Bus shelter reprieved
7 September 2023
In an unexpected change of heart, Wokingham Borough Council has decided to withdraw its proposal to move the west bound service 19c bus stop opposite the Silverdale Road shops towards Allendale Road, and instead it will be left in its present location. This will ensure that the existing bus shelter can remain where it is.
This follows representations made by MERA that the existing bus shelter should be moved to the new location of the bus stop, which was refused. The case was made that the elderly and infirm needed the bus shelter to protect them against the elements and provide them with a seat in case there was a long wait for a delayed bus. It was also highlighted to Earley Town Council that if a new shelter could be installed, the seat should be horizontal so that bus users could use it to sit down rather than lean against.
Unfortunately, the Town Council has so far refused to install a new shelter, pointing out that the bus stop was located in an area that experienced anti-social behaviour, and the sloping seat prevented people from using the seats to loiter during night time hours.
MERA is continuing to look for alternatives, including the installation of more shelters along Silverdale Road.
7 September 2023
In an unexpected change of heart, Wokingham Borough Council has decided to withdraw its proposal to move the west bound service 19c bus stop opposite the Silverdale Road shops towards Allendale Road, and instead it will be left in its present location. This will ensure that the existing bus shelter can remain where it is.
This follows representations made by MERA that the existing bus shelter should be moved to the new location of the bus stop, which was refused. The case was made that the elderly and infirm needed the bus shelter to protect them against the elements and provide them with a seat in case there was a long wait for a delayed bus. It was also highlighted to Earley Town Council that if a new shelter could be installed, the seat should be horizontal so that bus users could use it to sit down rather than lean against.
Unfortunately, the Town Council has so far refused to install a new shelter, pointing out that the bus stop was located in an area that experienced anti-social behaviour, and the sloping seat prevented people from using the seats to loiter during night time hours.
MERA is continuing to look for alternatives, including the installation of more shelters along Silverdale Road.
Silverdale Road/Betchworth Avenue to close temporarily
7 September 2023
The section of Silverdale Road running from Betchworth Avenue to Lakeside and the small section of Betchworth Avenue from Andrews Road to Silverdale Road will be closed for resurfacing from 25 September 2023 between 8pm to 6am.
7 September 2023
The section of Silverdale Road running from Betchworth Avenue to Lakeside and the small section of Betchworth Avenue from Andrews Road to Silverdale Road will be closed for resurfacing from 25 September 2023 between 8pm to 6am.
Borough Council considers imposing 'school streets'
7 September 2023
Wokingham Borough Council is actively considering whether to close sections of road near schools at opening and closing times of Earley schools. Woodley would also be involved in the trial.
While some support exists for such measures, others complain that motorists are diverted along other roads, leading to more traffic and congestion on roads that currently flow freely during rush hour.
The council say that 48% of residents would accept slightly longer journeys by car to ensure that children were safe walking to and from schools. Should the scheme be implemented successfully, it would set the scene for such schemes to be established throughout the Borough.
Another proposal is that 20mph speed limits are imposed in all towns in the Wokingham Borough, claiming that such schemes reduce pollution and noise as well as speed, thus improving the lives of residents. However, others claim that 20mph streets would lead to cars bunching together, increasing congestion and also increasing pollution.
Public consultation on these proposals are proposed, and MERA's Executive Committee will be discussing the plans at its meeting on 14 September. In the meantime, if you have any strong views on the subject, please let us know so that we can respond appropriately to the consultation when it is commenced. You can go to our 'Contact Us' section on this website or you can email us directly to:
askmera.earley@gmail.com.
Please note the change of our contact address due to problems experienced with our previous emails.
7 September 2023
Wokingham Borough Council is actively considering whether to close sections of road near schools at opening and closing times of Earley schools. Woodley would also be involved in the trial.
While some support exists for such measures, others complain that motorists are diverted along other roads, leading to more traffic and congestion on roads that currently flow freely during rush hour.
The council say that 48% of residents would accept slightly longer journeys by car to ensure that children were safe walking to and from schools. Should the scheme be implemented successfully, it would set the scene for such schemes to be established throughout the Borough.
Another proposal is that 20mph speed limits are imposed in all towns in the Wokingham Borough, claiming that such schemes reduce pollution and noise as well as speed, thus improving the lives of residents. However, others claim that 20mph streets would lead to cars bunching together, increasing congestion and also increasing pollution.
Public consultation on these proposals are proposed, and MERA's Executive Committee will be discussing the plans at its meeting on 14 September. In the meantime, if you have any strong views on the subject, please let us know so that we can respond appropriately to the consultation when it is commenced. You can go to our 'Contact Us' section on this website or you can email us directly to:
askmera.earley@gmail.com.
Please note the change of our contact address due to problems experienced with our previous emails.
Bus timetable changes
2 September 2023
Reading Buses has made some minor timetable changes to its Little Oranges service 19a/b/c which come into effect on Monday 4 September 2023. There are adjustments to timings in the mornings on all services including the popular 9.50am service from Silverdale Road Shops (19c), which will now leave at 9.26am. There are fewer long gaps in the services in Beech Lane towards Asda in the mornings as well as adjustments to the morning rush hour services into town from Beech Lane (19b). An additional bus has been timetabled during the afternoons leaving Asda at 4.10pm, thus removing the two-hour gap that existed previously on Mondays to Fridays.
Full details of the changes to these and other services provided by Reading Buses can be viewed from the link below.
Timetable changes - Monday 4 September - Reading Buses (reading-buses.co.uk)
2 September 2023
Reading Buses has made some minor timetable changes to its Little Oranges service 19a/b/c which come into effect on Monday 4 September 2023. There are adjustments to timings in the mornings on all services including the popular 9.50am service from Silverdale Road Shops (19c), which will now leave at 9.26am. There are fewer long gaps in the services in Beech Lane towards Asda in the mornings as well as adjustments to the morning rush hour services into town from Beech Lane (19b). An additional bus has been timetabled during the afternoons leaving Asda at 4.10pm, thus removing the two-hour gap that existed previously on Mondays to Fridays.
Full details of the changes to these and other services provided by Reading Buses can be viewed from the link below.
Timetable changes - Monday 4 September - Reading Buses (reading-buses.co.uk)
Silverdale Road highway improvements: road closure
19 August 2023
MERA has been advised that overnight road closures will take place on Silverdale Road on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 August 2023. The road will be closed between 8pm and 6am on both nights and will re-open again for daytime traffic.
The road works will include re-surfacing of the carriageway between Allendale Road and Sevenoaks Road, installation of additional lining and speed limit roundels as well as some minor signage installations. This work is partially designed to improve safety for pedestrians, and MERA is currently involved in pushing for further measures to minimise the dangers for schoolchildren at school opening and closing times.
Should the works be delayed for any reason, including the weather conditions during this time, re-scheduling of these works may be necessary.
19 August 2023
MERA has been advised that overnight road closures will take place on Silverdale Road on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 August 2023. The road will be closed between 8pm and 6am on both nights and will re-open again for daytime traffic.
The road works will include re-surfacing of the carriageway between Allendale Road and Sevenoaks Road, installation of additional lining and speed limit roundels as well as some minor signage installations. This work is partially designed to improve safety for pedestrians, and MERA is currently involved in pushing for further measures to minimise the dangers for schoolchildren at school opening and closing times.
Should the works be delayed for any reason, including the weather conditions during this time, re-scheduling of these works may be necessary.
Council proposes cuts to litter bins, grass cutting, street cleansing and more
17 August 2023
MERA's Executive Committee noted with dismay at its meeting on 10 August the council's proposals to save a comparatively modest £300,000 per year by reducing further the number of litter bins, grass cutting events and street cleansing within the Borough. MERA Secretary Steve Feltham expressed concern that the proposals would result in a detrimental appearance for Maiden Erlegh and indeed the whole of the Wokingham Borough. Residents faced the prospect of having unsightly litter strewn areas, long, unkempt grass verges and dirty streets, which were likely to impact negatively on house prices and create an environment that felt unsafe.
The litter bins proposed to be discontinued that may affect Maiden Erlegh residents include:
- Avalon Road (at staggered cross roads)
- Nature reserve (Old Pond Copse, playground and western field - 3 bins)
- Maiden Erlegh Drive (two out of three bins)
- Station Road (at junction with Wokingham Road)
- Wokingham Road (Our Lady of Peace, Mays Lane, bus stop midway between Station Road and Amber Close, both bus stops at The George - 5 bins)
- Rushey Way (just to the west of Beech Lane)
The late Peter Soul set up a voluntary organisation called EASI to address the growing litter problem, which was remarkably successful, and today voluntary litter pickers operate over much of Earley to assist the council in keeping the area tidy. Unfortunately, the latest proposals will seriously undermine these efforts and with little apparent benefit to the council's overall financial situation.
Concurrently, MERA is discussing with Maiden Erlegh councillors litter problems that occur during school term time in The Parade, and it has put forward a proposal to deal with this. We hope to be able to come to an agreement that will address this problem.
The council is conducting a survey on these proposals, which also include cuts to weed spraying, bottle banks storage area cleaning and so on. The survey can be found on the council's website and the matter will be discussed by the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 2 October and finalised at the Executive Committee on 26 October 2023.
Project • Proposed changes to street cleaning and grounds... (wokingham.gov.uk)
17 August 2023
MERA's Executive Committee noted with dismay at its meeting on 10 August the council's proposals to save a comparatively modest £300,000 per year by reducing further the number of litter bins, grass cutting events and street cleansing within the Borough. MERA Secretary Steve Feltham expressed concern that the proposals would result in a detrimental appearance for Maiden Erlegh and indeed the whole of the Wokingham Borough. Residents faced the prospect of having unsightly litter strewn areas, long, unkempt grass verges and dirty streets, which were likely to impact negatively on house prices and create an environment that felt unsafe.
The litter bins proposed to be discontinued that may affect Maiden Erlegh residents include:
- Avalon Road (at staggered cross roads)
- Nature reserve (Old Pond Copse, playground and western field - 3 bins)
- Maiden Erlegh Drive (two out of three bins)
- Station Road (at junction with Wokingham Road)
- Wokingham Road (Our Lady of Peace, Mays Lane, bus stop midway between Station Road and Amber Close, both bus stops at The George - 5 bins)
- Rushey Way (just to the west of Beech Lane)
The late Peter Soul set up a voluntary organisation called EASI to address the growing litter problem, which was remarkably successful, and today voluntary litter pickers operate over much of Earley to assist the council in keeping the area tidy. Unfortunately, the latest proposals will seriously undermine these efforts and with little apparent benefit to the council's overall financial situation.
Concurrently, MERA is discussing with Maiden Erlegh councillors litter problems that occur during school term time in The Parade, and it has put forward a proposal to deal with this. We hope to be able to come to an agreement that will address this problem.
The council is conducting a survey on these proposals, which also include cuts to weed spraying, bottle banks storage area cleaning and so on. The survey can be found on the council's website and the matter will be discussed by the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 2 October and finalised at the Executive Committee on 26 October 2023.
Project • Proposed changes to street cleaning and grounds... (wokingham.gov.uk)
Increased circulation for MERA Magazine
30 July 2023
Following an agreement with the Whitegates Residents' Association ACER, our popular MERA Magazine will be widened to those North Earley residents who join our sister Association from November 2023. This will help ACER to increase their membership and it will also enable MERA to keep its subscription price of £1 per year per household at its present level.
30 July 2023
Following an agreement with the Whitegates Residents' Association ACER, our popular MERA Magazine will be widened to those North Earley residents who join our sister Association from November 2023. This will help ACER to increase their membership and it will also enable MERA to keep its subscription price of £1 per year per household at its present level.
Request for trees on Lakeside refused
30 July 2023
Following almost unanimous support amongst Lakeside members, an application was made to Wokingham Borough Council for small trees to be planted on the grass verges to deter motorists from using the verges to park their cars.
Sad to say, the council has not been able to agree to the MERA proposals because the width of the verges is less than 2 metres, which would make them unsuitable for planting trees due to the close proximity to the roadside. Not only that, but a high pressure gas pipe runs underneath the verges, which would restrict the number of trees that could be planted in any case.
30 July 2023
Following almost unanimous support amongst Lakeside members, an application was made to Wokingham Borough Council for small trees to be planted on the grass verges to deter motorists from using the verges to park their cars.
Sad to say, the council has not been able to agree to the MERA proposals because the width of the verges is less than 2 metres, which would make them unsuitable for planting trees due to the close proximity to the roadside. Not only that, but a high pressure gas pipe runs underneath the verges, which would restrict the number of trees that could be planted in any case.
Canada geese causing consternation
30 July 2023
The Canada Geese have been very prolific this year, and many residents and visitors have marvelled at the sight of these birds. The children who see them are fascinated to watch them 'doing their rounds' walking along Lakeside and surrounding roads.
However, not everyone is happy with the situation, with residents complaining about the mess they leave on pavements, front lawns and drives. MERA is liaising with local councillors and Earley Town Council to establish what can be done to alleviate the problem, and measures will be discussed at the next Executive meeting of the Association on 10 August.
30 July 2023
The Canada Geese have been very prolific this year, and many residents and visitors have marvelled at the sight of these birds. The children who see them are fascinated to watch them 'doing their rounds' walking along Lakeside and surrounding roads.
However, not everyone is happy with the situation, with residents complaining about the mess they leave on pavements, front lawns and drives. MERA is liaising with local councillors and Earley Town Council to establish what can be done to alleviate the problem, and measures will be discussed at the next Executive meeting of the Association on 10 August.
Earley Green Fair
30 July 2023
The Earley Green Fair returns on Saturday 5 August from 10am to 3pm. It will be held as usual at the Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve in the field adjacent to the cycleway connecting Lakeside with Beech Lane.
30 July 2023
The Earley Green Fair returns on Saturday 5 August from 10am to 3pm. It will be held as usual at the Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve in the field adjacent to the cycleway connecting Lakeside with Beech Lane.
MERA welcomes new members
30 July 2023
MERA is pleased to announce that its membership has extended to the Aldbourne Avenue area of Maiden Erlegh. The new area embraces Aldbourne Avenue, Ramsbury Drive and The Knapp. We extend a warm welcome to all our new members.
At its meeting on 13 July, MERA's Executive Committee elected two joint Area Representatives to serve the new roads added to the catchment area. They are Vivien Canning and Bob Collins, and they will be raising member concerns that are brought to their attention with the committee, which meets monthly.
The summer edition of the MERA Magazine is now available and you should be receiving it shortly.
30 July 2023
MERA is pleased to announce that its membership has extended to the Aldbourne Avenue area of Maiden Erlegh. The new area embraces Aldbourne Avenue, Ramsbury Drive and The Knapp. We extend a warm welcome to all our new members.
At its meeting on 13 July, MERA's Executive Committee elected two joint Area Representatives to serve the new roads added to the catchment area. They are Vivien Canning and Bob Collins, and they will be raising member concerns that are brought to their attention with the committee, which meets monthly.
The summer edition of the MERA Magazine is now available and you should be receiving it shortly.
Laurel Park traffic problems continue
29 June 2023
Marefield residents continue to be dissatisfied with the traffic congestion and car parking issues caused by football events at Laurel Park. The Borough Council appears not to be interested in providing a new car park at the Rushey Way end of the upper field and an access on the perimeter of the field to the existing car park, which is the preferred option of the Marefield area residents.
MERA Secretary Steve Feltham assisted Marefield residents in looking at the various options available as put forward by the Football Club at a recent 'Zoom' online meeting, and concluded that the new car park and a one-way track around the field linking to The Pavilion area was the only one that appealed. It was agreed with the residents that the new car park and the track around the field perimeter should be on grass and protected by netting designed for that purpose, rather than on tarmac.
We will keep you updated on progress.
29 June 2023
Marefield residents continue to be dissatisfied with the traffic congestion and car parking issues caused by football events at Laurel Park. The Borough Council appears not to be interested in providing a new car park at the Rushey Way end of the upper field and an access on the perimeter of the field to the existing car park, which is the preferred option of the Marefield area residents.
MERA Secretary Steve Feltham assisted Marefield residents in looking at the various options available as put forward by the Football Club at a recent 'Zoom' online meeting, and concluded that the new car park and a one-way track around the field linking to The Pavilion area was the only one that appealed. It was agreed with the residents that the new car park and the track around the field perimeter should be on grass and protected by netting designed for that purpose, rather than on tarmac.
We will keep you updated on progress.
