Thursday 8 January 2026
Our usual round-up of local news includes a fortieth birthday, a look back at 2025, social housing, a consultation event and WBC’s finances – plus board games, an exhibition, volunteers and pharmacy provision. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.
Upcoming Compton area events include Compton FC at home & Board Games Afternoon. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.
• Congratulations
Congratulations to Downland Volunteer Group for its fortieth anniversary this month. Did you know that this invaluable charity that provides vital transport for hundreds of local residents and also runs a monthly Luncheon Club was the idea of sixteen year old students at St Downs School in the 1980s? See more details here and find out how you can help keep this lifeline going for so many people who can’t rely on public transport to get to medical appointments.
• Consultation event in Compton
Regular readers will know that the former Institute for Animal health (aka Pirbight) site in Compton has been decontaminated and a developer has now been found: David Wilson Homes. The next stage is putting in the reserved matters (full) planning application for the 160 homes, the outline permission having been granted in early 2023.
Before that happens, David Wilson Homes and Homes England will be hosting a public engagement meeting on Wednesday 14 January from 2 to 4pm and 5.30 to 8.30pm at the Wilkins Centre, RG20 6NP.
Regular readers will also recall the saga of the incorrect decision notices that were issued by WBC relating to the original outline planning permission in 2023. I understand that all the parties involved (including David Wilson Homes, which has inherited this matter) are aware of the issue and have submitted information in relation to conditions 30 and 31 to the WBC to address these conditions. Once issued, planning decision notices cannot easily be overturned.
• Social housing
West Berkshire Council’s Resources and Place Scrutiny Committee met on 25 November: you can see the agenda and a recording of the event here. Much of the meeting was taken up with social housing. Although this particularly related to West Berkshire – and particularly the very rural parts of it, such as this area – the general problems it identified would, I suspect, be widely applicable.
Following that, we wrote an article which looked at what was discussed in the meeting and also some of the wider challenges. One of these is the matter of when and why social-housing providers choose to sell off properties. The criteria which guides this as far as Sovereign is concerned was touched on in the meeting. Essentially, properties are scored on various factors including the maintenance required, the cost of this and the age, with those falling below a certain total being destined for the marketplace.
Ridgeway Ward member Carolyne Culver, who is also the Committee’s Chair, recently explained to the parish council in her area what she does to keep her eye on this process. “Whenever I’m aware of a home being put up for sale,” she wrote this week, “I aim to ask SNG officers what ‘score’ they have given to that property – to explain to me why they think it’s not good enough to keep.
“There have been at least two properties in the local villages that had a good EPC and an air source heat pump, and from the estate agent details they looked in relatively good repair. Some homes are being allowed to go to rack and ruin for months, which presumably makes it easier to allocate a poor score to those homes.”
• A look back at 2025
We’ve covered a large number of stories in this area over the last twelve months. We’ve picked out some of the major ones below, several of which won’t go away or keep coming back…
• The former Pirbright site. After a successful decontamination exercise – which included good community communication by the firm involved, Cognition – the baton then passed to Homes England which has held the site since and throughout 2025 been having further engagement with residents and organising the tendering process to decide which company will build the 160 homes there. The contract has been awarded to David Wilson Homes which is holding a further public engagement event on 14 January preparatory to putting in a reserved matters (full) planning application a few weeks later. One issue that remains to be dealt with, and which DWH is aware of, concerns the defective decision notices issues by WBC in respect of some of the pre-occupation conditions. If not resolved this could result in homes being occupied before the necessary sewage issues have been resolved.
• The Baxter site. This, also in Compton, is smaller, the current plan being for forty homes there. The two sites are quite close and Compton Parish Council is concerned about the drainage problems that might result if some serious joined-up thinking is not applied to the permissions and/or conditions on both of these.
• A housing needs survey. Still in Compton, in 2025 the Parish Council conducted in conjunction with CCB. housing needs survey. If correctly done, these provide solid evidence which must be borne in mind when making planning decisions concerning the provision for social-rent and affordable housing in the parish. With two large (by the standards of the village) developments in progress, this would seem to be a well-timed move.
• The Downlands Leisure Centre. There were concerns that this would be removed from the leisure-service contract, which would probably result in its closing. In early 2025, WBC decided to withdraw this proposal. We pointed out a misleading aspect in the ways the figures had been presented when effectively arguing in favour of closure. A good number of people clicked through to the consultation from that page and so we believe that our comments had something to do with the result. The morals from this are (a) if you think something is wrong, say so; and (b) it is worth responding to a council’s consultation as yo0u can influence the outcome.
• Traffic. The villages in the area, particularly East and West Ilsley, suffer whenever the A34 is closed. The roads are classified as being suitable for all kinds of traffic – although many residents feel otherwise – and this has led to various complaints, requests and petitions concerning vehicle classes, diversions routes and weight limits. And speaking of which…
• Safety on the A34. This issue has been raised by the area’s MPs – as it was raised by their predecessors – particularly with regard to some of slip roads, such as East Ilsley. Short of rebuilding these, and perhaps the who stretch of road, it’s hard to see what can be done to improve safety on this road which many treat as a motorway.
• A pop-up library. With the withdrawal of WBC’s mobile library service, parish councils around Compton have been exploring the possibility of a pop-up library, perhaps with that as the main hub. Such co-operation may need to become more common as councils are forced to withdraw non-statutory services due to financial constraints.
