here in the order in which they were discussed. This report may also include information about HTC’s activities which were not discussed at the meeting.
Full Council Meetings generally take place at 7pm in the Library on the first working Monday of every month, or on the first Tuesday if the first Monday is a bank holiday.
The agenda for the future meetings (as well as for the Council’s various committee meetings) can be found in this section of the HTC website.
See the foot of this post for more information.
HTC = Hungerford Town Council; WBC = West Berkshire Council; WAPC = WBC’s WBC’s Western Area Planning Committee. NDP = Neighbourhood Development Plan. H2036 = Hungerford’s NDP (so-called until October 2023). HNP = Hungerford’s NDP (from October 2023). DC = District Councillor; TVP = Thames Valley Police.
For HTC updates from previous months, please visit the archives here.
The West Berkshire Foodbank
At the start of the meeting there was a presentation by Fran Chamings from West Berkshire Foodbank (WBF). Her main points involved highlighting what WBF accomplishes, aside from supplying food.
This including providing items such as toiletries, pet supplies, bikes and denture adhesive; helping with domestic budgets and with navigating the benefits system; signposting other sources of information and advice; providing a base from which other services such as the Samaratans and Citiziens Advice could operate during the sessions; providing SIM cards for phones (particularly useful for those suffering from coercive or abusive relationships; providing cookery classes; providing air fryers and slow cookers (more efficient and thus cheaper than ovens; providing utility top-ups; and supporting (currently over forty) families in the town through the Hungry Holidays initiative.
She also supplied a few statistics. From a pandemic peak of over 1,650 families being helped in 2020, this has now fallen to a more manageable (but still demanding) 550. WBF has six centres and two warehouses in the district. The interventions by WBF’s Benefits and Welfare Advisor in 2024-25 has seen confirmed financial gains for West Berkshire residents of over £310,000. In the same period, supermarkets, schools and churches in the town donated nearly 5.4 tonnes of food, a major contribution to the 8.8 tonnes that was delivered to Hungerford clients in that period: what is donated in the town therefore stays in the town.
More remains to be done. The need for these many services is only likely to increase: what’s more, the number of donations received has recently been declining, partly because those who were preiously happy to contribute are now feeling the pinch themselves.
HTC congratulated WBF on its work and expressed an interest in getting more statistics on certain aspects so that it could see where the problems where and what the Council could do to help address them.
For more information on WBF, please visit the website. This includes more on what donations are needed and how you can help its work.
Hungerford Archers
A presentation was also made by this local club, which has existed in the town for more than thirty years. More information can be found on its FB page.
Its current problem is that it’s recently been told that it needs to vacate its current storage and activity area at John O’Gaunt School due to the field being required for other purposes. Various options were suggested and discussed at the meeting, including the Triangle field (owned by HTC but leased to the Rugby Club), and it’s hoped that one of these would bear fruit. None the less, if you know of a place where a 100m x 30m range, and storage for at least one container, can be located – preferably in the town – please contact Dean Banks on the above FB link or hfordarchers@gmail.com.
New members are also welcome, although the current successful membership drive has been paused until the future can be more clearly seen.
The Mayor said that she supported the Archers and that HTC would hope to have more information on the Triangle Field option when it had heard from the Rugby Club.
Police report
Two members of the local Police team attended the meeting. The two main matters they reported on were:
- Drug dealing, mainly in the Northview and Priory Road are: this was the subject of an ongoing investigation, with a resolution hoped for “in weeks rather than days”;
- Shoplifting, mainly from food outlets.
They also repeated the oft-stated point that crimes and incidents must be reported (mentioning them on social media doesn’t count) if they’re to be of any use in addressing issues and allocating resources.
See also The Mayor’s report and The local Police team sections below.
Actions from the previous meeting
- The Hungerford Shed. The agreement has now been signed by the Shed and WBC and is awaiting WBC’s (hopefully rapid) approval.
- Dangerous electrical cables in Atherton Road. Councillor Keates reported that, after some months of this not having been dealt with by WBC, he made one call to SSE (the number is 105) after which the issue was resolved very quickly.
- The bus stop on Salisbury Road south of the Priory Road roundabout. This is in a very poor condition. WBC has been notified.
- Garages at some Sovereign Houses properties. DC Gaines has contacted Sovereign about this and is still chasing for a reply.