MERA continues to press for safety improvements at The Parade
29 June 2023
We have reached an agreement with the Borough Council that the proposed one-way system at The Parade shops off Silverdale Road will require a 'no parking' area at the new entrance opposite Yan Yan's on the Silverdale Road side of the car park. This will avoid the pinch point at the narrow entrance. MERA has insisted from the start that a 'no parking' bay should be marked out at that point to ensure that vehicles can enter the car park without obstruction. The council has advised us that double yellow lines will be marked out at that spot to enable vehicles to turn into the car park safely.
MERA's further request for the parking bays to be marked out have been refused.
The arrangements that will be introduced will not resolve the safety issues for schoolchildren along the driveway into Aldryngton and Maiden Erlegh Schools as requested by the Parent Teachers Association, but MERA has requested further measures to improve the situation.
29 June 2023
We have reached an agreement with the Borough Council that the proposed one-way system at The Parade shops off Silverdale Road will require a 'no parking' area at the new entrance opposite Yan Yan's on the Silverdale Road side of the car park. This will avoid the pinch point at the narrow entrance. MERA has insisted from the start that a 'no parking' bay should be marked out at that point to ensure that vehicles can enter the car park without obstruction. The council has advised us that double yellow lines will be marked out at that spot to enable vehicles to turn into the car park safely.
MERA's further request for the parking bays to be marked out have been refused.
The arrangements that will be introduced will not resolve the safety issues for schoolchildren along the driveway into Aldryngton and Maiden Erlegh Schools as requested by the Parent Teachers Association, but MERA has requested further measures to improve the situation.
Brookside General Practice to close down e-Consult forms
29 May 2023
Brookside General Practice will cease to require e-Consult forms to be completed from 20 June 2023, when a new online system becomes available that has been described as 'easy and simple for patients to use'.
MERA discussed patient dissatisfaction with the e-Consult forms when officers met with General Manager Sarah Rutland and Dr Amit Sharma. They agreed that the form was not perfect and they told us that they had submitted suggestions for this to be improved. However, it now appears that a new system called 'Anima' will be rolled out across the country on 20 June, and this will enable patients to book appointments (without having to complete lengthy free text) and to track their requests.
We are hopeful that the new arrangements will improve matters for patients and we will be monitoring it to see how it operates in practice. For more details, please go to this link:
Anima | Brookside Group Practice
29 May 2023
Brookside General Practice will cease to require e-Consult forms to be completed from 20 June 2023, when a new online system becomes available that has been described as 'easy and simple for patients to use'.
MERA discussed patient dissatisfaction with the e-Consult forms when officers met with General Manager Sarah Rutland and Dr Amit Sharma. They agreed that the form was not perfect and they told us that they had submitted suggestions for this to be improved. However, it now appears that a new system called 'Anima' will be rolled out across the country on 20 June, and this will enable patients to book appointments (without having to complete lengthy free text) and to track their requests.
We are hopeful that the new arrangements will improve matters for patients and we will be monitoring it to see how it operates in practice. For more details, please go to this link:
Anima | Brookside Group Practice
MERA AGM approves expansion of catchment area
29 May 2023
At the MERA's AGM on 11 May, members approved a proposal that the Executive Committee should be empowered to expand the catchment area of the association within the historical boundaries of Maiden Erlegh, subject to demand and within the conditional arrangements agreed at the AGM. The proposal would increase MERA's influence, provide a larger pool of members able and willing to take on officer roles and enable MERA to keep member subscriptions to £1 per annum.
Members also approved a proposal to offer Marefield area residents and those living on the linked roads to reflect the dual interests that exist in relation to Laurel Park.
29 May 2023
At the MERA's AGM on 11 May, members approved a proposal that the Executive Committee should be empowered to expand the catchment area of the association within the historical boundaries of Maiden Erlegh, subject to demand and within the conditional arrangements agreed at the AGM. The proposal would increase MERA's influence, provide a larger pool of members able and willing to take on officer roles and enable MERA to keep member subscriptions to £1 per annum.
Members also approved a proposal to offer Marefield area residents and those living on the linked roads to reflect the dual interests that exist in relation to Laurel Park.
Speedwatch scheme received with interest
29 May 2023
Members attending the MERA AGM on 11 May showed considerable interest in the Speedwatch arrangements that have been implemented across the country. MERA is aware of the concerns of motorists who drive too fast through residential estates and there appears to be keen interest in signing up to the scheme. If this interest translates into residents putting their names forward, we can look forward to Speedwatch sites being set up across Earley.
The meeting was assured that the Speedwatch scheme was not anti-motorist, but instead was designed to alert motorists to the fact that their speed had been logged and that they should comply with the speed limits in order to avoid a fine or prosecution. Unless the speed was excessive, there were two warnings given before any further action was taken.
The scheme had proved remarkably successful throughout the country, with a 92.7% success rate following the first warning letter.
If you wish to know more about the scheme or wish to join Speedwatch either as a Co-ordinator or as part of a team, simply click on the link below and you will find further information including how to apply.
Community Speedwatch - Thames Valley PCC (thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk)
29 May 2023
Members attending the MERA AGM on 11 May showed considerable interest in the Speedwatch arrangements that have been implemented across the country. MERA is aware of the concerns of motorists who drive too fast through residential estates and there appears to be keen interest in signing up to the scheme. If this interest translates into residents putting their names forward, we can look forward to Speedwatch sites being set up across Earley.
The meeting was assured that the Speedwatch scheme was not anti-motorist, but instead was designed to alert motorists to the fact that their speed had been logged and that they should comply with the speed limits in order to avoid a fine or prosecution. Unless the speed was excessive, there were two warnings given before any further action was taken.
The scheme had proved remarkably successful throughout the country, with a 92.7% success rate following the first warning letter.
If you wish to know more about the scheme or wish to join Speedwatch either as a Co-ordinator or as part of a team, simply click on the link below and you will find further information including how to apply.
Community Speedwatch - Thames Valley PCC (thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk)
Parking too close to junctions
24 April 2023
We have been alerted by some MERA members that there is a growing problem of cars parked too close to junctions, which causes an increased danger of collision as vehicles enter a road and finding a motorist already on their side of the road attempting to negotiate a row of parked cars. We have tried to resolve this by requesting double yellow lines on the junctions causing the worst problems, such as Kenton Road/Silverdale Road, but due to the existing provision in the Highway Code that parking should not be within 10 metres of a junction, the yellow lines have reflected this. However, it is insufficient to address the problem and so the Executive Committee has agreed to see if the Highway Code can be amended to allow a greater distance to prohibit parking within 15 or 20 metres in front of a junction.
The Secretary has contacted the National Organisation of Residents' Associations to establish whether this is a common problem in other parts of the country, and if so, a national campaign may be considered.
24 April 2023
We have been alerted by some MERA members that there is a growing problem of cars parked too close to junctions, which causes an increased danger of collision as vehicles enter a road and finding a motorist already on their side of the road attempting to negotiate a row of parked cars. We have tried to resolve this by requesting double yellow lines on the junctions causing the worst problems, such as Kenton Road/Silverdale Road, but due to the existing provision in the Highway Code that parking should not be within 10 metres of a junction, the yellow lines have reflected this. However, it is insufficient to address the problem and so the Executive Committee has agreed to see if the Highway Code can be amended to allow a greater distance to prohibit parking within 15 or 20 metres in front of a junction.
The Secretary has contacted the National Organisation of Residents' Associations to establish whether this is a common problem in other parts of the country, and if so, a national campaign may be considered.
Council confirms it is considering roundabout at Gipsy Lane
24 April 2023
Following the submission of a petition to install a roundabout at the junction of Gipsy Lane and Rushey Way after MERA members pointed out the problems in exiting onto Rushey Way during busy periods, the council has finally confirmed that it will carry out a site assessment 'so that a fully informed d,ecision can be made whether or not that a mini roundabout is suitable at this location'.
The Borough Council will consider various factors in assessing the site, including existing accident data, current traffic flows, existing traffic speeds, carriageway width/visibility, existing lighting and drainage.
MERA is aware that the proposal may fall due to the space available to put in place a mini roundabout, although in comparison to other mini roundabouts - particularly the one at Carshalton Way - the requirement does not appear to be that great. There is some room for expanding the highway at this point, although this is very limited.
MERA members who attended our last AGM were clear that they preferred a mini roundabout at this location rather than traffic lights.
24 April 2023
Following the submission of a petition to install a roundabout at the junction of Gipsy Lane and Rushey Way after MERA members pointed out the problems in exiting onto Rushey Way during busy periods, the council has finally confirmed that it will carry out a site assessment 'so that a fully informed d,ecision can be made whether or not that a mini roundabout is suitable at this location'.
The Borough Council will consider various factors in assessing the site, including existing accident data, current traffic flows, existing traffic speeds, carriageway width/visibility, existing lighting and drainage.
MERA is aware that the proposal may fall due to the space available to put in place a mini roundabout, although in comparison to other mini roundabouts - particularly the one at Carshalton Way - the requirement does not appear to be that great. There is some room for expanding the highway at this point, although this is very limited.
MERA members who attended our last AGM were clear that they preferred a mini roundabout at this location rather than traffic lights.
MERA AGM to consider expanding catchment area
20 April 2023
All MERA members will receive an invitation to attend the Annual General Meeting to be held at St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue, Earley on Thursday 11 May. The meeting commences at 8pm and refreshments will be available from 7.30pm. We hope you will be able to attend.
Our speaker will be PC Turnham, who is the Community Speedwatch Co-ordinator for Thames Valley Police. He will be speaking to us about the Speedwatch Scheme, which is designed to make motorists aware of the need to keep to the speed limits imposed in residential areas. This is in response to the many concerns that are raised by residents up and down the country, and the purpose is to make motorists aware that their driving behaviour will be monitored and penalties will apply if they continue to ignore speed limits. The aim is to educate rather than penalise motorists who may be inadvertently putting lives at risk by their behaviour. If you would like to participate in recording the speeds of drivers in the local areas designated by the police, or you simply want to know more about Speedwatch, this will be of interest to you.
We will also be discussing proposals to expand MERA's catchment area to fill the gaps in the coverage of Maiden Erlegh by the Association. This follows a continuing stream of requests received from residents outside the area designated in our Constitution to be permitted to join. The Executive Committee considers that there would be a number of advantages to such a move, including an increase in revenue to enable us to keep our subscriptions to £1 per year; the increased authority with which we can negotiate with councils and service providers in the area (on the basis that MERA represents all Maiden Erlegh residents); and the ability to elect officers of the Executive Committee from an increased pool of members.
The agenda can be found in the following attachment. Copies will be available at the meeting.
20 April 2023
All MERA members will receive an invitation to attend the Annual General Meeting to be held at St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue, Earley on Thursday 11 May. The meeting commences at 8pm and refreshments will be available from 7.30pm. We hope you will be able to attend.
Our speaker will be PC Turnham, who is the Community Speedwatch Co-ordinator for Thames Valley Police. He will be speaking to us about the Speedwatch Scheme, which is designed to make motorists aware of the need to keep to the speed limits imposed in residential areas. This is in response to the many concerns that are raised by residents up and down the country, and the purpose is to make motorists aware that their driving behaviour will be monitored and penalties will apply if they continue to ignore speed limits. The aim is to educate rather than penalise motorists who may be inadvertently putting lives at risk by their behaviour. If you would like to participate in recording the speeds of drivers in the local areas designated by the police, or you simply want to know more about Speedwatch, this will be of interest to you.
We will also be discussing proposals to expand MERA's catchment area to fill the gaps in the coverage of Maiden Erlegh by the Association. This follows a continuing stream of requests received from residents outside the area designated in our Constitution to be permitted to join. The Executive Committee considers that there would be a number of advantages to such a move, including an increase in revenue to enable us to keep our subscriptions to £1 per year; the increased authority with which we can negotiate with councils and service providers in the area (on the basis that MERA represents all Maiden Erlegh residents); and the ability to elect officers of the Executive Committee from an increased pool of members.
The agenda can be found in the following attachment. Copies will be available at the meeting.
| 2023 MERA AGM agenda |
Maximum £2 bus fare offer extended
8 March 2023
The government scheme to cap single fares at a maximum of £2 has been extended for another three months. It is hoped that this arrangement will encourage people to leave their cars at home and use the buses instead, thereby restoring the number of passengers to pre-Covid levels, as well as reducing congestion and pollution from vehicle emissions.
8 March 2023
The government scheme to cap single fares at a maximum of £2 has been extended for another three months. It is hoped that this arrangement will encourage people to leave their cars at home and use the buses instead, thereby restoring the number of passengers to pre-Covid levels, as well as reducing congestion and pollution from vehicle emissions.
Council invites residents to celebrate the King's Coronation
8 March 2023
After the success of the street parties that were held last year to celebrate the late Queen's Jubilee, Wokingham Borough Council wants to support residents who wish to do the same this year. The council has waived its usual road closure charges to enable us to celebrate the event safely during the coronation bank holiday weekend, which is 6,7 and 8 May this year. So if you want to obtain permission to close your road to enable a street party to take place, you need to apply on the council's website by no later than 16 April 2023.
8 March 2023
After the success of the street parties that were held last year to celebrate the late Queen's Jubilee, Wokingham Borough Council wants to support residents who wish to do the same this year. The council has waived its usual road closure charges to enable us to celebrate the event safely during the coronation bank holiday weekend, which is 6,7 and 8 May this year. So if you want to obtain permission to close your road to enable a street party to take place, you need to apply on the council's website by no later than 16 April 2023.
Protective stones on grass verges ruled "illegal"
20 February 2023
Following information received by MERA that the Borough Council's policy and application form for permission to place stones on their grass verges had disappeared, we asked Cllr Paul Fishwick what had happened to it. He responded:
"The placing of objects, such as stones on the highway is illegal and therefore I was somewhat surprised to receive your mail request with the application form [which MERA had provided as evidence of the policy]. I investigated this further and understand that for a short time, the Borough Council did allow stones to be placed on the highway to protect verges.
"Section 142 of the Highways Act allows for the planting of trees, bushes, and flowers and to maintain grass, not the placing of stones. Therefore, the council is unable to authorise the placing of objects such as stones on the highway."
MERA is aware that some of its members have taken advantage of the Borough Council's scheme while it was in operation and need to be aware that they no longer have permission for stones to be in place on their grass verges. Members should be aware that motorists may make claims against those who keep the stones in place for any damage caused to their vehicles if they inadvertently make contact with the stones.
On the bright side, trees are permitted to be planted by the highways authority on grass verges, and MERA is actively pursuing a proposal to plant small trees on Maiden Erlegh's verges to discourage motorists from parking there, because this practice damages the verge, making them look unsightly.
In the meantime, there are hopes that the proposed legislation to ban parking on pavements and grass verges will gain Royal Assent towards the end of the year. This would allow the council to ticket cars that were found parked in this way, thereby discouraging obstruction of the highway, which was causing inconvenience to pedestrians and people using disability scooters.
20 February 2023
Following information received by MERA that the Borough Council's policy and application form for permission to place stones on their grass verges had disappeared, we asked Cllr Paul Fishwick what had happened to it. He responded:
"The placing of objects, such as stones on the highway is illegal and therefore I was somewhat surprised to receive your mail request with the application form [which MERA had provided as evidence of the policy]. I investigated this further and understand that for a short time, the Borough Council did allow stones to be placed on the highway to protect verges.
"Section 142 of the Highways Act allows for the planting of trees, bushes, and flowers and to maintain grass, not the placing of stones. Therefore, the council is unable to authorise the placing of objects such as stones on the highway."
MERA is aware that some of its members have taken advantage of the Borough Council's scheme while it was in operation and need to be aware that they no longer have permission for stones to be in place on their grass verges. Members should be aware that motorists may make claims against those who keep the stones in place for any damage caused to their vehicles if they inadvertently make contact with the stones.
On the bright side, trees are permitted to be planted by the highways authority on grass verges, and MERA is actively pursuing a proposal to plant small trees on Maiden Erlegh's verges to discourage motorists from parking there, because this practice damages the verge, making them look unsightly.
In the meantime, there are hopes that the proposed legislation to ban parking on pavements and grass verges will gain Royal Assent towards the end of the year. This would allow the council to ticket cars that were found parked in this way, thereby discouraging obstruction of the highway, which was causing inconvenience to pedestrians and people using disability scooters.
