Lauren Abbott

Overnight closures are taking place at Newbury’s Robin Hood Roundabout from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. until August 28 as the next phase of a West Berkshire Council improvement scheme begins. Resurfacing, refreshed road markings and traffic-light improvements are intended to increase capacity and improve traffic flow. Several southbound and eastbound routes will be closed or diverted on different nights, while access from the A4 Thatcham direction and northbound traffic will remain available. Drivers are advised to plan ahead and follow signed diversion routes.

A woman in her 20s died at the scene after a three-vehicle collision on the A4 near Froxfield, close to Hungerford, at about 7:15 a.m. on 19 August 2026. A woman in her 40s sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital, while two other people suffered minor injuries. The A4 remains closed, and Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage; no arrests have been made.

Two people have been arrested after an assault in Newbury town centre left a man in hospital. Thames Valley Police has cordoned off part of Park Way, appealed for witnesses and footage, and said there is no wider risk to the public. The nearby BstFitness Newbury centre has closed temporarily because of the cordon.

A fox named Aurora was discovered trapped high in a tree in a garden in Kingsland Grange, Newbury, after student Amelie Percy noticed its tail. Volunteers from the Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue Centre were unable to free the malnourished vixen, so firefighters from Wokingham Road fire station in Reading cut away part of the tree. Aurora was taken to the wildlife centre for treatment and is expected to be released after recovering.

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which operate Royal Berkshire Hospital and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, charge up to £19 for long patient and visitor stays, making them the most expensive hospital parking providers in the South East according to Fast Loan UK data. Southampton General Hospital ranks next at £18.60 for 24 hours. Hampshire Hospitals increased charges in April amid inflation, while both trusts say fees cover parking maintenance, security and related services rather than generating profit. Concessions and free parking are available to some groups, but patients continue to raise concerns about affordability, payment systems and limited spaces.

Tadley has unveiled “Tadley – Past and Present,” a mural painted on the side of the town’s Sainsbury’s supermarket. The project was initiated by the Tadley Youth Action Council, with artists leading community painting sessions and local groups contributing to the work. Mayor of Basingstoke Jacky Tustain unveiled the mural, while councillor Ann Morrow said it had brought groups together, promoted understanding of local history and could strengthen community pride.

Parkinson's UK chair Gary Shaughnessy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2015, is attempting to complete 60 different sports in a year to demonstrate that age, illness or a break from exercise should not prevent an active life. After trying squash with coach Simon Ward in Basingstoke, Shaughnessy said exercise has been important in managing his condition. His previous challenges, including marathons, a triathlon, long-distance cycling, swimming and wing-walking, have raised nearly £750,000 for Parkinson's UK and other charities. Funds from the latest challenge will support Parkinson's UK and the Personal Best Foundation.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has received Myeloma UK’s Clinical Service Excellence Programme Award for the Haematology Team at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital. The trust achieved an excellent rating across all 10 assessment categories, covering care from referral and diagnosis through end-of-life support. Myeloma UK particularly praised the hospital’s Myeloma Walk and Talk sessions, which combine exercise, mental-wellbeing support and peer interaction, as well as staff efforts to involve patients in care decisions.

Nicki Tucker, who runs Newbury’s TUXchange pre-loved school uniform service in her spare time, says demand appears lower than last year after the closure of its physical shop at the Kennet Shopping Centre. She believes this does not indicate less need, but rather that families may no longer know where to find the service or may struggle to access its online replacement. TUXchange offers school uniform items for as little as 50p or £1, with free delivery supported by a foodbank, and does not require means testing or referrals. Tucker says local charities and social services are seeing greater demand for cost-of-living support and encourages families to use the online service before the new school year.

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust held its annual All Star Awards to recognise staff and volunteer contributions across the region. The Community In Reach Team won Clinical Team of the Year for helping ensure timely hospital discharges and prevent unnecessary admissions. Donna Smillie and Mel Jarvis received Compassionate Care Awards, while the Slough Older People’s Mental Health Living Well Programme Co-production Team won the Volunteer and Charitable Contribution Award. Sophie Widdison received the Bill Johnston Innovation Award, and Melanie Matthews was named Non-Clinical Colleague of the Year.

Police Now has opened applications for its 2027 National Graduate Programme, encouraging graduates in Berkshire to apply for trainee neighbourhood officer roles by the July 31 deadline. The two-year programme combines classroom instruction, 11 weeks of core policing training, on-the-job experience and ongoing coaching. Applicants do not need prior policing experience, but graduates generally need at least a 2:2 degree and must demonstrate motivation, resilience, analytical ability and a commitment to community-focused policing.

More than 100 firefighters responded to a woodland fire off Forest Lane in Tadley, which burned about four acres on the Hampshire-Berkshire border. Crews used specialist wildfire vehicles, water carriers and hose lines, worked overnight to contain deep-seated fire and hotspots, and continued monitoring the site after conditions improved. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service attributed the heightened risk to hot, dry weather and urged the public to avoid barbecues and campfires, extinguish smoking materials safely, and take rubbish home.