• Have your say on balancing the books
West Berkshire Council has a potential funding gap of at least £6.4 million for 2026/27. It is asking local residents to have their say by 12 January on how the council should increase funds and decrease spending to balance the budget. You can click here to have your say. Similar exercises have in the past resulted in some changes being made so your response could well be influential.
• Other news
• There is still time to see the Focus on Compton exhibition which is well worth a visit at West Berkshire Museum. It’s a fascinating look at the village’s history and archaeology and runs until 8 February. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm and entry is free.
• The Downland Volunteer Group is looking for volunteer drivers to provide transport for local residents needing to get to essential medical appointments. Even if you can only offer one trip a month, your help would be hugely appreciated. Please call 01635 578394 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 11.30am) for more information.
• If your New Year’s resolution was to give something back to the community or to do more for charity even for just a couple of hours a month, then the V365 Volunteer Recruitment Fair this Saturday 10 January, would be the perfect place to start. Pop in between 10am and 2.30pm at Newbury Corn Exchange to meet over 50 charities and community initiatives that are looking for enthusiastic volunteers. Click here to find out more.
• To help shape future pharmacy provision across West Berkshire, Healthwatch West Berkshire is asking residents to share their experiences of local pharmacy services with an anonymous 5‑minute survey to investigate how the Pharmacy First service is working for local communities.Take the survey here.
• West Berkshire Council says that around 11,000 residents could be missing out on much needed financial support such as Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Allowance and Free School Meals. The Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) uses anonymised data from the DWP and the Council to identify eligible households who may be contacted with details on how to apply online or get free local support through the Let’s Talk programme. See upcoming Let’s Talk dates here.
• The lack of social housing, particularly in rural areas, is consistently under the spotlight, however, villages can source help in a number of ways. Click here for full details.
• A gentle reminder that Brian Quinn’s second volume of short stories and parodies, Gravity and Rust, is now available from any bookshop, including the Hungerford Bookshop, the White Horse Bookshop in Marlborough and the Wantage Bookshop. For full info 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:
- Budget proposals 2026/27: To cease directly providing Adult Respite in the Community (ARC) services, which will be commissioned from alternative providers – deadline 12 Jan 2026.
- Budget proposals 2026/27: To extend and increase the peak-time hire charges for the artificial pitch at Henwick Worthy Sports Ground – deadline 12 Jan 2026.
- Balancing our budget 2026/27: How we could fund and prioritise the services we provide – deadline 12 Jan 2026.
- Proposed Traffic Regulation Order: Hermitage, Bucklebury and Cold Ash 20mph speed limit – deadline 28 Jan 2026.
- Proposed Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools 2027/28 – deadline 30 Jan 2026.
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 & Downland Villages Menopause Cafe at The Swan at Compton on selected Saturday mornings from 10am to 12noon. To find out more or to book a space call Cathy on 07787 517871 or email catherineleatham@gmail.com. For more details visit menopausecafe.net
• Hampstead Norreys Handbell Ringers welcome new members. So if you have a musical ear and are keen on community, click here for full details.
• 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.
• Scam reminders from Citizens Advice with most common types of scam. The golden rule is if something seems too good to be true or doesn’t feel right it might be a scam, so take a moment and get advice or just ask a friend.
• 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.
• The Downland Volunteer Group is urgently seeking caring, reliable drivers to support residents who are elderly, unwell, disabled, or otherwise in need. Call here for full details.
• 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
• Until Feb 2026 Focus on Compton Exhibition, West Berkshire Museum.
• Sat 10 Jan Compton FC v Kingston Colts Compton.
• Sat 10 Jan Board Game Event Compton Village Hall.
• Sat 7 Feb Winter Welcome Lunch St Mary’s Church Hampstead Norreys
• 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.
• Free safe & well visit, by The Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service. To see if you qualify click here, call Freephone 0800 5876679 or email SafeandWell@rbfrs.co.uk.
• The Household Support Fund is for 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.
• 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.
• Compton Pop-up Library is 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.
• Leckhampstead Pop-up Library is at Leckhampstead Village Hall on the first Wednesday of each month, 10am to 12pm. See details here. New library members very welcome to join.
• 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 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 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 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 12 noon. Details 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 Compton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 1 December and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: The Downland Practice; planning matters; financial matters; council policies; and next steps with regards to the legal advice regarding the conditions for planning application 20/01336/OUTMAJ.
You can also click here to read the minutes of Compton’s 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 Parish Council meetings (including any committees), agendas and minutes, please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Hampstead Norreys Council for which minutes are available took place on 27 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 18 November and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the weight-limit petition; planning matters; financial matters; the proposed 20mph speed limit; the Village Hall; the budget (£11,304) and the precept rise (£.76%) for 2026-27; flooding issues; and traffic management.
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 11 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates and agendas of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. To see the minutes, click here.
• The most recent meeting of Brightwalton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 10 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates and agendas of 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 4 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 9 September and you can download the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 2 July and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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: see the following separate sections: Hungerford area; Lambourn Valley; Newbury area; Thatcham area; Compton and Downlands; Burghfield area; Wantage area; Marlborough area.
- News and views from across the area and beyond: see the most recent Weekly News with Brian column.
Archives
To see earlier Compton & Downlands & Surrounding Area Weekly News columns, please click here.