Bus services get a reprieve - for now
20 February 2023
Maiden Erlegh bus services provided by the Little Oranges 19 services have received a welcome reprieve from Wokingham Borough Council. The local authority has agreed to extend their subsidy for these services until at least September 2026.
Cllr Fishwick, the Borough Council's Lead Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways told MERA that he was successful in asking the Executive to approve the use of available Section 106 funding, which was finite, and would only sustain bus services for the extended existing contract which would expire in 5 months, plus a 3-year new contract. Cllr Clive Jones, Leader of the Council reassured us: "The decision to support these services for 3 years is a big step" and stated: "I think it shows our commitment to maintain bus services where we can."
MERA's goal is to find a long term solution to the need to reduce subsidisation to this service by improving connections with places that Maiden Erlegh residents want to visit. Two ideas the Association has submitted are a link with the 21 services at Kilnsea Drive to connect with Chalfont (for access to Asda, Earley Library and the doctor's surgery) or alternatively a link with Wokingham via the new Toutley Road estate to the north of the A329 between the Hatch Farm Way/Longdon Road roundabout and Wokingham Town Centre.
The present position is that Reading Buses is not minded to alter some Claret 21 journeys to accommodate the Maiden Erlegh proposal, and Wokingham Borough Council has ruled out the Wokingham connection for the time being. Cllr Fishwick told MERA: "It would require more buses being introduced into the network, even with only an hourly service, and therefore over and above what we have available for retaining existing bus services."
While MERA accepts that its proposal would require some pump priming, it points out that one of the required buses could be utilised from the Little Oranges for the proposed route, thus reducing the cost. A further point to note is that the new route would create new demand, with Toutley Road estate and Hatch Farm Way residents gaining a bus service directly to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and Reading Town Centre for the first time.
However, for the time being, a continued bus service for Maiden Erlegh appears to be guaranteed until 2026. We hope that the number of passengers will continue to rise to pre-Covid levels and that our members will make a determined effort to leave their cars at home to catch the bus where possible in the future. This will help reduce the council's subsidy and protect our bus services in the future.
20 February 2023
Maiden Erlegh bus services provided by the Little Oranges 19 services have received a welcome reprieve from Wokingham Borough Council. The local authority has agreed to extend their subsidy for these services until at least September 2026.
Cllr Fishwick, the Borough Council's Lead Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways told MERA that he was successful in asking the Executive to approve the use of available Section 106 funding, which was finite, and would only sustain bus services for the extended existing contract which would expire in 5 months, plus a 3-year new contract. Cllr Clive Jones, Leader of the Council reassured us: "The decision to support these services for 3 years is a big step" and stated: "I think it shows our commitment to maintain bus services where we can."
MERA's goal is to find a long term solution to the need to reduce subsidisation to this service by improving connections with places that Maiden Erlegh residents want to visit. Two ideas the Association has submitted are a link with the 21 services at Kilnsea Drive to connect with Chalfont (for access to Asda, Earley Library and the doctor's surgery) or alternatively a link with Wokingham via the new Toutley Road estate to the north of the A329 between the Hatch Farm Way/Longdon Road roundabout and Wokingham Town Centre.
The present position is that Reading Buses is not minded to alter some Claret 21 journeys to accommodate the Maiden Erlegh proposal, and Wokingham Borough Council has ruled out the Wokingham connection for the time being. Cllr Fishwick told MERA: "It would require more buses being introduced into the network, even with only an hourly service, and therefore over and above what we have available for retaining existing bus services."
While MERA accepts that its proposal would require some pump priming, it points out that one of the required buses could be utilised from the Little Oranges for the proposed route, thus reducing the cost. A further point to note is that the new route would create new demand, with Toutley Road estate and Hatch Farm Way residents gaining a bus service directly to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and Reading Town Centre for the first time.
However, for the time being, a continued bus service for Maiden Erlegh appears to be guaranteed until 2026. We hope that the number of passengers will continue to rise to pre-Covid levels and that our members will make a determined effort to leave their cars at home to catch the bus where possible in the future. This will help reduce the council's subsidy and protect our bus services in the future.
Council orders a cessation of work on 3G football pitch at Maiden Erlegh School
13 February 2023
The campaign to halt work on the assessment of the Maiden Erlegh playing field as a location for a new 3G football pitch has succeeded, and the news has been received with a cry of joy from some Avalon Road and Sevenoaks Road residents.
Although the council cites increasing costs and a reducing budget for the decision, it was clear from the start that the impact on those residents closest to the new pitch would have been unacceptable, with their view of the field obliterated with the levelling of the field, raising it by 5 feet, and the erection of an ugly acoustic fence next to their properties. Doubts have been expressed about whether such a plan could obtain planning permission.
The council has decided to order a strategic review of football pitch provision which will inform the council of the most likely locations for 3G football pitches in the Wokingham Borough.
13 February 2023
The campaign to halt work on the assessment of the Maiden Erlegh playing field as a location for a new 3G football pitch has succeeded, and the news has been received with a cry of joy from some Avalon Road and Sevenoaks Road residents.
Although the council cites increasing costs and a reducing budget for the decision, it was clear from the start that the impact on those residents closest to the new pitch would have been unacceptable, with their view of the field obliterated with the levelling of the field, raising it by 5 feet, and the erection of an ugly acoustic fence next to their properties. Doubts have been expressed about whether such a plan could obtain planning permission.
The council has decided to order a strategic review of football pitch provision which will inform the council of the most likely locations for 3G football pitches in the Wokingham Borough.
MERA succeeds in saving car parking spaces at The Parade
13 February 2023
MERA has successfully argued that the proposal to reduce drastically the number of parking spaces at The Parade should be scrapped. Instead, the one-way traffic plan will be implemented in a way that preserves as many car parking spaces as possible. The loading bay at the front of the shops has been removed from the plans also, after MERA argued that the loading area should be at the back of the shops.
Regular users of the car park will be aware that there is a pinch point in the car park next to Yan Yan's and MERA suggested that to ensure the free flow of traffic, the parking bays should be marked out. Agreement on this is awaited.
The Borough Council has been advised by MERA that the plans put forward by the local authority would not resolve the safety issues raised by the PTAs of the schools. What is required is an extension of the railings to the pedestrian crossing point, and for a crossing to be painted onto the road. This would protect children from the road where the telephone box is situated and also ensure that cars would tend to give way to pedestrians at this dangerous point in the school access road. The council has been asked to consider this solution to accommodate the safety concerns that have been raised.
There has been no agreement to date on moving the bus shelter to the new location of the bus stop.
13 February 2023
MERA has successfully argued that the proposal to reduce drastically the number of parking spaces at The Parade should be scrapped. Instead, the one-way traffic plan will be implemented in a way that preserves as many car parking spaces as possible. The loading bay at the front of the shops has been removed from the plans also, after MERA argued that the loading area should be at the back of the shops.
Regular users of the car park will be aware that there is a pinch point in the car park next to Yan Yan's and MERA suggested that to ensure the free flow of traffic, the parking bays should be marked out. Agreement on this is awaited.
The Borough Council has been advised by MERA that the plans put forward by the local authority would not resolve the safety issues raised by the PTAs of the schools. What is required is an extension of the railings to the pedestrian crossing point, and for a crossing to be painted onto the road. This would protect children from the road where the telephone box is situated and also ensure that cars would tend to give way to pedestrians at this dangerous point in the school access road. The council has been asked to consider this solution to accommodate the safety concerns that have been raised.
There has been no agreement to date on moving the bus shelter to the new location of the bus stop.
Voters now need proof of identity
27 January 2023
If you are intending to go to a polling station to vote at the local elections to be held next May, or at any elections in the future, you will now need proof of identity. Appropriate forms of ID that will be acceptable include a passport, photo driving licence, blue badge, certain concessionary travel cards carrying a photograph and identity cards with Proof of Age Standards Scheme mark.
Most people will have some form of acceptable ID, but those who do not can apply to Wokingham Borough Council, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online. Paper applications are now available from the Borough's Electoral Registration Team. Either apply online at electoralservices@wokingham.gov.uk or give the council a call on (0118) 974 6000.
For more information, please click on this link: How to vote : Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
27 January 2023
If you are intending to go to a polling station to vote at the local elections to be held next May, or at any elections in the future, you will now need proof of identity. Appropriate forms of ID that will be acceptable include a passport, photo driving licence, blue badge, certain concessionary travel cards carrying a photograph and identity cards with Proof of Age Standards Scheme mark.
Most people will have some form of acceptable ID, but those who do not can apply to Wokingham Borough Council, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online. Paper applications are now available from the Borough's Electoral Registration Team. Either apply online at electoralservices@wokingham.gov.uk or give the council a call on (0118) 974 6000.
For more information, please click on this link: How to vote : Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Council drops Silverdale Road Shops bombshell
20 January 2023
MERA Executive Committee members have been left appalled by a letter of consultation sent to some of its residents living close to the Silverdale Road shops. The proposals include severely restricting car parking spaces in The Parade, the creation of at least one loading bay and a one way circulation around the car park with entry adjacent to the Yan Yan Chinese takeaway.
MERA Secretary Steve Feltham observed that a number of questions arose in relation to the plan that was distributed to householders in the vicinity of The Parade. He stated: "It would appear that only five car parking spaces would be allocated adjacent to Boots the Chemist and the Coral betting shop, and it was not clear whether the existing car parking spaces adjacent to Herbies down to the Turkish barber's shop would be retained, one of which is currently a space for blue badge disabled people. That is MERA's major concern. The consultation has been very poor as residents from all over Maiden Erlegh use these facilities but they have not received any communication from the council about this at all."
The plan also involves the relocation of the 19c (Reading bound) bus stop closer to Allendale Road and this could mean that residents are left without a bus shelter - the only one currently available on Silverdale Road.
The plan includes the provision of new road markings, upgrading the existing zebra crossing and resurfacing the entrance to Sevenoaks Road, all of which are to be welcomed.
MERA plans to request a site meeting with highways officers to discuss the proposals and to investigate possible alternatives.
20 January 2023
MERA Executive Committee members have been left appalled by a letter of consultation sent to some of its residents living close to the Silverdale Road shops. The proposals include severely restricting car parking spaces in The Parade, the creation of at least one loading bay and a one way circulation around the car park with entry adjacent to the Yan Yan Chinese takeaway.
MERA Secretary Steve Feltham observed that a number of questions arose in relation to the plan that was distributed to householders in the vicinity of The Parade. He stated: "It would appear that only five car parking spaces would be allocated adjacent to Boots the Chemist and the Coral betting shop, and it was not clear whether the existing car parking spaces adjacent to Herbies down to the Turkish barber's shop would be retained, one of which is currently a space for blue badge disabled people. That is MERA's major concern. The consultation has been very poor as residents from all over Maiden Erlegh use these facilities but they have not received any communication from the council about this at all."
The plan also involves the relocation of the 19c (Reading bound) bus stop closer to Allendale Road and this could mean that residents are left without a bus shelter - the only one currently available on Silverdale Road.
The plan includes the provision of new road markings, upgrading the existing zebra crossing and resurfacing the entrance to Sevenoaks Road, all of which are to be welcomed.
MERA plans to request a site meeting with highways officers to discuss the proposals and to investigate possible alternatives.
| Silverdale Road proposed traffic measures |
Body found in Earley
9 January 2023
It is with sadness that we have to report that the body of a person believed to be Donald Box has been found in a garden in Earley. We send our condolences to all the family at this tragic time.
9 January 2023
It is with sadness that we have to report that the body of a person believed to be Donald Box has been found in a garden in Earley. We send our condolences to all the family at this tragic time.
The search continues for missing Silverdale Road resident
8 January 2023
Former MERA Auditor and much loved father and grandfather Sidney Donald Box went missing from his home in Silverdale Road and was last seen at approximately 8.20pm on Thursday 5 January. He was thought to be wearing a dressing gown and grey trousers, but may not have anything on his feet.
His family are desperately worried about him, having been missing for three days at the time of this article, and this despite a determined police hunt involving the use of police drones and assistance from members of the public, who have searched a wide area including Woodley.
If you see him, you are asked to contact the police by dialling 999 immediately, and quoting reference number 513 of 6 January. If you have a CCTV camera outside your house or you have any dashcam footage that may help, the police would like to know.
You can follow events on the Earley Residents' Discussion Board within the Facebook website.
Earley Residents Discussion Board | Facebook
Our thoughts are with Don's family at this worrying time.
8 January 2023
Former MERA Auditor and much loved father and grandfather Sidney Donald Box went missing from his home in Silverdale Road and was last seen at approximately 8.20pm on Thursday 5 January. He was thought to be wearing a dressing gown and grey trousers, but may not have anything on his feet.
His family are desperately worried about him, having been missing for three days at the time of this article, and this despite a determined police hunt involving the use of police drones and assistance from members of the public, who have searched a wide area including Woodley.
If you see him, you are asked to contact the police by dialling 999 immediately, and quoting reference number 513 of 6 January. If you have a CCTV camera outside your house or you have any dashcam footage that may help, the police would like to know.
You can follow events on the Earley Residents' Discussion Board within the Facebook website.
Earley Residents Discussion Board | Facebook
Our thoughts are with Don's family at this worrying time.
Wishing all our members a happy New Year
1 January 2023
MERA wishes all its members a happy New Year, and one that brings us hope for a better future.
On a local level, we are expecting a few changes this year. The council will be looking at our refuse services in the light of the recent public consultation exercise, and it is likely that the local authority will be announcing the start date for the two-weekly general refuse collections and the introduction of wheelie bins early in the year.
Reading Buses has confirmed that it has agreed to take advantage of the government scheme to introduce a £2 cap on single bus fares until 31 March 2023. It is hoped that this will encourage more commuters and shoppers onto the buses, thereby helping to ease congestion and reduce emissions.
There is another reason to encourage people to use buses rather than cars for journeys into Reading. Our buses are under threat, with the no 19 services relying on council subsidies to survive. If we all take the decision to choose the bus over the car when undertaking local journeys, we will be reducing the amount of subsidy required and potentially save our 'Little Oranges' services from being withdrawn, which would leave many people in the area stranded or facing a longer walk to board alternative services. Our elderly and disabled people are heavily reliant on these services to be able to get around.
The Borough Council is now inviting tender bids to cover the 'Little Oranges' bus services, and if bids arrive that are within the current budget, we may find that the service changes little after April 2023, when the new contracts are due to come into operation. However, if the lowest bid is more than the present budget allows, we can expect cuts to be made to keep the service operating within current budget provision. We will keep our members informed on any developments in our continuing campaign to avoid further reductions in our level of bus services in Maiden Erlegh, but we do ask everyone to consider taking the bus instead of the car wherever possible when making journeys into Reading. You can also use the 19b to travel to Chalfont if you need to shop at Asda or if you need to use other services such as the optician, nail bar or the surgery. Alternatively, the 19a/c service can be used to travel to the Woodley Centre as well. Please help us to save our buses by using them instead of the car if you can.
We are also closely monitoring complaints about the level of service offered by the NHS, which has been under considerable strain lately. Residents are complaining about the services offered by the Brookside Group Practice, which appears to be struggling to provide patients with the support they need due to a shortage of GPs and unprecedented demand. We have discussed these problems with the Practice and we have also raised the issue with local MP Sir John Redwood. We are considering whether to take further steps and with our AGM scheduled to take place in May 2023, we will be asking our members to tell us if the level of NHS services are giving cause for concern and we will be collecting opinions on what should be done. We hope you will be able to attend on 11 May - please make a note for your diary! Further details will be posted here and in the MERA Magazine nearer the time.
We are expecting a planning application to be submitted later this year to establish a brand new 3G football pitch at Maiden Erlegh School, which has come under fierce opposition from residents of the northern section of Avalon Road in particular. MERA understands that any application that is forthcoming will depend on a survey of the location being made, and it is possible that the result of this process may indicate that the site is not suitable for various reasons, including the proximity of the proposed new pitch to Avalon Road properties. We will be keeping a keen eye on this and we are ready to remind the council of the views of our residents if such an application is received.
With the Borough Council's budget being under pressure, we can expect to learn more about cuts to services to take effect in the new financial year or shortly afterwards. We will post the latest news on this site as soon as we receive it.
1 January 2023
MERA wishes all its members a happy New Year, and one that brings us hope for a better future.
On a local level, we are expecting a few changes this year. The council will be looking at our refuse services in the light of the recent public consultation exercise, and it is likely that the local authority will be announcing the start date for the two-weekly general refuse collections and the introduction of wheelie bins early in the year.