A new delicatessen called The Diddy Deli, created by Bladebone owner and head chef Richie Sanderson, is opening in Chapel Row, Bucklebury. It will serve coffee, drinks, pastries and a simple lunch menu, with counters offering meat, fish, vegetables, cheeses and other products from long-standing suppliers. The deli will provide next-day ordering and plans to sell Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone beer. Outdoor seating and air conditioning are included, and the opening is scheduled for July 24.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is proposing to renew a public spaces protection order that enforces tougher penalties for dog fouling, extending it to 2029. The order, in place since 2020, allows fixed penalties of £100 or prosecution for failing to clean up after dogs or not carrying waste bags. Councillor Laura James emphasized the priority of raising awareness but noted enforcement is necessary for persistent offenders. Residents can give feedback on the proposal until August 23.

Aston Merrygold and his family spent a day at Newbury’s Northcroft Lido, sharing a popular Instagram video of their visit. The post highlighted the pool’s slides, splash pad and soft play area operated by Everyone Active. Northcroft Leisure Centre announced an extended summer timetable, adding more family swimming sessions and updated SEN and disability swim times to meet seasonal demand.

Cruelty cases involving wild birds in England reached a five‑year high, with 359 incidents recorded during July and August 2025, nearly double the previous year. Hampshire and Berkshire were among the counties with the highest numbers, while Kent topped the list. The RSPCA attributes the rise to factors including misuse of weapons, copycat behaviour, harmful online content and poor understanding of animal welfare. The organisation is working with police and conservation groups via initiatives like Operation Lakeshot to combat wildlife crime and urges public support through its Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign.

A new children’s playground has opened in Newbury’s Knights Grove development, featuring recycled-material equipment and a wellbeing bench. Cala Homes Chiltern highlights the project as part of its environmental commitment, with the new space offering recreational and green areas for local families.

A sentencing hearing for Scott Laurie was postponed after his defence detailed severe personal trauma, including the murder of his brother, the deaths of both parents and his own suicide attempt. Despite a report recommending immediate imprisonment for breaching a suspended sentence order, the judge allowed additional psychiatric and probation assessments before sentencing, and remanded Laurie back into custody.

A man from Fleet was fined £12,270 and permanently banned from keeping cattle and pigs after being found guilty of inadequate care that repeatedly allowed his animals to escape onto a road in Highclere. The conviction followed a lengthy investigation by Hampshire County Council’s trading standards team. He was also sentenced for failing to appear at his initial trial after being arrested earlier this year.

John Oakes was found guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court of assaulting Michael Phillipson in Newbury in July 2025. Magistrates issued a 12‑month conditional discharge, noting significant provocation by the victim and declining a restraining order because both men live at the same address. Oakes must pay a statutory surcharge, and no costs were imposed due to his limited means.

A small chemical spill in a staff-only area at Beale Wildlife Park led to an evacuation and the temporary closure of new admissions while emergency services responded. One staff member was assessed and taken to the hospital as a precaution. Fire and rescue crews contained the spill, and normal operations resumed once the area was confirmed safe.

The UK Government approved a reorganisation merging West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse councils to create a new Ridgeway Council, with elections scheduled for 2027 and West Berkshire Council to be abolished in 2028. Tilehurst, Calcot and Holybrook will join the new authority after the rejection of Reading Borough Council’s boundary proposal. Some wards will transfer to Oxford City, partly for housing development. Officials anticipate administrative consolidation, significant cost savings and a reduction in councillor numbers. Local leaders including Jeff Brooks and MP Lee Dillon welcomed the decision while emphasising the need to maintain local representation.

A lorry fire on the A34 led to a heavy‑goods vehicle unloading a large pile of waste onto a northbound lay‑by, forcing a lane closure and causing delays. The rubbish pile measured over half the lorry’s height and stretched more than 10 metres. National Highways managed the response and clearance, with costs assigned to the waste carrier, while West Berkshire Council had no involvement or details regarding the waste’s origin or destination.

Fire crews in Berkshire responded to more than 35 outdoor fires over a three‑day period as hot, dry conditions raised the risk of wildfires. Incidents included major field fires near Hungerford Park and Upper Basildon, requiring support from multiple stations, specialized vehicles and drone assistance to identify hotspots. The fire service issued public safety guidance urging people to avoid bonfires, properly extinguish smoking materials, store gas canisters safely and call emergency services immediately when spotting a fire.

Concerns over South East Water’s ability to guarantee a sustainable supply for thousands of proposed new homes have disrupted Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s efforts to finalise its Local Plan. An updated water cycle study revealed that demand from planned developments may exceed available supply, compounded by delays to a transfer pipeline and an Environment Agency decision blocking continued abstraction from a natural source. The council warns it may miss the Government’s year‑end submission deadline and seeks an extension to avoid restarting the process under new rules. Conservative group leader Simon Minas‑Bound criticised the council for failing to anticipate infrastructure issues, arguing the delay increases the risk of speculative development across the borough.

