John Garvey

Residents in parts of West Berkshire, including Chiton Foliat, Hungerford and Stag Hill, report exceptionally low or zero water pressure, forcing some households to buy bottled water for basic needs. Residents are frustrated that Thames Water has imposed a hosepipe ban during drought conditions while a mains leak between Bagnor and Winterbourne continues to discharge treated water. Although engineers reportedly attended, a permanent repair is not scheduled until November 10. Thames Water had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

Amanda Knox’s sold-out Edinburgh Fringe show, Cartwheel, has drawn criticism from Meredith Kercher’s family, including her sister Stephanie, who called for its cancellation over concerns that it could trivialize violence against women. Knox argues that critics are judging a show they have not seen and says it presents her personal experience through comedy. Helen Saxton, an East Ilsley author of a book about Knox, acknowledges Knox’s right to tell her story but argues that choosing comedy is unnecessarily cruel given the continuing grief of Kercher’s family.

Sarah Hewitt, 28, of Newbury, admitted driving without due care and attention while driving a BMW on Park Avenue in Thatcham on 4 February. Reading Magistrates’ Court adjourned sentencing so a special-reasons hearing could be arranged, where Hewitt will argue that her licence should not be endorsed or disqualified because of extenuating circumstances. She was released on bail.

Fire crews from Berkshire and Hampshire spent about three hours extinguishing a substantial grass and woodland fire at Raghill near Aldermaston. Crews used beaters, hose reels and a specialised water carrier, while Theale Community Fire Station later returned to check for remaining hotspots.

Fir Tree Lane at its junction with the A4 London Road in Newbury will close to all traffic around the clock from 17 to 27 August 2026 for new electricity connection works by OUC Group on behalf of Scottish and Southern Electricity. Drivers travelling toward West Berkshire Community Hospital are warned to expect delays amid other ongoing works, while residential and emergency access will be maintained and a signed diversion will be provided.

David Pawley, an 86-year-old Newbury resident, admitted driving without due care and attention on Enborne Road on January 14. Reading Magistrates’ Court fined him £392, ordered him to pay £157 in costs and a statutory victim services surcharge, and endorsed his licence with six penalty points.

The Dundas Arms in Kintbury has reopened following a major refurbishment by the Butcombe Group. Improvements include redesigned bar, restaurant and private dining spaces, an upgraded canalside garden with a new outdoor bar, decking and pergola, and refreshed exterior branding. Butcombe Group spokesman Jayson Perfect said the redevelopment is the first stage of a broader project and emphasized the company’s commitment to making the pub a valued part of the local community.

Hungerford Carnival 2026 was praised by residents for its strong turnout, numerous floats and vehicles, and revived community atmosphere. Organised by Neale Marney and his team in sunny conditions, the event received thanks from town mayor Jerry Keates, while participants included local guides, sports clubs, schools, musical groups and families.

West Berkshire Council has delayed a decision on converting the former Chestnut Walk care home in Hungerford into a homelessness hostel and launched a public consultation and forum to address local concerns. Hungerford Town Council has objected, citing issues including compatibility with the residential area, safeguarding risks, crime prevention measures and security provisions. Consultation responses are open until August 28, with a public forum scheduled for September 3 before the planning committee considers the application on September 16.

Robin Dudney has taken over as president of Hungerford Rotary Club for 2026–27, succeeding Nick Wedgwood. Club spokesman Llewellyn Robins noted ongoing membership challenges for Rotary clubs, while Dudney encouraged wider community engagement and invited new members to join, highlighting the club’s events and camaraderie.

A chemical spill in a staff-only area at Beale Wildlife Park led to an evacuation and the precautionary hospitalisation of one staff member. Emergency services contained the spill, temporarily halted new admissions and cleared the site before confirming it was safe and allowing normal operations to resume. Park representatives stressed that visitors were not at risk and thanked emergency crews for their prompt response.

The UK Government approved a reorganisation that will merge West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse councils into a new Ridgeway Council, with elections in 2027 and full implementation in 2028. Reading Borough Council’s bid to absorb parts of Tilehurst was rejected. Some wards will transfer to Oxford City, partly for housing development. Officials highlighted expected savings from reduced senior posts and councillor numbers, while local representatives welcomed the decision and emphasised the need to maintain strong community representation under the larger authority.