Reading Buses has confirmed that it has agreed to take advantage of the government scheme to introduce a £2 cap on single bus fares until 31 March 2023. It is hoped that this will encourage more commuters and shoppers onto the buses, thereby helping to ease congestion and reduce emissions.
There is another reason to encourage people to use buses rather than cars for journeys into Reading. Our buses are under threat, with the no 19 services relying on council subsidies to survive. If we all take the decision to choose the bus over the car when undertaking local journeys, we will be reducing the amount of subsidy required and potentially save our 'Little Oranges' services from being withdrawn, which would leave many people in the area stranded or facing a longer walk to board alternative services. Our elderly and disabled people are heavily reliant on these services to be able to get around.
The Borough Council is now inviting tender bids to cover the 'Little Oranges' bus services, and if bids arrive that are within the current budget, we may find that the service changes little after April 2023, when the new contracts are due to come into operation. However, if the lowest bid is more than the present budget allows, we can expect cuts to be made to keep the service operating within current budget provision. We will keep our members informed on any developments in our continuing campaign to avoid further reductions in our level of bus services in Maiden Erlegh, but we do ask everyone to consider taking the bus instead of the car wherever possible when making journeys into Reading. You can also use the 19b to travel to Chalfont if you need to shop at Asda or if you need to use other services such as the optician, nail bar or the surgery. Alternatively, the 19a/c service can be used to travel to the Woodley Centre as well. Please help us to save our buses by using them instead of the car if you can.
We are also closely monitoring complaints about the level of service offered by the NHS, which has been under considerable strain lately. Residents are complaining about the services offered by the Brookside Group Practice, which appears to be struggling to provide patients with the support they need due to a shortage of GPs and unprecedented demand. We have discussed these problems with the Practice and we have also raised the issue with local MP Sir John Redwood. We are considering whether to take further steps and with our AGM scheduled to take place in May 2023, we will be asking our members to tell us if the level of NHS services are giving cause for concern and we will be collecting opinions on what should be done. We hope you will be able to attend on 11 May - please make a note for your diary! Further details will be posted here and in the MERA Magazine nearer the time.
We are expecting a planning application to be submitted later this year to establish a brand new 3G football pitch at Maiden Erlegh School, which has come under fierce opposition from residents of the northern section of Avalon Road in particular. MERA understands that any application that is forthcoming will depend on a survey of the location being made, and it is possible that the result of this process may indicate that the site is not suitable for various reasons, including the proximity of the proposed new pitch to Avalon Road properties. We will be keeping a keen eye on this and we are ready to remind the council of the views of our residents if such an application is received.
With the Borough Council's budget being under pressure, we can expect to learn more about cuts to services to take effect in the new financial year or shortly afterwards. We will post the latest news on this site as soon as we receive it.
Campaign to scrap central control over housing developments succeeds
7 December 2022
As members will be aware, MERA has been part of a campaign to reduce significantly the increase in new housing developments which required councils to earmark sites for building new houses and incorporate these in their local plans. Following Sir John Redwood's proposed amendments to the Levelling Up Bill, the government has finally capitulated to end the nationally imposed requirement to build a pre-determined number of new houses in each council area.
The amendment sought to prohibit mandatory targets and the abolition of the five-year supply rule, which would result in national targets no longer being taken into account in determining planning applications.
The government climbdown follows years of campaigning which included John Halsall's successful bid to halve the number of new houses to be built in the Borough while he was Leader of the Borough Council, and his successor Clive Jones, whose efforts resulted in him managing to secure a commitment for a meeting with Housing Minister Lucy Frazer in an effort to reduce the number still further.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove has now offered increased flexibility to local authorities by granting leeway to depart from government housing targets. Instead, these targets would be a 'starting point' for development, with new flexibilities to suit local circumstances. The five-year stock of land requirement will be abolished, in line with Sir John Redwood's amendment.
The onus will now be on Wokingham Borough Council to determine what the housing requirement for Wokingham should be, and this will be a delicate balance between the concerns relating to the extent of development in the area and the need for new housing.
A local petition aimed at persuading the council to withdraw its plans to build 4,500 new homes at Halls Farm on an area of land stretching from Shinfield to Arborfield and Sindlesham will be considered in the light of these new requirements. The petition had gained 237 signatures as at the date of this article. Residents wishing to add their names to this petition have until 22 December 2022 to do so. Online petitions can be accessed on the Borough Council's website (wokingham.gov.uk).
7 December 2022
As members will be aware, MERA has been part of a campaign to reduce significantly the increase in new housing developments which required councils to earmark sites for building new houses and incorporate these in their local plans. Following Sir John Redwood's proposed amendments to the Levelling Up Bill, the government has finally capitulated to end the nationally imposed requirement to build a pre-determined number of new houses in each council area.
The amendment sought to prohibit mandatory targets and the abolition of the five-year supply rule, which would result in national targets no longer being taken into account in determining planning applications.
The government climbdown follows years of campaigning which included John Halsall's successful bid to halve the number of new houses to be built in the Borough while he was Leader of the Borough Council, and his successor Clive Jones, whose efforts resulted in him managing to secure a commitment for a meeting with Housing Minister Lucy Frazer in an effort to reduce the number still further.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove has now offered increased flexibility to local authorities by granting leeway to depart from government housing targets. Instead, these targets would be a 'starting point' for development, with new flexibilities to suit local circumstances. The five-year stock of land requirement will be abolished, in line with Sir John Redwood's amendment.
The onus will now be on Wokingham Borough Council to determine what the housing requirement for Wokingham should be, and this will be a delicate balance between the concerns relating to the extent of development in the area and the need for new housing.
A local petition aimed at persuading the council to withdraw its plans to build 4,500 new homes at Halls Farm on an area of land stretching from Shinfield to Arborfield and Sindlesham will be considered in the light of these new requirements. The petition had gained 237 signatures as at the date of this article. Residents wishing to add their names to this petition have until 22 December 2022 to do so. Online petitions can be accessed on the Borough Council's website (wokingham.gov.uk).
MERA's call for national reform to the NHS receives a response
24 November 2022
Following the number of complaints registered about problems in obtaining appointments within the NHS, MERA has liaised with Brookside Group Practice to try and alleviate the problems faced by the surgery and written to Sir John Redwood MP suggesting that a Royal Commission be set up to improve front line services.
Sir John duly consulted his ministerial colleagues and a response has been received from Minister of State Will Quince MP.
MERA's Executive Committee will consider the response at its meeting on 8 December.
24 November 2022
Following the number of complaints registered about problems in obtaining appointments within the NHS, MERA has liaised with Brookside Group Practice to try and alleviate the problems faced by the surgery and written to Sir John Redwood MP suggesting that a Royal Commission be set up to improve front line services.
Sir John duly consulted his ministerial colleagues and a response has been received from Minister of State Will Quince MP.
MERA's Executive Committee will consider the response at its meeting on 8 December.
| Response from Minister of State to NHS concerns |
New signage at Sevenoaks Road/Avalon Road/Radnor Road staggered crossroads
24 November 2022
We have asked the Borough Council to improve the road markings and change the 'Give Way' signs to 'Stop' signs to improve safety at the Sevenoaks Road/Avalon Road/Radnor Road staggered crossroads following a resident complaint that these junctions were dangerous, with confusion over rights of way. The council has agreed to inspect the location and to make recommendations.
24 November 2022
We have asked the Borough Council to improve the road markings and change the 'Give Way' signs to 'Stop' signs to improve safety at the Sevenoaks Road/Avalon Road/Radnor Road staggered crossroads following a resident complaint that these junctions were dangerous, with confusion over rights of way. The council has agreed to inspect the location and to make recommendations.
Council's budget cuts will impact on local services
24 November 2022
MERA's Executive Committee noted the budget reductions currently being considered by Wokingham Borough Council. The Committee was informed that the council argued that the cuts were necessary given the dire financial position in which the council found itself, and that if they did not act to address the situation, the council would face being put into special measures.
The Committee was particularly concerned with the cuts proposed to refuse, grass cutting and drainage services as well as the increased car parking costs that would come into force in January, which the Committee thought would discourage people from coming to local shops, with the likely impacts that would have on local businesses. Shop closures were a real possibility as costs to retailers also increased, sparked by the energy crisis.
Refuse services
The council propose to reduce the number of blue bags for general waste from 80 to 54 per annum, and they may even abolish them altogether. The number of general waste and recycling collections may reduce to once every two or even three weeks, requiring the use of wheelie bins. Although the green recycling bags for food waste would no longer be issued, causing concerns that the number of residents participating in food recycling may reduce, it was thought that by continuing to collect food recycling waste every week, households would be encouraged to continue participate. The garden waste subscription is expected to rise by £10 to £80 per annum, and the new charge of £40 for garden waste bins (currently provided free of extra charge) was also being considered.
Grass cutting services
It is proposed to reduce the amount of grass cutting carried out 'in some areas' and a reduction of weed spraying from three to two visits per annum.
Drainage services
A reduction in drainage maintenance would be made by annual works to the ditches connecting the road edge to the roadside ditch to every two years. For higher risk locations, smart gully sensors would be installed to remove the need for twice annual cleansing.
Increased car parking charges
The cost of parking in the Town Centre car parks will double and there will be a lesser increase outside the town centre.
MERA's views
We believe that residents will not be happy with the proposed reduction in the number of general waste and recycling collections. Many residents are opposed to wheelie bins and they are viewed as unsightly, with insufficient room to store them or keep them out of sight. It was considered that rather than reducing the services provided, they should be improved, with roadside bottle recycling collections established as other local authorities were providing. The garden waste charges were considered to be exorbitant at a time of a looming recession and increased pressure on household budgets, and would lead to an increase in polluting bonfires and fly-tipping.
Reductions in grass cutting services and drainage services were also likely to prove unpopular, given the complaints that have been made in the past. Increased car parking charges will be difficult for many households to afford with wages failing to keep pace with rapidly rising inflation and energy costs.
Other potentially unpopular proposals included looking at an increase in event income from open spaces (which could cause a regular noise nuisance to nearby residents), and a reduction in the number of play areas (which would restrict places for children to visit, which enable them to thrive and get the exercise they need)
It was noted that cost cutting was necessary, but it was important to make these budget reductions in the most appropriate areas, causing as little disruption to households as possible. As our members were likely to have different views on where these cuts should be made, it was decided that MERA would not make representations but would leave it to individuals to submit their own views on the subject.
Members are reminded that the consultation on refuse services will conclude on 5 December.
24 November 2022
MERA's Executive Committee noted the budget reductions currently being considered by Wokingham Borough Council. The Committee was informed that the council argued that the cuts were necessary given the dire financial position in which the council found itself, and that if they did not act to address the situation, the council would face being put into special measures.
The Committee was particularly concerned with the cuts proposed to refuse, grass cutting and drainage services as well as the increased car parking costs that would come into force in January, which the Committee thought would discourage people from coming to local shops, with the likely impacts that would have on local businesses. Shop closures were a real possibility as costs to retailers also increased, sparked by the energy crisis.
Refuse services
The council propose to reduce the number of blue bags for general waste from 80 to 54 per annum, and they may even abolish them altogether. The number of general waste and recycling collections may reduce to once every two or even three weeks, requiring the use of wheelie bins. Although the green recycling bags for food waste would no longer be issued, causing concerns that the number of residents participating in food recycling may reduce, it was thought that by continuing to collect food recycling waste every week, households would be encouraged to continue participate. The garden waste subscription is expected to rise by £10 to £80 per annum, and the new charge of £40 for garden waste bins (currently provided free of extra charge) was also being considered.
Grass cutting services
It is proposed to reduce the amount of grass cutting carried out 'in some areas' and a reduction of weed spraying from three to two visits per annum.
Drainage services
A reduction in drainage maintenance would be made by annual works to the ditches connecting the road edge to the roadside ditch to every two years. For higher risk locations, smart gully sensors would be installed to remove the need for twice annual cleansing.
Increased car parking charges
The cost of parking in the Town Centre car parks will double and there will be a lesser increase outside the town centre.
MERA's views
We believe that residents will not be happy with the proposed reduction in the number of general waste and recycling collections. Many residents are opposed to wheelie bins and they are viewed as unsightly, with insufficient room to store them or keep them out of sight. It was considered that rather than reducing the services provided, they should be improved, with roadside bottle recycling collections established as other local authorities were providing. The garden waste charges were considered to be exorbitant at a time of a looming recession and increased pressure on household budgets, and would lead to an increase in polluting bonfires and fly-tipping.
Reductions in grass cutting services and drainage services were also likely to prove unpopular, given the complaints that have been made in the past. Increased car parking charges will be difficult for many households to afford with wages failing to keep pace with rapidly rising inflation and energy costs.
Other potentially unpopular proposals included looking at an increase in event income from open spaces (which could cause a regular noise nuisance to nearby residents), and a reduction in the number of play areas (which would restrict places for children to visit, which enable them to thrive and get the exercise they need)
It was noted that cost cutting was necessary, but it was important to make these budget reductions in the most appropriate areas, causing as little disruption to households as possible. As our members were likely to have different views on where these cuts should be made, it was decided that MERA would not make representations but would leave it to individuals to submit their own views on the subject.
Members are reminded that the consultation on refuse services will conclude on 5 December.
Ministers to consider MERA's call for NHS reform
24 November 2022
We reported in the Winter Edition of the MERA Magazine that following complaints by residents that front line NHS services were deteriorating, with people drawing attention to long waits for appointments at GP surgeries and hospitals and operations delayed form many months or even years, MERA had taken the decision to write to local MP Sir John Redwood.
We requested that consideration be given by the Government to set up a Royal Commission to look into ways in which the NHS could be more streamlined to enable front line services to be improved. The advantage of a Royal Commission is that it would be an independent investigation on the performance of the NHS, with views taken by all interested parties, and crucially, by all political parties. In this way, we would expect a consensus to be established which would open a means by which real improvements could be made, using the budget allocated far more effectively.
A response has been received from the MP's Parliamentary Assistant, who stated: "John appreciates that you and the residents of Earley are concerned about NHS and GP services. He will raise your concerns to Ministers in the Government for a reply. I will be in touch with you once John receives a reply".
Members will be updated when a response is received.
24 November 2022
We reported in the Winter Edition of the MERA Magazine that following complaints by residents that front line NHS services were deteriorating, with people drawing attention to long waits for appointments at GP surgeries and hospitals and operations delayed form many months or even years, MERA had taken the decision to write to local MP Sir John Redwood.
We requested that consideration be given by the Government to set up a Royal Commission to look into ways in which the NHS could be more streamlined to enable front line services to be improved. The advantage of a Royal Commission is that it would be an independent investigation on the performance of the NHS, with views taken by all interested parties, and crucially, by all political parties. In this way, we would expect a consensus to be established which would open a means by which real improvements could be made, using the budget allocated far more effectively.
A response has been received from the MP's Parliamentary Assistant, who stated: "John appreciates that you and the residents of Earley are concerned about NHS and GP services. He will raise your concerns to Ministers in the Government for a reply. I will be in touch with you once John receives a reply".
Members will be updated when a response is received.
Borough Council proposes swingeing cuts to services
31 October 2022
Wokingham Borough Council is planning cuts to services that will affect all residents in radical plans to balance the budget next year. The cuts will hit essential services such as refuse, grass cutting, and drainage maintenance. The plans will also involve increased car parking charges, dimming of streetlights and increased parking enforcement on school 'keep clear' markings.
MERA's Executive Committee will discuss these proposals at its next meeting on 10 November. In the meantime, if members wish to comment on the plans, they can do so by completing the 'Contact Us' form on this site. Alternatively, just email us at askmera@virginmedia.com. This will assist us in understanding what is of most concern to residents so that we can respond appropriately to the Borough Council.
For further information, please visit www.wokingham.gov.uk and open the agenda of the meeting of the Extraordinary Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 26 October 2022.
31 October 2022
Wokingham Borough Council is planning cuts to services that will affect all residents in radical plans to balance the budget next year. The cuts will hit essential services such as refuse, grass cutting, and drainage maintenance. The plans will also involve increased car parking charges, dimming of streetlights and increased parking enforcement on school 'keep clear' markings.
MERA's Executive Committee will discuss these proposals at its next meeting on 10 November. In the meantime, if members wish to comment on the plans, they can do so by completing the 'Contact Us' form on this site. Alternatively, just email us at askmera@virginmedia.com. This will assist us in understanding what is of most concern to residents so that we can respond appropriately to the Borough Council.