New councillor needed
HTC still has a vacancy for one councillor. You can find out more information by clicking here.
“All councillors meet for Full Council, usually the first Monday of every month,” Hungerford TC’s website explains. “You would also be required to join at least two other committees, so attending around three meetings a month. There are a variety of committees to choose from and free training is available. Outside of meetings most correspondence is by email but there are also site meetings, civic events and hands on tasks depending on your interest. It is quite a commitment but very rewarding.”
The Mayor’s report
Police and crime update
On Friday 6 June, I attended a policing meeting in Newbury, hosted by MP Lee Dillon. Also in attendance were Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber, TVP’s Emma Tompkins, and Ward Member Councillor Denise Gaines. A joint press statement was issued following the meeting (you can read this, and the background to the issue, by clicking here), with an agreement to reconvene in November to assess the impact of recent operational policing changes.
I have requested crime statistics covering the previous six months to better understand any emerging trends or results from these changes. I have not yet received this data. I understand a local resident has also submitted a similar request
In the coming weeks, I’ll be meeting with Hungerford’s newly assigned Sergeant to identify key local concerns and ensure communication channels are working effectively under the new arrangements.
Important message to residents
Please report all incidents of crime. Accurate reporting helps our town receive the support and resources it needs. Here’s a guide on how to report:
- 999 – For crimes in progress or emergency situations.
- 101 – For non-emergencies.
- Online: www.thamesvalley.police.uk – fast and efficient; takes about ten minutes.
- Crime stoppers: visit the website or call 0800 555 111.
Examples:
- 999: Street fights, thefts in progress, suspicious entry into property
- 101 or online: Overnight shed break-ins, vandalism, antisocial behaviour, theft from parked vehicles
Hungerford Twinning Association
As President of the Twinning Association, I attended the recent AGM at the Hub. We shared our condolences with Penny Brookman on the passing of her husband, Rob, a former HTC councillor. I also attended Rob’s funeral on 3 June – it was a beautiful and heartfelt service.
The Twinning Association is actively seeking new members. If you are interested in joining, please contact the team to find out more about their upcoming meetings.
Constable Philip Porter – Town & Manor
I had a productive meeting with Constable Philip Porter, who has some exciting ideas for his term, particularly focusing on supporting Hungerford’s youth. Philip has launched a new award at John O’Gaunt School and I look forward to working alongside him throughout the civic year at community events.
Chamber of Commerce AGM
I attended the AGM with Councillors James and David. Congratulations to Karen Salmon on her appointment as Chair for 2025/26. The accounts were approved, and upcoming town events were discussed.
If you have a community event you’d like listed on the Visit Hungerford website, please share the details with the Chamber – they will ensure its promoted.
Armed Forces Day – Hungerford RBL (28 June)
I was honoured to attend the family fun day hosted by Hungerford Royal British Legion. The event was well organised and enjoyed by many. The REME team engaged brilliantly with children and activities included military vehicles, face painting, live music, food vendors, and a fantastic raffle. Thank you to everyone involved for a memorable and sunny afternoon.
The Camburn Trust
The Camburn Trust has concluded its interviews and funding allocations for 2025. The students who applied were a pleasure to meet – talented, driven, and aiming for high-level qualifications. The Trust will adjust its schedule next year to encourage earlier applications, as this year’s numbers were lower than hoped.
Hungerford Town Band concert
I attended the Town Band’s summer concert at St Lawrence’s Church, which featured a Disney theme this year. As always, it was a joy to hear our talented local band perform. Huge thanks and congratulations to Tim Crouter and the Band for another fantastic evening. We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated musicians supporting events across our town.
High Sheriff’s summer reception
Alongside Councillor Fyfe, I attended the High Sheriff of Berkshire’s summer reception. It was a warm and welcoming evening with many civic leaders present. It was also a pleasure to meet the new High Sheriff, Sean Taylor, and fellow incoming mayors.
Aldi planning application
Hungerford Town Council held a meeting with representatives from Aldi to discuss their proposed planning application. The meeting was constructive, allowing for questions to be addressed. (see the separate section below).
Councillor Cole will provide a full update, and the planning application will be reviewed at HTC’s next Planning Committee meeting on Monday 14 July, where Aldi representatives will be in attendance.
District Councillor’s report
Only DC Gaines was present at the meeting. The points she covered (in addition to those mentioned elsewhere) were as follows:
- WBC’s local plan has was adopted on 10 June.
