Thursday 9 April 2026
Our usual round-up of local news includes foul water problems in Compton, the A34 at East Ilsley, other road improvements, a summit reached, board games, Friday trips, tubes, surveys and a call for sites. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.
Upcoming Compton area events include Hampstead Norreys Quiz Night and Compton Board Games Afternoon. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.
• Foul water in Compton
On 10 April, Compton Parish Council added a post to its website with the title “Foul Water Network Pressures and the Institute Development”. You can click here to read it.
“Residents will have noticed tankers operating again at the Aldworth Road pumping station over the past week,” the piece begins. “Compton Parish Council has been monitoring the situation closely and has submitted updated information to West Berkshire Council as part of the ongoing planning applications for the former Institute site.”
It adds that “this confirms that the foul water network is currently under significant pressure and is struggling to cope with existing demand. These issues are familiar to residents, who have experienced repeated problems during high‑groundwater periods in recent years.”
The article then points to two planning applications relating to the former Institute of Animal Health, which will place even more pressure on the local system. One of these is to “discharge conditions relating to foul water and water network capacity.” It also points to two different responses from Thames Water which contradict each other. It then goes on to explain what Compton PC is doing about all this.
Compton PC, and its Ward Member, have proved to be effective and energetic advocates for the community – this is just as well given the many issues that have arisen from the long and complex Instutute application (which isn’t done yet) and the long-standing sewage problems. This work included drawing WBC’s attention to some faulty decision notices issued a couple of years ago which risk making the whole situation even more tangled.
It’s also worth adding that there’s another application pending at the nearby former Baxter’s site, for forty homes: this seems to have gone a bit quiet in recent months. This will also doutless produce a crop of challenges with which the Parish Council and the Ward Member will have to address.
“If residents have further evidence of foul water issues they have observed,” the document concludes, “they are welcome to contact the Parish Council.”
• The A34 at East Ilsley
As local residents will be well aware, the southbound carriageway of the terrifying A34 gives access to and from East Ilsley at two points about a mile apart. Both cause problems.
The exit slip road, to the north of the village, becomes Abingdon Road which leads to main crossroads. It’s quite straight for about half a mile and then, suddenly, you’re in a village. The Parish Council has been trying to get WBC to impose some traffic-calming measures here although so far without success.
The problem appears to be that any measures would need to bear in mind HGVs, which are particularly likely to use this exit if there’s a blockage on the A34. This would require chicanes to be so wide as to make them next to useless for slowing down cars.
Local MP Olivia Bailey was in East Isley this week to see the issue for herself. Any MP through whose constituency this road passes can probably be assured of a fairly full inbox of complaints about it. I understand that she’s going to encourage a site visit from the decision-makers, elected and appointed, at WBC to see what can be done.
The access onto the A34, to the south of the village from the continuation of the High Street, presents different problems. Joining a busy road is always more dangerous than leaving it and here the issue is the poor sightlines, coupled with the fact that the signs on the A34 are less clear than they might be about the fact that a junction is coming up. I believe that this one is on her radar as well.
I learned today that Abingdon Road and the High Street did actually form part of this principal road between Southampton and the midlands until the village was by-passed in 1966. I can’t imagine what living there must have been like then. The A34 has, therefore, done East Ilsley one favour. A bit more work is now needed to make the southbound exit and entrance safer for villagers and motorists alike. Let’s see what the MP can help accomplish on this…
• Road improvements
Everyone who uses the roads is increasingly aware of potholes. However, a new national assessment of road maintenance performance by local highways authorities ranks West Berks Council near the top. A recent statement from WBC has announced that it’s also “set to deliver a significant new Highways Improvement Programme for 2026-27, investing in smoother, safer and more reliable roads for residents right across the district.”
This will begin in will begin in April 2026 and “includes 41 resurfacing, retexturing and surface dressing schemes. Communities such as Thatcham, Lambourn, Streatley, Aldermaston and Burghfield will all see improvements.” Residents can find the full list of improvements and follow updates as work gets underway by visiting WBC’s highways webpage.
• This week’s news
• The Down’s School is now part of the new Summit Education Trust, effective from 1 April. Basildon Church of England Primary School and Compton Church of England Primary School have also joined the trust. This leaves The Willink and Little Heath schools as the only secondary schools in West Berkshire still under LEA (local education authority) control. Our article from 26 March looked at the head teacher’s rationale for the change, as well as some words of encouragement from a former Head of two academy schools in West Berkshire. You can also click here to see the public documents on the school’s website relating to the formation of the Summit Education Trust.