For further information, please visit www.wokingham.gov.uk and open the agenda of the meeting of the Extraordinary Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 26 October 2022.
A sad goodbye
31 October 2022
It is with sadness that we have to report the passing of Verity Smith on 23 October. Verity was MERA's Area Representative serving residents of Allendale Road, Crawford Close, The Parade and part of Silverdale Road for some years.
Verity's funeral will be held at 2.30pm on 18 November, at Reading Cemetery, Henley Road, Reading. There will be a wake at Shinfield View, Shinfield immediately after the funeral.
31 October 2022
It is with sadness that we have to report the passing of Verity Smith on 23 October. Verity was MERA's Area Representative serving residents of Allendale Road, Crawford Close, The Parade and part of Silverdale Road for some years.
Verity's funeral will be held at 2.30pm on 18 November, at Reading Cemetery, Henley Road, Reading. There will be a wake at Shinfield View, Shinfield immediately after the funeral.
Council wards and ward boundaries under review
24 October 2022
The Local Government Boundary Commission is inviting proposals for new council wards and ward boundaries within Wokingham Borough Council.
MERA's Executive Committee has considered the proposals and concluded that altering wards and boundaries should not make any practical difference to residents. Members considered whether it might be sensible to alter the northern boundary of the Maiden Erlegh Ward to finish at Wokingham Road, instead of embracing roads including Henley Wood Road and Mays Lane. However, of course Earley Town Council manages the Mays Lane burial ground and the Sol Joel recreation area, and therefore it might be best to retain this land within the Earley boundary.
Consideration was also given to whether Springdale and Radstock streets were included within the Maiden Erlegh Ward, given that MERA currently represented these areas.
No strong views were expressed at the meeting, but we would welcome any views you may have on the subject. Full details of the consultation are available on the Borough Council's website. The closing date for responses to the consultation is 7 November 2022.
24 October 2022
The Local Government Boundary Commission is inviting proposals for new council wards and ward boundaries within Wokingham Borough Council.
MERA's Executive Committee has considered the proposals and concluded that altering wards and boundaries should not make any practical difference to residents. Members considered whether it might be sensible to alter the northern boundary of the Maiden Erlegh Ward to finish at Wokingham Road, instead of embracing roads including Henley Wood Road and Mays Lane. However, of course Earley Town Council manages the Mays Lane burial ground and the Sol Joel recreation area, and therefore it might be best to retain this land within the Earley boundary.
Consideration was also given to whether Springdale and Radstock streets were included within the Maiden Erlegh Ward, given that MERA currently represented these areas.
No strong views were expressed at the meeting, but we would welcome any views you may have on the subject. Full details of the consultation are available on the Borough Council's website. The closing date for responses to the consultation is 7 November 2022.
Car parking charges in Wokingham to be doubled
3 October 2022 [updated 24 October 2022]
The new Liberal Democrat controlled Borough Council has voted to increase car parking charges throughout the Wokingham Borough. In central Wokingham, charges will be increased by up to 100%. In car parks outside of Wokingham Town, smaller increases are planned. Charges in these car parks will be set at £1 per hour to a maximum of £8 for the day.
The council points out that this is the first increase since before the COVID-19 pandemic and the need arises due to the number of cars using the car parking facilities having reduced since 2019. Although the estimated revenue from these increases is expected to increase to pre-pandemic levels as a result of the increase, it is not likely to generate additional revenue above the budgeted figures.
The council also points out that the proposed new level of car parking charges compares favourably with other nearby council charges.
It is planned that the new charging regime will be implemented early in the New Year. In the meantime, a consultation period will commence on 10 October, so that residents can have their say.
3 October 2022 [updated 24 October 2022]
The new Liberal Democrat controlled Borough Council has voted to increase car parking charges throughout the Wokingham Borough. In central Wokingham, charges will be increased by up to 100%. In car parks outside of Wokingham Town, smaller increases are planned. Charges in these car parks will be set at £1 per hour to a maximum of £8 for the day.
The council points out that this is the first increase since before the COVID-19 pandemic and the need arises due to the number of cars using the car parking facilities having reduced since 2019. Although the estimated revenue from these increases is expected to increase to pre-pandemic levels as a result of the increase, it is not likely to generate additional revenue above the budgeted figures.
The council also points out that the proposed new level of car parking charges compares favourably with other nearby council charges.
It is planned that the new charging regime will be implemented early in the New Year. In the meantime, a consultation period will commence on 10 October, so that residents can have their say.
Wokingham Borough Council has reduced our blue bags allocation
3 October 2022 [updated 24 October 2022]
The Executive meeting of Wokingham Borough Council has approved the reduction of blue refuse bags to be distributed to residents from 80 to 54 from next year. This decision will not be welcomed by residents who find that the existing allocation is insufficient for their needs, and as it is very expensive to buy more of these bags from the council, the poorest residents will suffer the most.
It is possible to place an additional black refuse bag into one blue bag, and those who do not already do this may wish to see if that enables them to reduce their need for blue bags in the future. Of course, if you can recycle more of your rubbish, including your waste food, that will also help you to use fewer blue bags.
This development comes after the recent announcement that the green food refuse bags will no longer be distributed to residents next year, which has raised the question of whether this will reduce the amount of recycled food waste.
3 October 2022 [updated 24 October 2022]
The Executive meeting of Wokingham Borough Council has approved the reduction of blue refuse bags to be distributed to residents from 80 to 54 from next year. This decision will not be welcomed by residents who find that the existing allocation is insufficient for their needs, and as it is very expensive to buy more of these bags from the council, the poorest residents will suffer the most.
It is possible to place an additional black refuse bag into one blue bag, and those who do not already do this may wish to see if that enables them to reduce their need for blue bags in the future. Of course, if you can recycle more of your rubbish, including your waste food, that will also help you to use fewer blue bags.
This development comes after the recent announcement that the green food refuse bags will no longer be distributed to residents next year, which has raised the question of whether this will reduce the amount of recycled food waste.
MERA responds to 3G football pitch proposals
2 October 2022 [Updated 24 October 2022]
The MERA Chairman and Secretary attended the final drop-in session held at Maiden Erlegh School on 21 September to speak to council officers, hear residents' views and to inspect the field that is the site for the proposed football pitch.
Having carefully weighed up all the pros and cons of the plans, MERA has concluded that Maiden Erlegh School is an inappropriate site for the development. The new pitch would be positioned very close to the boundaries of Avalon Road properties, and their current view of the field will be replaced by an imposing acoustic fence, made worse by the fact that the pitch will be raised by approximately 5ft above its current level. We are not convinced that the noise from the players and spectators would be sufficiently softened to enable these residents to enjoy their gardens. Residents in Sevenoaks Road will also be impacted by the proposals, although to a lesser extent.
We are also extremely concerned that the council has underestimated the number of car parking spaces required to accommodate the change of use of the field. Although 126 car parking spaces will be available, MERA is concerned that other events at the school (such as after-school events and the needs of those hiring out the premises) will put severe pressure on the number of car parking spaces available, leading to the limited number of car parking spaces available for shoppers in The Parade being used inappropriately and overspill of parking onto local roads.
MERA's submission on the plans is provided below. The consultation period is now closed, but if a planning application is made despite the concerns of residents living adjacent to the site, further objections can be raised at that time.
2 October 2022 [Updated 24 October 2022]
The MERA Chairman and Secretary attended the final drop-in session held at Maiden Erlegh School on 21 September to speak to council officers, hear residents' views and to inspect the field that is the site for the proposed football pitch.
Having carefully weighed up all the pros and cons of the plans, MERA has concluded that Maiden Erlegh School is an inappropriate site for the development. The new pitch would be positioned very close to the boundaries of Avalon Road properties, and their current view of the field will be replaced by an imposing acoustic fence, made worse by the fact that the pitch will be raised by approximately 5ft above its current level. We are not convinced that the noise from the players and spectators would be sufficiently softened to enable these residents to enjoy their gardens. Residents in Sevenoaks Road will also be impacted by the proposals, although to a lesser extent.
We are also extremely concerned that the council has underestimated the number of car parking spaces required to accommodate the change of use of the field. Although 126 car parking spaces will be available, MERA is concerned that other events at the school (such as after-school events and the needs of those hiring out the premises) will put severe pressure on the number of car parking spaces available, leading to the limited number of car parking spaces available for shoppers in The Parade being used inappropriately and overspill of parking onto local roads.
MERA's submission on the plans is provided below. The consultation period is now closed, but if a planning application is made despite the concerns of residents living adjacent to the site, further objections can be raised at that time.
| MERA response to consultation Maiden Erlegh School 3G football pitch |
Our bus services under threat
2 October 2022 [UPDATED 3 October 2022]
The reduced passenger numbers using bus services following the COVID-19 restrictions previously imposed and the rising cost of fuel are two big factors that are putting pressure on our bus services. While it has now been confirmed that funding will be available for all service 19 routes until the new financial year, the considerable amount of funding that is needed to support these services, particularly the 19a/c routes through Earley, is becoming unsustainable.
New tenders will be invited to operate all the secondary services provided through Silverdale Road and Beech Lane in November 2022, and this could lead to fewer journeys or a withdrawal of services altogether. Although the Wokingham Borough Council Executive meeting approved a request to tenderers to quote for the same level of service as currently operating, MERA's concern is that the lowest price quoted is above the sum that can be afforded. We are in touch with councillors and Borough Council officers in an attempt to find alternative routes that are more likely to be profitable, or at least in need of smaller subsidy. Following the rejection of our suggested link between Silverdale Road and Chalfont, we have put forward an alternative plan to extend the Wokingham to Toutley Road service through Hatch Farm Way, Rushey Way, Silverdale Road, the Royal Berkshire Hospital and into Reading. This would not only secure services for Maiden Erlegh, but it would also provide a much-needed link into Reading via the hospital for Toutley residents.
In the meantime, MERA urges all residents to help boost passenger numbers by taking the bus instead of the car into Reading wherever possible. This will help to increase the income required to maintain bus services, relieve congestion and reduce pollution. We have a real concern that if something does not change, those residents who cannot walk far will lose the services on which they rely to transport them into town and to the hospital. There is little time for delay now, and the Christmas period would be an ideal time to test out our bus services and avoid the car parking crush that the festive season brings.
The award of tenders is scheduled for January 2023 and the new tenders will be operational from April 2023.
2 October 2022 [UPDATED 3 October 2022]
The reduced passenger numbers using bus services following the COVID-19 restrictions previously imposed and the rising cost of fuel are two big factors that are putting pressure on our bus services. While it has now been confirmed that funding will be available for all service 19 routes until the new financial year, the considerable amount of funding that is needed to support these services, particularly the 19a/c routes through Earley, is becoming unsustainable.
New tenders will be invited to operate all the secondary services provided through Silverdale Road and Beech Lane in November 2022, and this could lead to fewer journeys or a withdrawal of services altogether. Although the Wokingham Borough Council Executive meeting approved a request to tenderers to quote for the same level of service as currently operating, MERA's concern is that the lowest price quoted is above the sum that can be afforded. We are in touch with councillors and Borough Council officers in an attempt to find alternative routes that are more likely to be profitable, or at least in need of smaller subsidy. Following the rejection of our suggested link between Silverdale Road and Chalfont, we have put forward an alternative plan to extend the Wokingham to Toutley Road service through Hatch Farm Way, Rushey Way, Silverdale Road, the Royal Berkshire Hospital and into Reading. This would not only secure services for Maiden Erlegh, but it would also provide a much-needed link into Reading via the hospital for Toutley residents.
In the meantime, MERA urges all residents to help boost passenger numbers by taking the bus instead of the car into Reading wherever possible. This will help to increase the income required to maintain bus services, relieve congestion and reduce pollution. We have a real concern that if something does not change, those residents who cannot walk far will lose the services on which they rely to transport them into town and to the hospital. There is little time for delay now, and the Christmas period would be an ideal time to test out our bus services and avoid the car parking crush that the festive season brings.
The award of tenders is scheduled for January 2023 and the new tenders will be operational from April 2023.
Have your say on Maiden Erlegh School 3G football pitch proposal
9 September 2022
Consultation has commenced in relation to Wokingham Borough Council's proposal to create a new 3G football pitch at Maiden Erlegh School. The closing date for comments is 3 October 2022.
MERA is aware of differing views residents have of this proposal and therefore, in line with a decision agreed by those who attended our last AGM in May, we propose to draw attention to the problems that will need to be overcome and the mitigations that will be necessary to ensure that nearby properties are not unduly impacted by the initiative. We have particular concerns with the car parking capacity and the likely congestion that could be caused at the narrow entrance to the school site. Other issues we will be highlighting include floodlighting, noise, animal wildlife in the area and the safety issues relating to the use of the artificial grass.
Further information on the proposals will be available at two drop-in sessions arranged by Wokingham Borough Council between 6pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday 20 September and Wednesday 21 September at Maiden Erlegh School.
If you wish to submit your views, you can visit the council's website - www.wokingham.gov.uk and go to the current consultations page. MERA intends to respond after the drop-in sessions are held. In the meantime, if you have any views on the matter, for or against, please let us know.
9 September 2022
Consultation has commenced in relation to Wokingham Borough Council's proposal to create a new 3G football pitch at Maiden Erlegh School. The closing date for comments is 3 October 2022.
MERA is aware of differing views residents have of this proposal and therefore, in line with a decision agreed by those who attended our last AGM in May, we propose to draw attention to the problems that will need to be overcome and the mitigations that will be necessary to ensure that nearby properties are not unduly impacted by the initiative. We have particular concerns with the car parking capacity and the likely congestion that could be caused at the narrow entrance to the school site. Other issues we will be highlighting include floodlighting, noise, animal wildlife in the area and the safety issues relating to the use of the artificial grass.
Further information on the proposals will be available at two drop-in sessions arranged by Wokingham Borough Council between 6pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday 20 September and Wednesday 21 September at Maiden Erlegh School.
If you wish to submit your views, you can visit the council's website - www.wokingham.gov.uk and go to the current consultations page. MERA intends to respond after the drop-in sessions are held. In the meantime, if you have any views on the matter, for or against, please let us know.
Earley Community Bus: volunteers needed
11 August 2022 [updated 28 August 2022]
Volunteers are required to drive the Earley Community Bus for the benefit of the local community.
EarleyBus provides a unique service to care homes, sheltered housing and any community group in Earley, Wokingham and Reading. The service allows a group to have a day out together to wherever they like. Typical visits include local garden centres, meals in pubs, National Trust properties and longer journeys to towns such as Winchester or Southsea.
To volunteer to be a driver (DI licence required) or to make a booking, a message can be left anytime on 0118 975 7320.
11 August 2022 [updated 28 August 2022]
Volunteers are required to drive the Earley Community Bus for the benefit of the local community.
EarleyBus provides a unique service to care homes, sheltered housing and any community group in Earley, Wokingham and Reading. The service allows a group to have a day out together to wherever they like. Typical visits include local garden centres, meals in pubs, National Trust properties and longer journeys to towns such as Winchester or Southsea.
To volunteer to be a driver (DI licence required) or to make a booking, a message can be left anytime on 0118 975 7320.
Subsidised bus services could face the axe
27 July 2022
At the meeting of the MERA Executive Committee held on 14 July, members were alarmed at the news that the Borough Council had claimed that there was no money in the budget for subsidised bus services in the Wokingham Borough. Currently, the government has provided local authorities with a grant to assist in maintaining bus services during and immediately following the Covid pandemic. However, this money is due to run out in September.
MERA understands that a review of Earley bus services will be carried out in the autumn, and services 19a/b/c will come under particular scrutiny. Accordingly, MERA has written to the Community Transport Manager at Wokingham Borough Council to seek clarification of the council's thinking on the future of these bus services and we have issued a reminder that a diversion of some Claret services via Gipsy Lane, Silverdale Road, Betchworth Avenue and Wilderness Road could well be cheaper than continuing to operate the Little Oranges services. The council has also been reminded that a new service connecting Beech Lane with the Hatch Farm estate and Wokingham was also an option that could be considered.
We have also written to our MP to point out that far from the prospect of better, more frequent services we were led to expect from the National Bus Strategy, we now face losing some of our services altogether unless further government funding is made available for this purpose.
We will update this site when we have received responses from the MP and the Community Transport Manager.
27 July 2022
At the meeting of the MERA Executive Committee held on 14 July, members were alarmed at the news that the Borough Council had claimed that there was no money in the budget for subsidised bus services in the Wokingham Borough. Currently, the government has provided local authorities with a grant to assist in maintaining bus services during and immediately following the Covid pandemic. However, this money is due to run out in September.