- Hungerford’s NDP (which is about to reach its final hurdles). The timing is propitious as this will last for the same length of time as WBC’s plan and subject to the same refreshment schedules.
- Chestnut Walk. The asbestos which was discovered there has recently been made safe. The structure generally seems to be in a less bad state than was feared and a full survey will shortly be done. A paper will be presented to WBC’s Executive on 17 July which will look at the possible options for the long-overdue task of returning this building to useful public service.
- Ridgeway Council. She said the recent engagement had proved useful and informative. Public events continue across the district, as does a consultation which is open until 16 July. She gave a brief summary of the possible options, of which Ridgeway was but one (albeit that favoured by the three authorities involved). She also stressed that the ultimate decision would be the government’s, and that thes would not happen until after the formal submission from WBC, the Vale and South Oxon had been made in November.
Contact details for the Hungerford & Kintbury ward members (and all the other ones) can be found by clicking here.
Ridgeway council consultation
As mentioned above, there is a consultation on this matter which is open until 16 July. After some discussion at the meeting, it was agreed that at this stage the issues were too wide, complex and hypothetical for HTC for make a collective response. However, members were encouraged to do so individually – as are members of the public.
The Hungerford neighbourhood development plan (HNDP)
Councillor Hudson, the Chair of the Steering Group of the HNDP, told the meeting that the Planning Inspector who’s examining the plan had just sent in a letter. In it he suggested that it would not be necessary to have a public hearing as part of this process (but reserved to right to still call one). All the questions can, it seems, be dealt with in writing (although the exchanges will in due course be public documents). He has asked six questions in all, four for the HNDP team and two for WBC. The former is in the process of replying and will endeavour to meet his response request date of 17 July.
The next, and final, point at which residents can express their views will be at a referendum, organised by WBC under the NDP regulations, of all electors in the parish. As soon as the date is known, this will be given wide publicity, here and elsewhere.
For more information on the HNP project, see this separate post.
Heritage and conservation
Councillor James Cole said that he hasd recently attended a meeting a WBC’s Heritage Forum. Four points had come from this.
- Blue plaques in Hungerford. Although a discussion at the meeting suggested there were several in the town, it seems that none have been officially recorded.
- Local Heritage Listings. These can be used of heritage assets of local interest: again, it appears that Hungerford has none of these officially registered. These provide some planning protection.
- The Heritage Area. As previously reported, it’s hoped that, now WBC has a Conservation Officer again, work on this project can re-start. This will also provide protection in the planning system for areas which have been officially designated and can also be used to inform refreshes of Hungerford’s NDP.
- Oral history. This was an aspect which had been explored successfully elsewhere and which the Heritage Forum was keen to encourage. The range of current apps have made the previous major obstacle of transcription far less onerous than previously.
For more information on any of these matters, please contact cllr.james.cole@hungerford-tc.gov.uk.
Illegal parking
The matter of vehicles parking on or near the zig-zags marking pedestrian crossings in the town continues. Some of these appear to be Post Office vans. This practice is dangerous and also illegal and can be reported to the Police.
If anyone sees any vehicle doing this, please report the matter (and any photos) to townclerk@hungerford-tc.gov.uk.
The Aldi application
This was discussed the meeting. Application 25/01203/FULMAJ is for “The erection of a 1,725 sqm (gross) Class E discount foodstore with associated access, parking and servicing areas, landscaping, together with highways improvements at the junction of the A4 (Charnham Street) and the B4192.” You can see details of the proposal and comment on it by clicking here and then entering the application reference.
You can see details of HTC’s comments at its 9 June Environment and Planning Committe (H&T) meeting from the link in the “HTC’s committees” section below.
At the meeting, Councillor James Cole, the Chair of E&P, referred to meeting which had taken place between Aldi and HTC on 7 July, which he described as having been very useful. The main points from this were as follows:
- The Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, the Chair of Highways and Councillor Cole attended for HTC, plus Denise Gaines for WBC.
- It was an information-gathering session: Aldi gave us a presentation on what was proposed and why, helped by a representative from the landowner.
- Our questions were in particular around those asked at E&P last month. Aldi appeared not to have seen those questions but most were answered straight off anyway – a few around the access from the A4 they took away to get a response.