Large crowds joined Newbury’s fifth annual Pride celebration, with 1,000 to 1,500 people marching through the town in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. Organisers described the event as one of the best yet, highlighting the joyful atmosphere and strong turnout. Festivities continued in Victoria Park with performances, debates and music, supported by local sponsors and councils.

Police are investigating a late-night fight outside The Crown pub in Kingsclere that left a man in his twenties injured and two men arrested on suspicion of offences including grievous bodily harm, affray, assault and drug possession. Officers are seeking witnesses and any mobile footage to identify all individuals involved and determine the circumstances of the incident.

A former youth worker and nightclub doorman, Callum Farmbrough, received an extended prison sentence after resuming sexual grooming of a vulnerable boy shortly after being released on licence for similar offences. Prosecutors detailed his manipulation of the child and breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, while the defence cited developmental and behavioural issues. The judge deemed him a high risk to young boys and imposed a 20‑month sentence with an additional three‑year extension and a new 10‑year order to protect the public.

A Thatcham resident developed an online tracker called Mind the Gates to help motorists anticipate delays at the town’s frequently congested railway crossing. The tool uses national live train schedules to indicate when barriers are up or down, improving travel planning despite imperfect accuracy. Network Rail is considering electronic signage to provide clearer warnings, while MP Lee Dillon continues pressing for practical measures to address long-standing frustrations faced by local drivers.

A family in Hungerford is raising funds for improved water safety after their dog, Percy, drowned in a canal culvert at Freeman’s Marsh despite prolonged rescue efforts by firefighters and the Canal and River Trust. Lacking warning signs at the site, relatives hope fundraising will enable new safety measures, with signage considered the most feasible. The Canal and River Trust expressed sympathy and support while noting limitations due to the historic canal structure. The community initiative aims to prevent similar incidents and provide some comfort to the grieving family.

Tributes highlight Barbara Barr’s decades of community service in Hungerford, including leadership roles with the Town and Manor charity, St John Ambulance cadets, and the United Reformed Church, as well as her work with local schools and organisations. Mayor Jerry Keates expressed condolences to her family and praised her enduring impact on the town.

A man required 80 stitches after tripping over a raised drain cover on a pavement near a Morrisons store in Hungerford. The incident was reported at a Hungerford Town Council meeting, where councillor Denise Gaines said she would investigate the hazard.

Repeated thefts of flowers from Hungerford’s community planters have prompted mayor Jerry Keates to publicly urge the culprit to stop, offering plants if needed. Volunteers and residents expressed frustration as floral displays were removed ahead of the town’s Britain in Bloom judging. Community members and a market trader have offered replacement plants, while local groups continue preparations for competition projects including large planted tubs and a new bug hotel.

Residents of Hungerford are being invited by the town council to complete an online survey on introducing 20mph zones in selected areas, including roads near two local schools and Church Street. Participants can indicate preferred locations or propose additional areas. The consultation is open until July 31.

A community pub in Hungerford Newtown, The Tally Ho, has joined the Empty Chairs anti-loneliness movement founded by Dean Perriman. Director Paula Loud describes the initiative as a simple, welcoming space where anyone can sit, chat, and connect. The first gathering has already taken place, with additional events scheduled in July, August and September, hosted by volunteers Catherine and Clare.

A Hungerford café showcases a detailed Lego diorama of a FIFA World Cup stadium created by assistant manager Martin James-Goodall, known locally for his intricate themed Lego displays marking major annual events. Community decorations, including knitted World Cup-themed post box covers, add to the town’s celebratory atmosphere, with the café’s owner praising the effort and enjoyment his work brings to residents.

A commemorative walk from Hungerford to Ramsbury marked the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, tracing the route taken by American troops stationed in the area. Participants included re-enactment groups, local scouts and veterans’ organizations, raising funds for Help for Heroes and Murphy’s Army. Organizers expressed gratitude for community support and highlighted archaeological finds discovered during the event.