MERA understands that a review of Earley bus services will be carried out in the autumn, and services 19a/b/c will come under particular scrutiny. Accordingly, MERA has written to the Community Transport Manager at Wokingham Borough Council to seek clarification of the council's thinking on the future of these bus services and we have issued a reminder that a diversion of some Claret services via Gipsy Lane, Silverdale Road, Betchworth Avenue and Wilderness Road could well be cheaper than continuing to operate the Little Oranges services. The council has also been reminded that a new service connecting Beech Lane with the Hatch Farm estate and Wokingham was also an option that could be considered.
We have also written to our MP to point out that far from the prospect of better, more frequent services we were led to expect from the National Bus Strategy, we now face losing some of our services altogether unless further government funding is made available for this purpose.
We will update this site when we have received responses from the MP and the Community Transport Manager.
Food recycling
27 July 2022
The new Administration at Wokingham Borough Council has taken the decision to stop distributing the green food recycling bags to residents. The council suggests that the food recycling caddy can be lined with newspaper, kitchen paper or any soft plastic bag such as carrier bags, cereal bags or fruit and vegetable bags. Alternatively, households can choose not to line their caddy or use their own bags and simply give the caddy a rinse between uses.
Although this will save the council money, the danger is that most people may cease to recycle their food, leading to a loss in revenue that is obtained by the council for recycled material. The authority's target to increase recycling could be missed as a result.
The MERA Executive Committee will be discussing these concerns at its next meeting.
27 July 2022
The new Administration at Wokingham Borough Council has taken the decision to stop distributing the green food recycling bags to residents. The council suggests that the food recycling caddy can be lined with newspaper, kitchen paper or any soft plastic bag such as carrier bags, cereal bags or fruit and vegetable bags. Alternatively, households can choose not to line their caddy or use their own bags and simply give the caddy a rinse between uses.
Although this will save the council money, the danger is that most people may cease to recycle their food, leading to a loss in revenue that is obtained by the council for recycled material. The authority's target to increase recycling could be missed as a result.
The MERA Executive Committee will be discussing these concerns at its next meeting.
Petitions
27 July 2022
Residents may be interested to know that there are two online petitions on the Borough Council's website that may be of interest to Maiden Erlegh residents.
MERA has requested that a roundabout should be installed at the junction of Gipsy Lane and Rushey Way to assist drivers wishing to turn right out of Gipsy Lane. This is often a difficult junction and is much worse at busy times, when there is not only a queue to the junction, but once there, drivers have to find the right time to see a gap in the traffic in both directions. A roundabout would not only slow traffic on Rushey Way, but would also allow drivers from Gipsy Lane to enter the roundabout when it was safe to do so from only one direction, with traffic from the left required to give way.
The second petition of note is submitted by a resident who has asked for a pedestrian and cyclist crossing on Wokingham Road adjacent to Station Road, which is perceived to be dangerous to those on foot and also to cyclists.
We believe that both petitions have merit and if you agree, please find the time to log in to Wokingham Borough Council's website and sign both petitions.
Current e-Petitions - Wokingham Borough Council (moderngov.co.uk)
27 July 2022
Residents may be interested to know that there are two online petitions on the Borough Council's website that may be of interest to Maiden Erlegh residents.
MERA has requested that a roundabout should be installed at the junction of Gipsy Lane and Rushey Way to assist drivers wishing to turn right out of Gipsy Lane. This is often a difficult junction and is much worse at busy times, when there is not only a queue to the junction, but once there, drivers have to find the right time to see a gap in the traffic in both directions. A roundabout would not only slow traffic on Rushey Way, but would also allow drivers from Gipsy Lane to enter the roundabout when it was safe to do so from only one direction, with traffic from the left required to give way.
The second petition of note is submitted by a resident who has asked for a pedestrian and cyclist crossing on Wokingham Road adjacent to Station Road, which is perceived to be dangerous to those on foot and also to cyclists.
We believe that both petitions have merit and if you agree, please find the time to log in to Wokingham Borough Council's website and sign both petitions.
Current e-Petitions - Wokingham Borough Council (moderngov.co.uk)
Council makes the case to reduce government housing requirement for Wokingham
21 June 2022
Newly elected leader of Wokingham Borough Council Clive Jones has stepped up the campaign to reduce the Borough's housebuilding requirements set by the government. He has met with Bracknell MP James Sutherland and Wokingham MP John Redwood, to make the case for a reduction in the allocation for the Borough.
Clive Jones has also requested a meeting with Michael Gove MP to discuss the housebuilding allocation in more detail as part of his plan to build local support for proposals to improve the planning system so that the Borough takes a fairer share in the future. The councillor points out that 781 new homes every year have to be built under existing requirements, and that this is far too high.
The concerns expressed by residents about the imposition of so many new builds appears to be making an impact. Wokingham MP John Redwood made an impassioned speech in the House of Commons on 8 June 2022 about the huge concern expressed by his constituents relating to unwanted development. He called on the government to give the people of Wokingham more say and influence over how housing needs were defined and calculated, and suggested that a clause be added to the proposed housing legislation that prevented developers from gaming the system. He also pointed out that huge increases in housing developments were not always matched by the required infrastructure to support them and that this needed to be rectified.
21 June 2022
Newly elected leader of Wokingham Borough Council Clive Jones has stepped up the campaign to reduce the Borough's housebuilding requirements set by the government. He has met with Bracknell MP James Sutherland and Wokingham MP John Redwood, to make the case for a reduction in the allocation for the Borough.
Clive Jones has also requested a meeting with Michael Gove MP to discuss the housebuilding allocation in more detail as part of his plan to build local support for proposals to improve the planning system so that the Borough takes a fairer share in the future. The councillor points out that 781 new homes every year have to be built under existing requirements, and that this is far too high.
The concerns expressed by residents about the imposition of so many new builds appears to be making an impact. Wokingham MP John Redwood made an impassioned speech in the House of Commons on 8 June 2022 about the huge concern expressed by his constituents relating to unwanted development. He called on the government to give the people of Wokingham more say and influence over how housing needs were defined and calculated, and suggested that a clause be added to the proposed housing legislation that prevented developers from gaming the system. He also pointed out that huge increases in housing developments were not always matched by the required infrastructure to support them and that this needed to be rectified.
Scam awareness presentation
21 June 2022
The publication 'Which?' has warned that 413,533 instances of fraud were reported to Action Fraud in a year up to April 2021. There will be many more cases that are not reported at all. This should be a major concern to all of us, particularly young people, who represent the majority of victims to this sort of crime.
Recognising the serious problems caused by the criminals who perpetrate this kind of fraud on unsuspecting members of the public, ACER has organised a Scam Awareness Presentation by Caroline Stevenson (Public Protection Partnership -Trading Standards) on Wednesday 6 July 2022 at St Peters Church, Church Hall, Church Road, Earley. Doors will be open from 6.45pm and the presentation takes place between 7 and 8pm. Refreshments are available.
The public is invited to come along for free advice and information on how to avoid being scammed.
21 June 2022
The publication 'Which?' has warned that 413,533 instances of fraud were reported to Action Fraud in a year up to April 2021. There will be many more cases that are not reported at all. This should be a major concern to all of us, particularly young people, who represent the majority of victims to this sort of crime.
Recognising the serious problems caused by the criminals who perpetrate this kind of fraud on unsuspecting members of the public, ACER has organised a Scam Awareness Presentation by Caroline Stevenson (Public Protection Partnership -Trading Standards) on Wednesday 6 July 2022 at St Peters Church, Church Hall, Church Road, Earley. Doors will be open from 6.45pm and the presentation takes place between 7 and 8pm. Refreshments are available.
The public is invited to come along for free advice and information on how to avoid being scammed.
Reading Male Voice Choir announce their 50th Anniversary Concert
21 June 2022
The Reading Male Voice Choir has raised thousands of pounds for local and national charities since its formation in November 1971, and as it completes its 50th season of concerts, the choir is now proud to announce its 50th Anniversary Gala Concert at the Concert Hall, Reading on Saturday 21 July 2022, starting at 7.30pm. Special guests are Mayor & James, Lori Tingey Weber and Abbey Junior School Choir. The Reading Male Voice Choir plans to ensure that this will be a wonderful evening of music for all to enjoy.
Tickets are now on sale online through the Concert Hall box office https://www.readingtownhall.co.uk/book/354002. Tickets are £10 per head and £5 for under 12's. An email booking fee applies.
For further information on the choir, you can visit http://www.RMVC.net.
21 June 2022
The Reading Male Voice Choir has raised thousands of pounds for local and national charities since its formation in November 1971, and as it completes its 50th season of concerts, the choir is now proud to announce its 50th Anniversary Gala Concert at the Concert Hall, Reading on Saturday 21 July 2022, starting at 7.30pm. Special guests are Mayor & James, Lori Tingey Weber and Abbey Junior School Choir. The Reading Male Voice Choir plans to ensure that this will be a wonderful evening of music for all to enjoy.
Tickets are now on sale online through the Concert Hall box office https://www.readingtownhall.co.uk/book/354002. Tickets are £10 per head and £5 for under 12's. An email booking fee applies.
For further information on the choir, you can visit http://www.RMVC.net.
MERA's catchment area expanded
16 May 2022
The AGM held on 12 May voted to confirm the Executive Committee's recommendation to welcome residents of The Crescent to membership of MERA. The Executive Committee will consider MERA's existing boundaries at a future meeting to establish whether there is likely to be support for further expansion in the future, given the degree of interest that has been expressed by residents living outside the area. Any changes that are thought to be desirable will be recommended to the next meeting of the AGM.
16 May 2022
The AGM held on 12 May voted to confirm the Executive Committee's recommendation to welcome residents of The Crescent to membership of MERA. The Executive Committee will consider MERA's existing boundaries at a future meeting to establish whether there is likely to be support for further expansion in the future, given the degree of interest that has been expressed by residents living outside the area. Any changes that are thought to be desirable will be recommended to the next meeting of the AGM.
Petition started for traffic measures at dangerous junction
16 May 2022
A petition was started at the AGM held on 12 May to request Wokingham Borough Council to install either a roundabout or mini-roundabout at the junction of Gipsy Lane and Rushey Way. At the 2019 AGM, members complained about the difficulty of turning right at the junction and our speaker from Highways in Wokingham Borough Council agreed to look at it. However, it was discovered that the proposal was well down the list of priorities and so it was decided that a petition may draw the council's attention to the strength of feeling on this issue.
An online petition will be available on the Borough Council's website shortly.
16 May 2022
A petition was started at the AGM held on 12 May to request Wokingham Borough Council to install either a roundabout or mini-roundabout at the junction of Gipsy Lane and Rushey Way. At the 2019 AGM, members complained about the difficulty of turning right at the junction and our speaker from Highways in Wokingham Borough Council agreed to look at it. However, it was discovered that the proposal was well down the list of priorities and so it was decided that a petition may draw the council's attention to the strength of feeling on this issue.
An online petition will be available on the Borough Council's website shortly.
MERA to seek mitigations to minimise impact on residents of 3G football pitch at Maiden Erlegh School
16 May 2022
A decision to look into the option of upgrading an existing football pitch at Maiden Erlegh School was considered at MERA's AGM on 12 May. A new 3G football pitch would be of major benefit to the school and is strongly supported by the Head Teacher. However, there are concerns about the impact of the development for those residents living close to the school, and particularly those members living in the Sevenoaks Road area.
The concerns identified relate to the increased traffic that is likely to be generated by this proposal and whether the existing car parking provision of 126 spaces is sufficient, particularly when other events are also taking place at the school. MERA will be seeking assurances in relation to floodlighting and noise and will seek mitigating measures to reduce any impact on residents living nearby.
The AGM confirmed MERA's position on Laurel Park and agreed the grounds for objection should this proposal be resurrected in the future.
16 May 2022
A decision to look into the option of upgrading an existing football pitch at Maiden Erlegh School was considered at MERA's AGM on 12 May. A new 3G football pitch would be of major benefit to the school and is strongly supported by the Head Teacher. However, there are concerns about the impact of the development for those residents living close to the school, and particularly those members living in the Sevenoaks Road area.
The concerns identified relate to the increased traffic that is likely to be generated by this proposal and whether the existing car parking provision of 126 spaces is sufficient, particularly when other events are also taking place at the school. MERA will be seeking assurances in relation to floodlighting and noise and will seek mitigating measures to reduce any impact on residents living nearby.
The AGM confirmed MERA's position on Laurel Park and agreed the grounds for objection should this proposal be resurrected in the future.
AGM hears Reading Buses CEO explain how COVID-19 has taken the company back 20 years
16 May 2022
Reading Buses CEO Robert Wiliams claimed at MERA's AGM on 12 May that the pandemic had put his company's future plans back 20 years and that although there had been a steady increase in passenger numbers more recently, the number of people using their services were now standing at 72% of pre-COVID levels. This compared to only 11% at the start of the pandemic, when lockdown began. He told the meeting that the company would do the best it could to maintain and even improve services where possible, but was important to ensure that services were financially sustainable.
It was also revealed that Reading Borough Council had been allocated £26m under the grants being made available under the National Bus Strategy, which was transformational for Reading Buses. It would allow for better infrastructure to be put in place such as improved ticketing, information for passengers and bus priority measures. Wokingham Borough Council's bid was unsuccessful.
Regular passengers of the 4, X4 and 21 services will be aware that the frequency on these services have now reduced from every 15 minutes to every 20 minutes to take account of the reduced passenger numbers. However, Wokingham Borough Council were continuing to fund the 19a/c services at existing levels at the present time. However, a review would be taking place in the autumn and this could lead to changes, particularly if the number of people using these services in the Earley/Woodley areas did not recover sufficiently. Worryingly, it was announced that the 19b service was no longer self sufficient, and so the consequences of passenger levels not recovering to previous levels by the time of the next review could lead to some difficult decisions being made.
Members were interested in the company's green credentials, and Mr Williams revealed that one-third of the bus fleet ran on bio-methane, which produced 82% less carbon. An electric bus was being trialled, and low sulphur diesel was used in its remaining vehicles. This meant that even diesel buses were very clean and compared favourably with diesel cars.
Robert Williams was asked about the possibility of buses being diverted to serve Brookside surgery again
to enable elderly people to use the 19a/c service without having to walk to and from Silverdale Road. He responded that this would be looked at, but currently the responsibility for the routeing of these services lay with Wokingham Borough Council, who subsidised the service.
The provision of real time information at bus stops on the 19 routes was also discussed. Mr Williams pointed out that highways infrastructure was the council's responsibility but that the installation and maintenance costs were not viable at present in outlying areas.
The question of increasing frequency of services to attract more passengers was also addressed. It was estimated that doubling frequency would increase patronage by about 60%, but that this varied considerably.
The obvious lesson we can all learn from this is that maintenance of our bus services is wholly dependent on the number of people using them, and we can all help to keep our services running by using the bus wherever practicable. You will not have to worry about finding a parking space and you will be helping the environment - as well as the elderly, who rely heavily on being able to travel into town and to hospital appointments.
16 May 2022
Reading Buses CEO Robert Wiliams claimed at MERA's AGM on 12 May that the pandemic had put his company's future plans back 20 years and that although there had been a steady increase in passenger numbers more recently, the number of people using their services were now standing at 72% of pre-COVID levels. This compared to only 11% at the start of the pandemic, when lockdown began. He told the meeting that the company would do the best it could to maintain and even improve services where possible, but was important to ensure that services were financially sustainable.
It was also revealed that Reading Borough Council had been allocated £26m under the grants being made available under the National Bus Strategy, which was transformational for Reading Buses. It would allow for better infrastructure to be put in place such as improved ticketing, information for passengers and bus priority measures. Wokingham Borough Council's bid was unsuccessful.
Regular passengers of the 4, X4 and 21 services will be aware that the frequency on these services have now reduced from every 15 minutes to every 20 minutes to take account of the reduced passenger numbers. However, Wokingham Borough Council were continuing to fund the 19a/c services at existing levels at the present time. However, a review would be taking place in the autumn and this could lead to changes, particularly if the number of people using these services in the Earley/Woodley areas did not recover sufficiently. Worryingly, it was announced that the 19b service was no longer self sufficient, and so the consequences of passenger levels not recovering to previous levels by the time of the next review could lead to some difficult decisions being made.