- Aldi is keen. It does not have other immediate options waiting in the wings. I would not expect any delay if planning permission were given.
- We made no commitments – nor were we asked to, of course. The HTC view will be agreed at E&P next week.
- We invited them to send someone along to E&P next week and Aldi is happy to do so.
- We said that as the overwhelming public reaction to date has been positive, we did not see the need for a formal public consultation. E&P next week is a public meeting so anyone who wants to hear what is being said should come along to that.
Other points that were raised at the Aldi meeting included: bio-diversity net gain (the applicant was advised to contact the Town and Manor, whose nearby wetlands project could assist); the slightly controversial matter of the access roundabout (which was proposed based on WBC’s design); Aldi’s track record (which appears to be one of buying and recruiting locally); the environmental credentials of the development (which appear to be impressive); and the question of light pollution (which, given the location in a National Landscape might require a bit more thought).
The matter has been called in to the WAPC by DC Gaines regardless of the officers’ views (or the number of objections): this means that it will certianly get a public airing. Councillor Cole said that Aldi welcomed this. This meeting is likely to take place in September.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the application is invited to attend HTC’s E&P meeting on Monday 14 July. The agenda will be published here soon.
Britain in Bloom
HTC entered Hungerford in the Britain in Bloom competition this year. “Thanks to Hungerford in Bloom judges and community groups like Smarten Up Hungerford (SUH),” a statement From HTC explained at the time, “our town is embracing its natural beauty and community spirit. These groups have worked tirelessly to enhance the vibrancy of the High Street and picturesque town approaches.”
Judging takes place on Wednesday 16 July at 2pm. Hungerford will be asseed on three criteria: Horticulture (40%), Environment (30%), and Community (30%). HTC plans to showcase the town’s charm through a presentation and tour, highlighting how Hungerford honours its history, flourishes today and plans for a greener future.
News of how Hungerford has got on will be publicised as sson as the judges’ decision is announced.
The Freedom of the Town
It was agreed that this would be awared to REME which has a long association with Hungerford. There was also the question, separately raised to HTC, that it had been some time since the town had received a royal visit. It was hoped that the two could be co-incided. However, it was unlikely that this could be oganised until ths spring of 2026.
It was decided that the traditional nominations for the Freedom of the Town Award for local nominees would also take place later in September 2025. For more information, click here
To nominate people for the award, click here.
HTC’s committees
The following committee meetings have recently taken place (“last meeting” refers to the last meeting for which minutes were available on the day this post was published). Environment & Planning generally meets once a month and the others every other month. See the separate section above for meetings relating to the Hungerford Neighbourhood Plan.
- Environment and Planning. (Last meeting 9 June – click here to see the minutes.) Items covered included: the Cosier Homes service; the election of the Chair and Deputy; two planning applications (one no objection; while the other, regarding the Aldi application, was considered in some detail and prompted a number of questions and comments to WBC); and case officer reports.
- Highways and Transport. (Last meeting 27 May – click here to read the minutes.) Items covered included: the election of the Chair and Deputy; Christmas trees; SIDs and speeding; Britain in Bloom; safety improvements at The Croft; the High Street phone box; WBC’s devolution proposals; gas works in the High Street; the town’s pigeons; proposed double yellow lines opposite Tarrants Hill; hedge obstruction in Church Way; the Hungerford Newtown verge on the A338; the poor state of garages in Park Way and Orchard View Close; priory Road charging point; and grass cutting.
- Recreation, Amenities and War Memorials. (Last meeting 19 May – click here to read the minutes.) Items covered included: the election of the Chair and Deputy; repairs and maintenance; the RoSPA report; the Triangle Field; St Lawrence’s Churchyard; St Saviour’s Cemetery; the playgrounds; the skatepark; the War memorial Avenue; the allotments; the Hub; the tree programme; the Leisure Centre; and the Cricket Club benches.
- Finance and General Purposes. (Last meeting 14 May – click here to read the minutes.) Items covered included: Hungerford’s account; general financial and compliance matters; the Local Council Risks System; the solar panels on the Library; Hungerford Shed; the War Memorial at Bridge Street; and grant applications.
Note: if the links above don’t work, this may be because they were linked to unadopted (draft) minutes which have since been replaced by adopted ones. If so, please visit this page of HTC’s website for the most up-to-date information on meetings past and the agendas of those yet to come.