Roc Technologies CEO Matt Franklin attended a government cyber security summit at Downing Street hosted by Secretary of State Liz Kendall. The company has signed the Government’s Cyber Resilience Pledge, reinforcing its commitment to supporting stronger national cyber resilience and contributing to the development of the new Cyber Action Plan. Franklin emphasized the need for collaboration between government and industry to protect essential services, systems and data.

A Berkshire charity walk organised by the Charlie Waller Trust will take place on October 10 to support children and young people’s mental health. The 16‑mile event begins and ends at Englefield House, with early registration discounts available. The trust emphasises the importance of funding its training and resources amid rising demand for mental health services, with more than a million children referred in England last year.

Newbury College presented 48 Career Academy Awards recognising student progress and contributions across its full-time study programmes. Best Development honoured academic, vocational and personal growth, while Best Contribution highlighted students who strengthened the college community. Awards were presented by CEO Lee Probert and Newbury mayor Jo Day during an event attended by students, families and staff.

A community-driven mural project in Tadley, initiated by the Youth Action Council, is progressing with support from two experienced artists. The mural, planned for a wall by Sainsbury’s near Starbucks, aims to reflect the town’s past and present while fostering local pride and collaboration across age groups. Public painting sessions will take place on July 20, 24 and 27, with the unveiling scheduled for August 10.

A large crowd attended the St Thomas’ Church summer fair in Woolton Hill, where food, games, craft stalls and children’s activities helped raise funds for the church. Organisers offered shaded indoor spaces alongside outdoor attractions including a hot air balloon demonstration and live music from the East Woodhay Silver Band.

Bus pass prices for Newbury students attending Queen Mary’s College in Basingstoke will rise from £750 to £1,380, an 84 percent increase attributed by the college to higher fuel, staffing, maintenance, and insurance costs. A parent criticised the hike as unreasonable during a cost-of-living crisis. The college stated the service is subsidised and priced to ensure its continuation for students.

Thatcham Town Council has opened entries for its first Thatcham in Bloom competition, inviting residents, schools, businesses and community groups to participate in a range of gardening and environmental categories. Entries close July 29, judging takes place in August and winners will be announced in September.

Sixteen months of sewer repair work by Thames Water in Greenham has concluded, ending prolonged disruption that included noise, road closures, traffic delays and foul smells. The utility company replaced more than 450 metres of sewer piping after repeated collapses caused flooding and blockages, with completion delayed several times due to the complexity of the job. Residents and local councillor Billy Drummond welcomed the early finish, praising contractors who worked extended hours to complete the project.

A Thatcham resident received a two-year, four-month prison sentence after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine. Police observed a drug deal at his home, pursued him across rooftops, arrested him in a nearby pub and recovered more than 10 grams of cocaine. Thames Valley Police emphasized ongoing efforts to disrupt drug supply and urged the public to report related activity.

An amber heat-health alert has been issued for West Berkshire as temperatures rise for a fourth consecutive day, with forecasts suggesting the heatwave may become one of the longest since 1976. The UKHSA warns that prolonged hot weather can strain health services and pose risks to vulnerable people, urging precautions and community support. Peak temperatures of up to 36°C are expected today and tomorrow, with the alert remaining in place until July 12.

Newbury’s lido is extending its family swim sessions as southern England enters its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to reach up to 35°C. An amber heat-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency, and the Met Office forecasts several days of hot conditions, though not as extreme as June’s record heatwave. Visitors are advised to book online as extended afternoon hours are introduced to accommodate increased demand.

Squirrel Lodge, a children’s home in Tadley, received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating for the second consecutive year, achieving top marks across all inspection categories. Inspectors highlighted the nurturing environment, strong leadership, and significant progress made by residents. Amegreen Children’s Services director Rachel Redgwell credited the team’s dedication and emphasized the importance of keeping children close to their communities, supported by social workers who advocate for them.

Delays in NHS wheelchair provision in West Berkshire have led MP Lee Dillon to warn that serious questions may be raised if improvements are not made. Residents with motor neurone disease, including Graham Attridge who has waited 18 months for equipment, report long waits and poor communication from provider AJM Healthcare. Dillon says multiple families have sought his help and that responses from the company have been slow. The NHS and AJM acknowledge challenges and say they are working to modernize the service and restore acceptable performance levels, with the local ICB focused on ensuring timely, high‑quality care.

Cheam School reports its highest-ever total of 25 scholarships, with 40 percent of Year 8 pupils receiving awards across academic and other categories. The achievement highlights the school’s non-selective ethos and coincides with headmaster Nick Milbank’s first full year in post. Pupils will progress to a range of prestigious senior schools including Eton, Wellington, and Winchester, marking a milestone in the school’s 380-year history.

An abandoned urn labeled with the name Gary Bonsor found at a Newbury Racecourse burger van was handed to police and eventually placed in the care of St Mary’s Church in Greenham after extensive investigations failed to identify any next of kin. Despite police checks with crematoriums and racecourse records, no identity could be confirmed. Following a petition to the Diocese of Oxford, the church received permission to bury the ashes, with the vicar emphasising the desire to provide a respectful resting place. Police continue to seek information that might help locate the deceased’s family.