Members were interested in the company's green credentials, and Mr Williams revealed that one-third of the bus fleet ran on bio-methane, which produced 82% less carbon. An electric bus was being trialled, and low sulphur diesel was used in its remaining vehicles. This meant that even diesel buses were very clean and compared favourably with diesel cars.
Robert Williams was asked about the possibility of buses being diverted to serve Brookside surgery again
to enable elderly people to use the 19a/c service without having to walk to and from Silverdale Road. He responded that this would be looked at, but currently the responsibility for the routeing of these services lay with Wokingham Borough Council, who subsidised the service.
The provision of real time information at bus stops on the 19 routes was also discussed. Mr Williams pointed out that highways infrastructure was the council's responsibility but that the installation and maintenance costs were not viable at present in outlying areas.
The question of increasing frequency of services to attract more passengers was also addressed. It was estimated that doubling frequency would increase patronage by about 60%, but that this varied considerably.
The obvious lesson we can all learn from this is that maintenance of our bus services is wholly dependent on the number of people using them, and we can all help to keep our services running by using the bus wherever practicable. You will not have to worry about finding a parking space and you will be helping the environment - as well as the elderly, who rely heavily on being able to travel into town and to hospital appointments.
Huge Earley Litter Pick
27 March 2022
Earley Town Council is organising its annual Huge Earley Litter Pick in conjunction with Keep Britain Tidy's Great British Spring Clean on Sunday 3 April 2022. The morning session is from 10am to 12.30pm and the afternoon session will be held between 2pm and 4.30pm. If you would like to help, you are invited to meet at The Interpretation Centre, Instow Road (RG6 5QH).
The Town Council advises participants to bring their gloves with them, and if you have a litter picker device, that would be useful as well, but equipment will be available as required.
27 March 2022
Earley Town Council is organising its annual Huge Earley Litter Pick in conjunction with Keep Britain Tidy's Great British Spring Clean on Sunday 3 April 2022. The morning session is from 10am to 12.30pm and the afternoon session will be held between 2pm and 4.30pm. If you would like to help, you are invited to meet at The Interpretation Centre, Instow Road (RG6 5QH).
The Town Council advises participants to bring their gloves with them, and if you have a litter picker device, that would be useful as well, but equipment will be available as required.
Street parties planned to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee
27 March 2022
In celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, people all over the country are expected to hold street parties, and it looks as though Maiden Erlegh residents will be no exception. As well as individual initiatives, MERA is also planning to stage a number of events during the four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June.
Residents who are interested in organising such an event are recommended to access Wokingham Borough Council's website, which contains useful information on holding events, including how to apply for road closures.
27 March 2022
In celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, people all over the country are expected to hold street parties, and it looks as though Maiden Erlegh residents will be no exception. As well as individual initiatives, MERA is also planning to stage a number of events during the four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June.
Residents who are interested in organising such an event are recommended to access Wokingham Borough Council's website, which contains useful information on holding events, including how to apply for road closures.
Support for bus companies
21 March 2022 [updated 27 March 2022]
The MERA Executive Committee heard at its meeting on 10 March 2022 that as government funding to assist bus companies over the pandemic was due to run out at the end of March, Wokingham Borough Council had stepped in with emergency short-term funding to bridge the gap. It was necessary to do this because passenger numbers had not yet returned to normal following Covid, and without additional funds, bus companies might withdraw services at short notice under the Regulations as they had done for service 7 that operated between Reading and Fleet. These services have now re-commenced between Reading and Riseley thanks to Wokingham Borough Council funding.
Since our meeting, we have been advised that government funding has been extended until October 2022, which should tide us over until we know more about the assistance the government will provide under the Bus Service Improvement Plan as part of the National Bus Strategy. We hope that a substantial proportion of the additional money to be made available will help Reading Buses to improve bus services, but until we know more, we remain in the dark about what the new financial regime will mean for our area.
Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, will speak at our AGM on 12 May 2022, and we hope that he will have further information for us on the future of our bus services, particularly on the secondary bus routes through Maiden Erlegh.
21 March 2022 [updated 27 March 2022]
The MERA Executive Committee heard at its meeting on 10 March 2022 that as government funding to assist bus companies over the pandemic was due to run out at the end of March, Wokingham Borough Council had stepped in with emergency short-term funding to bridge the gap. It was necessary to do this because passenger numbers had not yet returned to normal following Covid, and without additional funds, bus companies might withdraw services at short notice under the Regulations as they had done for service 7 that operated between Reading and Fleet. These services have now re-commenced between Reading and Riseley thanks to Wokingham Borough Council funding.
Since our meeting, we have been advised that government funding has been extended until October 2022, which should tide us over until we know more about the assistance the government will provide under the Bus Service Improvement Plan as part of the National Bus Strategy. We hope that a substantial proportion of the additional money to be made available will help Reading Buses to improve bus services, but until we know more, we remain in the dark about what the new financial regime will mean for our area.
Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, will speak at our AGM on 12 May 2022, and we hope that he will have further information for us on the future of our bus services, particularly on the secondary bus routes through Maiden Erlegh.
Victory for opponents of Laurel Park plans - but there's a catch
28 February 2022
MERA has received the excellent news that Laurel Park is no longer being considered as the venue for a new 3G football pitch. In a letter to a selection of residents, Borough Council Leader John Halsall has confirmed that while no formal decision on the site for the pitch has been agreed, 'A review of a 3G pitch at Laurel Park indicates that this site is not suitable and therefore will not be progressed by this Administration'.
Unfortunately, two issues remain. One is the continuing car parking problem at Laurel Park, which could lead to a decision to use the western field opposite the Pavilion as a car park. MERA will continue to oppose this because not only will this take away the green space that provides an amenity to residents, but it will also impact on nearby properties, including at Instow Road.
Secondly, it leaves open the question of where the 3G pitch will be located instead. We understand that Maiden Erlegh School will be one of the options to be considered. In view of the car parking problems that this would cause, leading to nearby streets being used as overflow parking to an even greater extent than would have been experienced at Laurel Park, and the environmental impact for residents of Sevenoaks Road, parts of Avalon Road, Radnor Road and Kenton Road in particular, MERA will be opposing this option as well, preferring the alternative of Bearwood as a suitable site.
MERA's Executive Committee will be discussing these developments at its next meeting on 10 March. In the meantime, residents are invited to let us know what they think. Please use the 'contact us' page on this website, or alternatively email us at:
askmera@virginmedia.com.
The Laurel Park rally on Sunday 6 March at 1.30pm will still go ahead as planned.
28 February 2022
MERA has received the excellent news that Laurel Park is no longer being considered as the venue for a new 3G football pitch. In a letter to a selection of residents, Borough Council Leader John Halsall has confirmed that while no formal decision on the site for the pitch has been agreed, 'A review of a 3G pitch at Laurel Park indicates that this site is not suitable and therefore will not be progressed by this Administration'.
Unfortunately, two issues remain. One is the continuing car parking problem at Laurel Park, which could lead to a decision to use the western field opposite the Pavilion as a car park. MERA will continue to oppose this because not only will this take away the green space that provides an amenity to residents, but it will also impact on nearby properties, including at Instow Road.
Secondly, it leaves open the question of where the 3G pitch will be located instead. We understand that Maiden Erlegh School will be one of the options to be considered. In view of the car parking problems that this would cause, leading to nearby streets being used as overflow parking to an even greater extent than would have been experienced at Laurel Park, and the environmental impact for residents of Sevenoaks Road, parts of Avalon Road, Radnor Road and Kenton Road in particular, MERA will be opposing this option as well, preferring the alternative of Bearwood as a suitable site.
MERA's Executive Committee will be discussing these developments at its next meeting on 10 March. In the meantime, residents are invited to let us know what they think. Please use the 'contact us' page on this website, or alternatively email us at:
askmera@virginmedia.com.
The Laurel Park rally on Sunday 6 March at 1.30pm will still go ahead as planned.
Laurel Park rally planned to convey opposition to football pitch plans
20 February 2022
MERA is working with the residents of Marefield (MBOS Residents) and the Earley Environmental Group to organise a rally at Laurel Park at 1.30pm on Sunday 6 March. Everyone who wishes to give their support to the campaign to oppose the Borough Council's plans which would prevent local people from enjoying the amenities provided by our three fields in Laurel Park can attend the rally.
MERA members are advised that the council's plans involve installing an artificial football pitch in the lower field, which will be surrounded by a high acoustic fence and illuminated by floodlights when matches are being played in the dark. The western field on the opposite side of the pavilion and close to the children's playground could be converted into a car park with lighting if the plans go ahead, although the council is also looking at whether to use the upper field, which could include vehicular access from Rushey Way.
Under these plans, Laurel Park will be used far more intensively that it is at present. Football matches would be held 7 days per week, with all the traffic congestion and car parking problems that it would create. The 40-50 extra parking spaces envisaged by the proposal we believe are inadequate to cater for all those using the facilities, with the actual use more likely to be needing double the number spaces planned. Not only would Lower Earley residents would be severely impacted by these vehicular movements and parking problems - an increased number of people are likely to use Lakeside and nearby roads (Allendale Road, Andrews Road and parts of Silverdale Road) to attend these events.
While MERA welcomes the investment that is available for improved football facilities in Earley, our view is that Laurel Park, which is partly surrounded by a small nature reserve, is not the appropriate location for it. If the proposal were to go ahead, three fields which provide an important amenity for all local residents, may be taken over in the interests of football, and these green spaces will be in danger of being lost to dog walkers, picnickers, people who want to kick a ball around with their children and other leisure activities.
The nature reserve and the green spaces are the reason many of us moved to this area and these plans would ruin them. It is important that our councillors at Wokingham Borough Council understand the strength of feeling over this to force a re-think.
So if you would like to lend us your support for an hour on 6 March, please do come along and hear what we have to say.
20 February 2022
MERA is working with the residents of Marefield (MBOS Residents) and the Earley Environmental Group to organise a rally at Laurel Park at 1.30pm on Sunday 6 March. Everyone who wishes to give their support to the campaign to oppose the Borough Council's plans which would prevent local people from enjoying the amenities provided by our three fields in Laurel Park can attend the rally.
MERA members are advised that the council's plans involve installing an artificial football pitch in the lower field, which will be surrounded by a high acoustic fence and illuminated by floodlights when matches are being played in the dark. The western field on the opposite side of the pavilion and close to the children's playground could be converted into a car park with lighting if the plans go ahead, although the council is also looking at whether to use the upper field, which could include vehicular access from Rushey Way.
Under these plans, Laurel Park will be used far more intensively that it is at present. Football matches would be held 7 days per week, with all the traffic congestion and car parking problems that it would create. The 40-50 extra parking spaces envisaged by the proposal we believe are inadequate to cater for all those using the facilities, with the actual use more likely to be needing double the number spaces planned. Not only would Lower Earley residents would be severely impacted by these vehicular movements and parking problems - an increased number of people are likely to use Lakeside and nearby roads (Allendale Road, Andrews Road and parts of Silverdale Road) to attend these events.
While MERA welcomes the investment that is available for improved football facilities in Earley, our view is that Laurel Park, which is partly surrounded by a small nature reserve, is not the appropriate location for it. If the proposal were to go ahead, three fields which provide an important amenity for all local residents, may be taken over in the interests of football, and these green spaces will be in danger of being lost to dog walkers, picnickers, people who want to kick a ball around with their children and other leisure activities.
The nature reserve and the green spaces are the reason many of us moved to this area and these plans would ruin them. It is important that our councillors at Wokingham Borough Council understand the strength of feeling over this to force a re-think.
So if you would like to lend us your support for an hour on 6 March, please do come along and hear what we have to say.
Residents urged to report suspicious activity
20 February 2022
There has been an increase in burglaries, vehicle crime and suspicious criminal activities in our area, and Thames Valley Police have issued an appeal for members of the public to report any suspicious persons, vehicles or activities that may have been witnessed or captured on CCTV, dash cam or video doorbell footage.
You can report this on the Thames Valley Police website - www.thamesvalley.police.uk by using the Report or Tell Us About buttons, or by calling 101. Alternatively you can visit Crimestoppers anonymously at https://crimestoppers-uk.org or call free on 0800 555 111.
20 February 2022
There has been an increase in burglaries, vehicle crime and suspicious criminal activities in our area, and Thames Valley Police have issued an appeal for members of the public to report any suspicious persons, vehicles or activities that may have been witnessed or captured on CCTV, dash cam or video doorbell footage.
You can report this on the Thames Valley Police website - www.thamesvalley.police.uk by using the Report or Tell Us About buttons, or by calling 101. Alternatively you can visit Crimestoppers anonymously at https://crimestoppers-uk.org or call free on 0800 555 111.
New bin sacks and caddy liners are coming
20 February 2022
The council has announced that new blue bag and food caddy liners are now being distributed to householders. Distribution of these should be completed by Mid-March.
20 February 2022
The council has announced that new blue bag and food caddy liners are now being distributed to householders. Distribution of these should be completed by Mid-March.
Plan B Covid restrictions to end
24 January 2022
Earlier than some had expected, Plan B restrictions are to end in England. Employees are no longer advised to work from home and children need not wear facemasks in school classrooms, although schools may implement their own rules if the circumstances warrant it.
From 27 January, venues and events will no longer be required by law to use the NHS COVID Pass, and face coverings are not required by law in any setting, although guidance will remain in place. National guidance on mask wearing in school corridors is also withdrawn from that date.
The public is now trusted to use their common sense, and when entering crowded indoor spaces, consideration should be given to wearing a face mask.
From 11 February, Covid testing rules will be eased for double-vaccinated people travelling to England. However, holidaymakers will need to ensure that they understand the rules imposed by the countries they are visiting.
Full details are available on the gov.uk website.
24 January 2022
Earlier than some had expected, Plan B restrictions are to end in England. Employees are no longer advised to work from home and children need not wear facemasks in school classrooms, although schools may implement their own rules if the circumstances warrant it.
From 27 January, venues and events will no longer be required by law to use the NHS COVID Pass, and face coverings are not required by law in any setting, although guidance will remain in place. National guidance on mask wearing in school corridors is also withdrawn from that date.
The public is now trusted to use their common sense, and when entering crowded indoor spaces, consideration should be given to wearing a face mask.
From 11 February, Covid testing rules will be eased for double-vaccinated people travelling to England. However, holidaymakers will need to ensure that they understand the rules imposed by the countries they are visiting.
Full details are available on the gov.uk website.
Proposed 3G football pitch - latest
24 January 2022
Further discussions have taken place at MERA's Executive Committee regarding Wokingham Borough Council's proposed 3G football pitch at the lower field of Laurel Park.
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen announced on Facebook that she did not expect any planning proposals for this scheme to be submitted before 2023, although the Borough Council's letter to Marefield residents states that installation of the new pitch could take place towards the end of 2022.
MERA understands that a fence will be erected around the lower field, which means that an important amenity will be lost to residents. Many people use the field at present for recreational purposes, such as walking dogs, having picnics and so on. Not only that, but the field to the west of the pavilion will most likely be identified for use as a car park, causing noise and fumes that will affect residents of Instow Road and Sibson.
The letter to residents of Marefield that does not appear to have been circulated also to Maiden Erlegh residents is accessible from the link below. MERA intends to gauge the level of support for this proposal by including an item in the next MERA magazine, requesting views from residents by email and also by attending the next AGM to be held on 12 May 2022. A proposed letter of objection will be debated at that meeting.
24 January 2022
Further discussions have taken place at MERA's Executive Committee regarding Wokingham Borough Council's proposed 3G football pitch at the lower field of Laurel Park.
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen announced on Facebook that she did not expect any planning proposals for this scheme to be submitted before 2023, although the Borough Council's letter to Marefield residents states that installation of the new pitch could take place towards the end of 2022.
MERA understands that a fence will be erected around the lower field, which means that an important amenity will be lost to residents. Many people use the field at present for recreational purposes, such as walking dogs, having picnics and so on. Not only that, but the field to the west of the pavilion will most likely be identified for use as a car park, causing noise and fumes that will affect residents of Instow Road and Sibson.
The letter to residents of Marefield that does not appear to have been circulated also to Maiden Erlegh residents is accessible from the link below. MERA intends to gauge the level of support for this proposal by including an item in the next MERA magazine, requesting views from residents by email and also by attending the next AGM to be held on 12 May 2022. A proposed letter of objection will be debated at that meeting.
| Laurel Park proposal for 3G football pitch at Laurel Park |
Local Plan Update
14 December 2021
The implications of the new housing proposals on Maiden Erlegh were greeted with alarm at the MERA Executive Committee on 9 December.
