These notes incorporate some but not all of the matters discussed at the HTC meeting on 4 August 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.
Police report
No members of the local Police team attended the meeting.
The Mayor did, however, confirm two points in response to questions from member of the press:
- In recent days there have been a number of incidents in the town in which assaults and drugs have been involved. The local TVP team has been much involved in dealing with these issues. It’s hoped that a meeting will be arranged soon to apprise HTC and DCs of what has been accomplished and what steps residents might be able to take to help address similar problems in future (reporting all issues to the Police will probably remain at the top of the list).
- As previously reported, HTC has been sceptical of the new policing arrangements in the Hungerford area. TVP decided in May that the changes would be introduced but agreed to a meeting with HTC and other stakeholder in November to assess progress. It had been pointed out by HTC and members of the public that detailed figures for performance in a number of areas before the changes were introduced would be needed if the effect after six months could be ascertianed. The Mayor confirmed that, although some date had been provided, these contained gaps that HTC would be hard-pressed to fill. TVP had, however, promised that full comparable data would be provided in advcance of the November meeting.
See also The local Police team section below.
Actions from the previous meeting
- The Foodbank. Following last month’s presentation, information would be provided by HTC about its work.
- Speedwatch. A meeting with two WBC officers has been scheduled.
- The Aldi application: see The Mayor’s Report below.
- Parking offences in the town centre. Councillor Fyfe has shared details of these with TVP.
- Blue plaques. An item on this has been added to the agenda of the next Environment and Planning Committee meeting.
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
Hungerford in Bloom
A heartfelt thank you to all residents who participated in this year’s Hungerford in Bloom competition. We were absolutely delighted to see so many of you rise to the challenge, especially in what has been a long, hot summer with some tough growing conditions. Your gardens looked beautiful and full of life, and we appreciate the care and creativity behind each one.
Special thanks go to Councillor Winser, who continues to lead on this event with great passion, and to Deputy Town Clerk Wendy, whose hard work and coordination with Claire make it run smoothly.
This year we introduced a new category: “Heart and Soul” a wonderful way to celebrate those gardeners who may not have all the experience but give it their all regardless of plot size. Thank you to our independent judges, Stella (who kindly drove the team around) and Claire, who also worked closely with Wendy throughout the process. I look forward to celebrating with all the entrants at our awards presentation later this year.
Britain in Bloom
A huge thank you to former Councillor Gordon Montgomery, who stepped forward to lead our first entry into the Britain in Bloom competition. Despite entering late, Hungerford rallied with its usual energy and pride. While we’re still waiting for the results, what has stood out most is the incredible community spirit.
The ever wonderful Smarten Up Hungerford team continues to show why our town looks so loved and well cared for every single day of the year. We’re incredibly lucky to have such dedicated volunteers.
There was a small hiccup in communication with WBC regarding our ambitions for the roundabout at the town’s entrance. However, after reaching out to local artist Dicon, we’re exploring the idea of the red kite sculpture he’s been working on. More details (and a call for support) will follow soon.
Aldi planning application
We recently welcomed a representative from Aldi at one of our planning meetings. HTC is supportive of the application and has asked West Berkshire Council to work closely with Aldi’s development team to resolve some highway-related concerns within the proposal.
See also below for the separate section on this issue; and the summary of (and link to) the minutes of the Environment and Planning meeting of 14 July.
Network Rail Partnership
Claire and I met with representatives from Network Rail to address maintenance issues around the station. We’ve agreed that HTC will assist in keeping the area tidy, provided Network Rail ensures it’s safe for volunteers to do so.
We’re pleased to report that clearance work has already started, brambles and waste behind the platform are being removed, making the space more accessible. Network Rail has also tackled the overgrowth along the path leading to town. This positive collaboration is especially welcome, as maintaining consistent dialogue has been difficult in the past due to staff changes. Thank you to Town Clerk Claire for her persistence and Network Rail for seeing our vision.
