Councillor Clive Hooker, the new chairman, was a magistrate for more than 30 years. The chairman role is the formal representative of West Berkshire Council. As well as chairing council meetings they officiate at civic functions and welcome distinguished visitors of national and international significance on behalf of the district. Cllr Hooker, who represents Downlands ward, was appointed to the role at West Berkshire Council’s Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 6. The new chairman said: “It’s an honour to have been elected as chairman. I’m looking forward to the year ahead and, Covid permitting, getting out and about to attend local events on behalf of the council.
Street drinking ban imposed in Newbury town centre
Public Space Protection Order also tackles anti-social behaviour );
);
West Berkshire Council is clamping down on street drinking and antisocial behaviour in Newbury town centre with a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).
It follows consultation with people who live, visit or work in the town centre last year, when respondents were asked about restrictions on certain behaviours.
More than 86.7 per cent of respondents supported the proposed street drinking restriction and 90.7 per cent backed the antisocial behaviour restriction.
If people are asked to stop their behaviour by a police officer or police community support officer, they must do so.
West Berkshire Council approves £345,000 London Road Industrial Estate spend
Council signs off phased redevelopment of estate
John Herring
);
THE “next steps along the road” to regenerating the London Road Industrial Estate (LRIE) have been taken after West Berkshire Council approved spending £345,000 over the next three years on relaunching the project.
The council’s ruling executive approved a phased approach to redevelop the site over the next 10 years at a meeting last week.
Regenerating the estate has been a long-held council ambition, but it has faced a number of set backs, including a Court of Appeal ruling setting the project, which cost £946,000, back to square one.