• The next Fantastic Friday trips run by the Downland Volunteer Group are to Salisbury on Friday 10 April and to Kew Gardens on Friday 24 April. DVG also offers shopping trips to Newbury and Wantage. See all details here.
• Compton Players invite you to their spring production of Cluedo on 23, 24 and 25 April. Join a very unusual dinner party with iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard, for a fun night out.
• The Standard Consultation Expiry Date for the 160 homes on the Pirbright site is Wednesday 15 April. So if you haven’t commented yet on the application, you can see all the planning documents here and quote reference number 26/00261/RESMAJ. Compton Parish Council has submitted specific concerns, particularly to do with the foul-water network. You can read the minutes of the meeting by clicking here. It’s also very important that residents have their say on the issue.
• Quick reminder that plastic tubes can now be recycled from home as part of the regular kerbside collections. Residents are asked to squeeze out any remaining content, put the cap on (which can be recycled too), leave flat (these are easier to deal with at the recycling centre) and put in your green bag along with your cans, plastic bottles, tubs and trays.
• Have your say in West Berkshire Council’s 2026 Residents Survey on topics like waste and recycling, planning, education, social care, street maintenance, communication, feelings of belonging and safety, and optional questions about wellbeing. Click here to complete the survey by Sunday 10 May.
• West Berkshire Council has extended the deadline for its Call for Sites to 11.59pm on Monday 13 April. This an opportunity for landowners, site promoters, developers, and other interested parties to suggest land within West Berkshire that could be developed. These will be considered during the refresh of WBC’s current local plan. For more information click here.
• Don’t miss the Pop-up Library at Compton Village Hall on the second Thursday of each month, from 10.15am to 11.45am. West Berkshire Council is working with Compton Parish Council to provide this service. See more library information here.
• Compton Parish Council is gathering further evidence of recent flooding issues. If you have any photos or videos from winter 2024/25 showing flooding, surcharging sewers or tankers operating on Aldworth Road and are happy for the parish council to use them, please email them to contact@comptonparishcouncil.gov.uk.
• 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.
• Brian Quinn’s second volume of short stories and parodies, Gravity and Rust, is 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:
- Proposed nominations for the Local List of Heritage Assets (March 2026 – deadline 30 Apr.
- Planning Public Access Service feedback survey 2026 – deadline 7 May.
- Residents’ Survey (2026) – deadline 10 May.
- Proposed amendment to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2025-30: protected plates and accessibility – deadline 15 May.
Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.
Volunteering and jobs
• Click here for local volunteer opportunities.
• Click here for local jobs (includes volunteer roles).
Local events and activities
For more information on events and activities across the Penny Post area, see the website calendar.
• Dates for the diary
• Fri 10 Apr Call My Wine Bluff Hermitage Village Hall.
• Sun 12 Apr Quiz Night White Hart Hampstead Norreys
• Sat 18 Apr Games Event Compton Village Hall.
• Sun 19 Apr One Lump or Two The White Hart Hampstead Norreys
• Sat 2 May Safari Supper Compton
• Sat 16 May Plant Cake and Book Sale St Mary’s Church Hampstead Norreys
• Fri 19 Jun Compton’s Got Talent Compton Village Hall.
• Sat 4 Jul Compton Fete Compton Recreation Ground.
• Sat 11 Jul Inaugural rock festival in aid of Berkshire Women’s Aid, Compton.
• 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 noon. 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 noon 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 with Compton Pre-school for 0 to 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.
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. For more details visit menopausecafe.net or contact Cathy on 07787 517871 catherineleatham@gmail.com.
• 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.
• Sick or dead wild birds might be infected with bird flu so please don’t touch them. Report any dead wild birds you find to the Animal and Plant Health Agency. You can report it online or call 03459 33 55 77.
• 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, please call 01635 578394 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 11.30am) or see here for more 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.
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 16 March and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: a councillor co-option; planning matters; a Ward Member’s report; road safety; highways; planning matters; financial matters; dog bins; and repairs and maintenance.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 9 March and you can read the minutes here. items covered included: a report from the Ward Member; the Community Co-ordinator; planning matters; financial matters; and repairs and maintenance.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 3 March and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: planning matters; financial matters; the Chaddleworth Community Plan; a memorial free; repairs and maintenance; rights of way; road safety; Councillors’ reports; the the Clerk’s report.
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 Compton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 2 March and you can read the minutes 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 22 January 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 15 January 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 East Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 13 January 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 West Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 18 November 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 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 Peasemore Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 24 September 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.