Hungerford Police and community safety
I recently met with Sgt Jo Willoughby, our new police sergeant, to discuss community concerns and areas where progress has been slower than hoped. Sgt Willoughby works closely with the Newbury antisocial behaviour team and is keen to make use of the full powers and legislation available.
In the coming weeks, I’ve requested a joint meeting with our PCSO, social housing partners, HTC, District Councillors, and the Police, with the aim of taking a more collective approach to tackling long-standing concerns. I’ll keep you updated as this progresses. In the meantime, please continue to report all crime and anti-social behaviour.
John O’Gaunt presentation evening
What a delight it was to attend John O’Gaunt School’s “Night Full of Stars” presentation evening. It truly felt like a mini-Oscars, and the achievements of the pupils were nothing short of inspiring. Congratulations to all the students and staff for putting on such a memorable and joyful evening.
Hungerford Hub solar panel project
I was honoured to attend the celebration marking the completion of the Hungerford Hub’s solar panel project. With this, the Hub has now achieved carbon net-zero status, an impressive milestone. HTC was proud to support the initiative, and we extend our warmest congratulations to the team.
Hungerford Theatre Company – Sweeney Todd
Despite it being one of the hottest days of the year, I thoroughly enjoyed the Hungerford Theatre Company’s production of Sweeney Todd, hosted at JOG. It was a fantastic performance, and huge credit goes to the cast and crew for their stamina and professionalism under very warm conditions. We wish them every success as they move into their new premises. I look forward to their next show!
West Berkshire Community Hospital – Therapy Garden
I also attended a lovely event celebrating the NHS community therapy garden at West Berkshire Community Hospital. The Lord Lieutenant gave a warm speech and thanked the volunteers who care so lovingly for the garden, a truly beautiful and healing space.
A personal highlight was meeting the therapy dogs (who may have stolen the spotlight for me!). Many people spoke of the remarkable contribution made by Christine Stockwell, whose dedication continues to make a huge impact. Congratulations, Chrissie, and heartfelt thanks to you and your team.
And finally…
As ever, I’m reminded just how special Hungerford is, full of people who care deeply, give generously, and take real pride in their community. Thank you to all who help make our town the wonderful place it is.
District Councillors’ reports
None of the DCs were present at the meeting (in fairness, it is the holiday season).
Contact details for the Hungerford & Kintbury ward members (and all the other ones) can be found by clicking here.
VJ and HAHA
Two forthcoming events were metntioned by Councillors at the meeting:
- Friday 15 August, VJ Day Commemoration at the Bridge Street War memorial from 7.45. All welcome.
- Saturday 23 August, Hungerford Allotment Holder’s Association’s (HAHA) Produce, Flower and Handicraft Show at the Town Hall from 2.30 for non-members.
The Aldi application
Note: this section has been repeated from last month’s HTC update for information as the matter is a major one and has yet t0 be determined by WBC.
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.
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.
- Highways and Transport. (Last meeting 28 July – click here to read the minutes.) Items covered included: update on actions from the previous meeting; speeding; Rembrance Day and VJ Day; defibrillators; vegetaion management; a possible public sculpture; CCTV; highways and parking issues; and issues in Charnham Park.
- Recreation, Amenities and War Memorials. (Last meeting 21 July – click here to read the minutes.) Items covered included: CCTV; repairs and maintenance work; RoSPA inspections; theatre containers at the Triangle Field; the School Council; cemetery regulations; and tree works.
- Environment and Planning. (Last meeting 14 July – click here to see the minutes.) Items covered included: councillor co-options; the Aldoi application (the minutes include a detailed summary of the discussion); three other planning applications (one objection and two no objections); case officers’ reports; proposed response to the NDP’s Inspector’s questions.
- Finance and General Purposes. (Last meeting 9 July – click here to read the minutes.) Items covered included: update on actions from the previous meeting; the Freedom of the Town ceremony; finacnial matters; CIL funds; Christmas trees; and grant allocations.
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.