For details on HTC’s committees, including membership, agendas and minutes, please click here (and go to the “Town Council” tab).
The local Police team
The current set-up of the team is one Inspector, one Sergeant [but see above], three Police Constables and four PCSOs to cover the Hungerford and Downlands area. Please see below for how to contact them.
Crime and incident statistics
It was explained at the December meeting that previous discrepancies between the figures reported by the local TVP team and those available for the whole area were due to the former relating only to incidents with which the local TVP team was directly involved.
The total of all reported crimes can be found here. The more you zoom into the Crime Map, the more specific the location of the various crimes will be (within the legal limits of how these can be defined).
Local events
If you have any community events for which you would like representation from your local NHPT, please contact them via the email address below. While local TVP representatives cannot guarantee always to be able to attend, they will make every effort to do so.
General information (including contacts)
- Please report all incidents to the Police or otherwise they will not be officially recorded – news travels fast round a community but if no one reports incidents the police may not know about it. Mentioning an incident on social media does not count as reporting the crime.
- See this web page for more information on the local TVP Police team in the Hungerford area.
- People are encouraged to sign up for Thames Valley Alerts. As well as local crime information, you can receive details of the latest scams.
- Thames Valley Police has a Facebook page.
- The local policing team also wants to draw attention to the ‘what three words’ app which is used to help with the prevention of rural crime by locating people. The app provides a three-word code for each grid which is mapped over the world. By ringing 999 and quoting it, the police can locate you.
- If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, please report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.
- You can report incidents online but if it is urgent please continue to call on 101 (non-emergency) and 999 in an emergency.
- If you would like to report anonymously you can do so via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
- The team’s email address is HungerfordandDownlandsNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk This is not monitored 24/7 and should not be used in an emergency or to report a crime.
- The local police team is keen to promote the Herbert Protocol initiative which helps us all to try to keep vulnerable members of our community safe.
Contacting HTC
HTC can be contacted in the following ways:
- By email to townclerk@hungerford-tc.gov.uk.
- By post to The Town Clerk, Hungerford Town Council, The Library, Church Street, Hungerford RG17 0JG.
- In person at the above address between 10am and 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
- By phone on 01488 686 195.
Any questions for an HTC meeting need to arrive by 2pm on the day (please allow more time if you have left this on the ansafone).
Members of the public are also welcome to attend any meetings.
Contacting WBC in an emergency
You can also contact West Berkshire Council out of office hours for emergencies. These are considered to include:
- Major incidents such as major accidents or significant flooding.
- Fallen trees and other debris blocking or restricting roads or causing potential danger to road users.
- Traffic lights not working (West Berkshire Council only manages fixed traffic lights, not temporary ones).
- Emergency repairs to council-owned temporary accommodation (tenants of properties should contact their housing association, landlord or agent).
The sections above cover the main issues with which HTC has recently been involved or concerned: it by no means describes all of HTC’s activities. Nor is this an official record of any meeting nor of any other aspect of HTC’s activities. Links to the official minutes of this and other meetings are provided in this post. For more information on HTC, please click here.
If there’s anything that you’d like to see addressed by HTC, and perhaps also covered in this way in future editions of Penny Post Hungerford, please email claire.barnes@hungerford-tc.gov.uk. Any such suggestions should be received at least four working days before the end of the month (and preferably sooner) if they are to be included in the corresponding post for the following month. That is not, of course, to say that HTC will not in any case give the matter its attention and respond personally if appropriate.
This information has been compiled by Penny Post from information supplied by HTC and others. Every reasonable effort has been made to provide a clear and dispassionate summary of the points covered but these may contain expressions of opinion which may not accord with HTC’s official view on the matter. Links have been provided to other posts, on the Penny Post site or elsewhere, to give additional information where this has been judged useful or necessary. The presence of such a link should not be taken to imply that HTC necessarily agrees with, endorses or supports any of the material contained therein.
2 Responses
In view of reduced police manning in Hungerford
and district, how will an effective level of ‘stop and
search be maintained?
Hi Patrick,
Thanks for your comment. I’ve spoken to Hungerford Town Council who’ve said that the local TVP team has confirmed that these new arrangements won’t affect the number of Police on the ground. If you have any further questions, I suggest that you contact the HTC office. HTC is taking a very close interest in this matter, as I hope our recent reports have made clear.
best,
Brian Quinn