Residents raised complaints about unauthorised pavement seating outside The Plume pub in Hungerford, prompting town officials to alert West Berkshire Council, which confirmed the pub lacked the required pavement licence. Councillors cited safety concerns, public disturbance and past issues with unlicensed outdoor setups, urging swift action by the district authority.

Hungerford’s mayor criticised a small number of residents for dog fouling, fly‑tipping and theft of plants from community floral displays as the town prepares for Britain in Bloom judging. He highlighted repeated incidents of stolen flowers, the burden on volunteers maintaining displays and ongoing issues at the station recycling point. Hungerford Town Council and Town and Manor plan an education campaign and discussions with West Berkshire Council aim to increase enforcement against fly‑tipping.

Litter left on Hungerford Common, including cans, bottles, dog waste and hazardous items, has caused several cattle to become ill, with one cow suffering a serious intestinal blockage from ingesting a noxious object. The Town and Manor of Hungerford reports increasing problems with dangerous rubbish, illegal fly-tipping and widespread dog fouling, warning that ingestion of dog waste could be fatal to livestock and is deterring visitors. Trustees urge the public to dispose of litter properly, clean up after dogs and act responsibly to protect the common and its wildlife.

A commemorative walk from Hungerford to Ramsbury will mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, retracing the route taken by American troops during the war. Organised by the Ramsbury D-Day 80 Committee, the event raises funds for military charities and includes participation from re-enactment groups, local Scouts and the Royal British Legion, with stops at historic wartime locations.

West Berkshire Council approved the Lambourn Neighbourhood Development Plan to move forward to a six‑week public consultation. Prepared by Lambourn Parish Council with community support, the plan sets policies to guide development to 2041, emphasising rural character, biodiversity, flood management, and local housing needs. Following consultation, the plan will undergo independent examination and, once adopted, will inform future planning decisions. Local councillor Denise Gaines encouraged residents to participate, noting the council’s ongoing support for neighbourhood planning across the district.

Flowers planted by Smarten Up Hungerford volunteers were stolen from several areas in the town, prompting Hungerford Town Council to review CCTV footage in an effort to identify the culprits. The council expressed disappointment and encouraged residents to report suspicious activity. Volunteers have since replaced the damaged displays, and town mayor Jerry Keates was seen assisting with restoration efforts.

National media attention focuses on a dispute over public access to Mill Lane on the Barton Court Estate in Kintbury, owned by Pippa and James Matthews. A previously open route was blocked in 2022, prompting a public footpath application by Ramblers UK, which West Berkshire Council approved. The estate objected, leading to a Planning Inspectorate inquiry held in the village. Evidence has been heard over several days, with further sessions scheduled before a decision is issued.

Residents in Eddington, Hungerford raised concerns after a national speed limit sign was mistakenly installed in a 30mph area near a busy pedestrian crossing point. Locals warned the change created a safety risk, particularly for children crossing to reach school. West Berkshire Council confirmed the sign was incorrect, removed it and reassured residents that the road remains a 30mph zone.

A meningitis case was confirmed at Westwood Farm Junior School in Tilehurst, prompting coordination between West Berkshire Council and the UK Health Security Agency, which maintains that the wider school community faces low risk. Parents have been advised to monitor symptoms and seek medical help if needed. Additional cases have been reported in Sonning and Caversham, while a student from Henley College, Lewis Waters, recently died, with other earlier outbreaks occurring in Kent and Dorset.

A retired Newbury teacher in her 70s won £10,000 a month for a year in the National Lottery’s Set For Life draw using a Lucky Dip ticket. She has booked an overseas holiday and is considering home renovations. Allwyn lottery advisor Liz Styles praised the win and wished her well with her plans.

Hungerford Bowls Club members unveiled new club kit funded by sponsors John Williams and Audley Inglewood during a season-opening event attended by outgoing mayor Helen Simpson. A friendly match was cut short due to hail, and Simpson was thanked for her long-term support. The club is seeking new members and will host an open afternoon on May 25, offering equipment, instruction and refreshments for players of all levels.