Although there are no housing proposals for Maiden Erlegh itself - most likely because there is a lack of land available in the area - the development of our surrounding countryside, from Sindlesham to Arborfield and Shinfield, will have major implications for our roads and services.
The council proposes to allow development on the area of land that provides a buffer between Lower Earley and local villages. The new development will be called 'Loddon Valley'.
Residents will already be aware of the pressure on our schools and GP surgeries - another 4,500 homes just beyond Lower Earley Way will only make that worse unless additional provision is made early on in the development.
MERA will set out its objections to the proposals on your behalf, but residents are urged to add their personal views in response to the consultation, which ends on 17 January 2022. Full details of the proposals can be found in the consultation section of the Wokingham Borough Council website.
14 December 2021
The implications of the new housing proposals on Maiden Erlegh were greeted with alarm at the MERA Executive Committee on 9 December.
Although there are no housing proposals for Maiden Erlegh itself - most likely because there is a lack of land available in the area - the development of our surrounding countryside, from Sindlesham to Arborfield and Shinfield, will have major implications for our roads and services.
The council proposes to allow development on the area of land that provides a buffer between Lower Earley and local villages. The new development will be called 'Loddon Valley'.
Residents will already be aware of the pressure on our schools and GP surgeries - another 4,500 homes just beyond Lower Earley Way will only make that worse unless additional provision is made early on in the development.
MERA will set out its objections to the proposals on your behalf, but residents are urged to add their personal views in response to the consultation, which ends on 17 January 2022. Full details of the proposals can be found in the consultation section of the Wokingham Borough Council website.
Laurel Park football proposals cause concern for Executive Committee
14 December 2021
The news that a 3G football pitch at Laurel Park would be subject to a planning application soon was greeted with dismay by MERA's Executive Committee when it met on 9 December.
While acknowledging that the proposal would be welcomed by members of football clubs and their families, the fear was that nearby properties would be badly impacted by the light pollution from floodlights, sound pollution from Tannoy systems and the much more regular use of the pitch, which would cause recurring traffic problems at Marefield as well as noise and fumes from the proposed car park, which was likely to be constructed to the rear of properties at Instow Road and Sibson in the field to the west of the pavilion.
Also of concern was the fact that the new pitch was in the middle of a nature reserve, and the wildlife would be impacted by the lights and noise. Existing leisure facilities would be off limits and it was likely that the lower field would be fenced off to keep out the public. The recent measures that had been taken to stop the brook from the waterfall from flooding properties at Silverdale Road and Egremont Drive could be in vain if the excess water from the Astro-turf was directed into the brook. Microplastic from the Astro-turf could also pollute our waterways.
Accordingly, it was agreed that a press release would be issued to the local press in an effort to inform residents of the planning application which could be slipped through over the Christmas period. Residents are urged to give their views to Wokingham Borough Council, whether or not they wished to support the application. This would help the council to gauge the views of local people before granting consent.
14 December 2021
The news that a 3G football pitch at Laurel Park would be subject to a planning application soon was greeted with dismay by MERA's Executive Committee when it met on 9 December.
While acknowledging that the proposal would be welcomed by members of football clubs and their families, the fear was that nearby properties would be badly impacted by the light pollution from floodlights, sound pollution from Tannoy systems and the much more regular use of the pitch, which would cause recurring traffic problems at Marefield as well as noise and fumes from the proposed car park, which was likely to be constructed to the rear of properties at Instow Road and Sibson in the field to the west of the pavilion.
Also of concern was the fact that the new pitch was in the middle of a nature reserve, and the wildlife would be impacted by the lights and noise. Existing leisure facilities would be off limits and it was likely that the lower field would be fenced off to keep out the public. The recent measures that had been taken to stop the brook from the waterfall from flooding properties at Silverdale Road and Egremont Drive could be in vain if the excess water from the Astro-turf was directed into the brook. Microplastic from the Astro-turf could also pollute our waterways.
Accordingly, it was agreed that a press release would be issued to the local press in an effort to inform residents of the planning application which could be slipped through over the Christmas period. Residents are urged to give their views to Wokingham Borough Council, whether or not they wished to support the application. This would help the council to gauge the views of local people before granting consent.
Plan B restrictions fully in force from Wednesday 15 December
14 December 2021
Following the decision by the government to reintroduce a legal requirement to wear face masks in most public indoor venues from 10 December and advice to work from home from 13 December, the Commons has now approved further measures to commence from 15 December, for a period of up to six weeks.
These additional measures will require an NHS Covid Pass on the NHS App for entry into nightclubs and settings where large crowds gather, including unseated indoor events with 500 or more attendees, unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees, and any event with 10,000 or more attendees. Evidence of at least 2 vaccine does will be required, or as an alternative, proof of a negative lateral flow test will be accepted.
This is even more reason for residents to think very carefully about bringing their vaccinations up to date, particularly because there may be even more settings requiring vaccine passports in the future if the virus threatens to overwhelm hospitals.
However, some good news for holiday-makers. As the new omicron variant is now taking over as the dominant variant in the UK, the 'red list' now reduces to zero.
For the time being, most of us will notice only the compulsory wearing of facemasks and the working from home guidance, and there are currently no further restrictions on social gatherings or Christmas parties.
It should be noted that as at the time of producing this article, there is currently no evidence that omicron is more dangerous that the Delta variant, but it is certainly more transmissible. If it is found to be placing no further risk of overwhelming the NHS, we can expect the measures to be withdrawn again within a few weeks.
14 December 2021
Following the decision by the government to reintroduce a legal requirement to wear face masks in most public indoor venues from 10 December and advice to work from home from 13 December, the Commons has now approved further measures to commence from 15 December, for a period of up to six weeks.
These additional measures will require an NHS Covid Pass on the NHS App for entry into nightclubs and settings where large crowds gather, including unseated indoor events with 500 or more attendees, unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees, and any event with 10,000 or more attendees. Evidence of at least 2 vaccine does will be required, or as an alternative, proof of a negative lateral flow test will be accepted.
This is even more reason for residents to think very carefully about bringing their vaccinations up to date, particularly because there may be even more settings requiring vaccine passports in the future if the virus threatens to overwhelm hospitals.
However, some good news for holiday-makers. As the new omicron variant is now taking over as the dominant variant in the UK, the 'red list' now reduces to zero.
For the time being, most of us will notice only the compulsory wearing of facemasks and the working from home guidance, and there are currently no further restrictions on social gatherings or Christmas parties.
It should be noted that as at the time of producing this article, there is currently no evidence that omicron is more dangerous that the Delta variant, but it is certainly more transmissible. If it is found to be placing no further risk of overwhelming the NHS, we can expect the measures to be withdrawn again within a few weeks.
Gypsy Lane/Rushey Way junction requires a re-think
25 November 2021
At our last AGM prior to the pandemic emergency, members raised with our speaker from the Borough's Highways Department, Martin Heath, the problem residents encountered with the junction of Gypsy Lane and Rushey Way.
Most will be aware of the long queues that build up in Gypsy Lane at certain times of the day as well as the difficulty drivers face in turning right towards Asda. We have proposed a mini-roundabout at this junction so that traffic emerging from Gypsy Lane will find it easier to turn right, which reduces the need to wait for gaps to appear in the traffic from both directions.
The alternative of traffic lights was dismissed by MERA members, who expressed their wish for a mini-roundabout, as this would assist with the free flow of traffic.
We have written again to the Borough about the lack of action and we have drawn their attention to the accident there on 3 November, but it seems that this proposal is in a very long queue of potential works that the council needs to consider. This seems to be very ponderous, as all we are asking for is three new mini-roundabout signs and a painted circle in Rushey Way. There are already crossing points for pedestrians in Gypsy Lane, and so this is one less problem to consider.
We will continue to raise the issue with the council, but sadly, we do not expect any early action on this matter.
25 November 2021
At our last AGM prior to the pandemic emergency, members raised with our speaker from the Borough's Highways Department, Martin Heath, the problem residents encountered with the junction of Gypsy Lane and Rushey Way.
Most will be aware of the long queues that build up in Gypsy Lane at certain times of the day as well as the difficulty drivers face in turning right towards Asda. We have proposed a mini-roundabout at this junction so that traffic emerging from Gypsy Lane will find it easier to turn right, which reduces the need to wait for gaps to appear in the traffic from both directions.
The alternative of traffic lights was dismissed by MERA members, who expressed their wish for a mini-roundabout, as this would assist with the free flow of traffic.
We have written again to the Borough about the lack of action and we have drawn their attention to the accident there on 3 November, but it seems that this proposal is in a very long queue of potential works that the council needs to consider. This seems to be very ponderous, as all we are asking for is three new mini-roundabout signs and a painted circle in Rushey Way. There are already crossing points for pedestrians in Gypsy Lane, and so this is one less problem to consider.
We will continue to raise the issue with the council, but sadly, we do not expect any early action on this matter.
Laurel Park lower field confirmed as preferred option for 3G football pitch
25 November 2021
We have been provided with further details of the plans to establish a 3G football pitch on the lower field at Laurel Park.
MERA has now learned that floodlights will be installed to enable evening events at the location. While this is good news for the users of the field, concern has been expressed that this could impact on local residents unless the lights are shielded in some way from nearby houses. However, the issue that is liable to cause even more disruption for residents will be the increased use of the field that is envisaged, which will inevitably lead to a big increase in the number of events staged there.
Marefield residents as well as residents of nearby properties will be well aware of the traffic congestion and parking problems that arise when events take place, and this looks set to be a regular problem for the locals. Furthermore, the noise from Tannoys will also disturb residents for most people living in Maiden Erlegh.
Although the field to the west of the pavilion has not been formally identified as the place where a new car park will be provided, it is widely believed that this is the envisaged location, which will displease residents of Instow Road and Sibson in particular, who will now have to endure the fumes and noise from vehicles entering and leaving the car park. An important amenity will also be taken away if local people can no longer use the field for recreation.
MERA understands that there will be many people who will support these proposals, but we think the needs of residents who will be affected by this development need to be heard, and that is why we have called upon the Borough Council to consult local people on these proposals before granting planning permission. However, we are not confident that this will happen, and so we will ensure that we keep an eye on planning applications submitted which may be the only means by which objections can be put forward.
As soon as we receive any information, we will notify MERA members by way of this site, and we will also post notices on all the Maiden Erlegh notice boards. Additionally, we intend to issue a press release in mid-December in an effort to alert as many people as possible to these proposals.
Should these proposals be approved, we will push for suitable mitigation measures to be put into place to minimise the impact on the citizens of Maiden Erlegh and Lower Earley living nearby.
25 November 2021
We have been provided with further details of the plans to establish a 3G football pitch on the lower field at Laurel Park.
MERA has now learned that floodlights will be installed to enable evening events at the location. While this is good news for the users of the field, concern has been expressed that this could impact on local residents unless the lights are shielded in some way from nearby houses. However, the issue that is liable to cause even more disruption for residents will be the increased use of the field that is envisaged, which will inevitably lead to a big increase in the number of events staged there.
Marefield residents as well as residents of nearby properties will be well aware of the traffic congestion and parking problems that arise when events take place, and this looks set to be a regular problem for the locals. Furthermore, the noise from Tannoys will also disturb residents for most people living in Maiden Erlegh.
Although the field to the west of the pavilion has not been formally identified as the place where a new car park will be provided, it is widely believed that this is the envisaged location, which will displease residents of Instow Road and Sibson in particular, who will now have to endure the fumes and noise from vehicles entering and leaving the car park. An important amenity will also be taken away if local people can no longer use the field for recreation.
MERA understands that there will be many people who will support these proposals, but we think the needs of residents who will be affected by this development need to be heard, and that is why we have called upon the Borough Council to consult local people on these proposals before granting planning permission. However, we are not confident that this will happen, and so we will ensure that we keep an eye on planning applications submitted which may be the only means by which objections can be put forward.
As soon as we receive any information, we will notify MERA members by way of this site, and we will also post notices on all the Maiden Erlegh notice boards. Additionally, we intend to issue a press release in mid-December in an effort to alert as many people as possible to these proposals.
Should these proposals be approved, we will push for suitable mitigation measures to be put into place to minimise the impact on the citizens of Maiden Erlegh and Lower Earley living nearby.
Red kites are spectacular birds - but please don't feed them!
27 September 2021
MERA has received a complaint that some residents are feeding the red kites that grace our skies following their reintroduction to the area a few years ago.
While acknowledging that the sight of the birds in the sky above Maiden Erlegh was indeed a sight to behold, some residents are feeding the birds, scattering food onto the Maiden Erlegh School field, which in turn attracted vermin.
The RSPB has called for a reduction of artificial feeding in their gardens and in public places. The birds have sharp claws and a wingspan of about six feet. There are fears that children eating food in gardens where red kites are present could be badly hurt because the birds have been known to swoop down on people who are eating a sandwich, and although red kites avoid people generally, food does attract them.
Red kites are birds of prey that normally scavenge on the carcasses of dead animals, and there is no need for people to feed them. If fed regularly, they can become bold and fearless of humans, and can cause injury while taking food from hands.
The birds are causing a good deal of mess in local gardens and on patio furniture as well, which those feeding the birds may not have appreciated.
27 September 2021
MERA has received a complaint that some residents are feeding the red kites that grace our skies following their reintroduction to the area a few years ago.
While acknowledging that the sight of the birds in the sky above Maiden Erlegh was indeed a sight to behold, some residents are feeding the birds, scattering food onto the Maiden Erlegh School field, which in turn attracted vermin.
The RSPB has called for a reduction of artificial feeding in their gardens and in public places. The birds have sharp claws and a wingspan of about six feet. There are fears that children eating food in gardens where red kites are present could be badly hurt because the birds have been known to swoop down on people who are eating a sandwich, and although red kites avoid people generally, food does attract them.
Red kites are birds of prey that normally scavenge on the carcasses of dead animals, and there is no need for people to feed them. If fed regularly, they can become bold and fearless of humans, and can cause injury while taking food from hands.
The birds are causing a good deal of mess in local gardens and on patio furniture as well, which those feeding the birds may not have appreciated.
Lakeside residents 'surprised and upset' over Town Council's broken agreement
27 September 2021
Residents of Lakeside, Earley were left feeling ignored by their council after failing to have a 2006 committee decision and a subsequent agreement with residents made in 2012 enforced.
A hedge marking a boundary between the nature reserve and the residential area was cut back in August following concerns raised by Lakeside residents that it had been left to grow well beyond the 2’ 6” that was specified in a decision of Earley Town Council’s Amenities and Leisure Committee on 18 January 2006.
However, the vegetation behind the main hedge was left in place, spoiling the view of the lake that can be seen from the properties opposite, and the local authority is refusing to have this reduced to the same height as the hedge.
Maiden Erlegh Residents’ Association (MERA) carried out a survey of its members whose views of the lake were now obscured by the vegetation that is being left to grow out of control to establish the strength of feeling that existed. 16 of the 18 residents who replied wanted the hedge to be trimmed to waist height.
One resident commented that the residents of Lakeside chose to live there ‘when there were lovely vistas of the water and its wildlife from our windows. When the grass was mown, there were bulbs and rose bushes, when it was an attractive open park-like asset for the estate. We could have communal picnics with the children while enjoying watching the water birds – like in a London park, only even nicer…’
Amongst the concerns being expressed, it is claimed that ‘cars can no longer park on the south side of the road for children and dogs to get out onto the grass, and on the path we can’t give geese and goslings a wide berth, or other dogs that ours might not get on with. Much of the year it is a safety hazard as you can’t see what’s on the road ahead – parked cars, geese, etc. Motorists wouldn’t see if a child, dog, fox or deer emerges from one of the designated exit points. Are we actually waiting for an accident to happen?’
Another resident described the hedge as ‘very dangerous’ pointing out that there has been increased anti-social behaviour as people are more hidden. It is claimed that ‘more people are using the road and pavement rather than the path’.
Residents are baffled by the fact that a committee resolution has not been adequately enforced and an agreement with residents on the maintenance of the hedge has been ignored for years. It appears that these agreements have been deliberately undermined by allowing the vegetation behind the hedge to grow, contrary to the spirit of the undertakings given by the Town Council.
In view of the concerns being expressed by its members, MERA asked the Town Clerk to take action to ensure that the decisions made by members of the council were enforced. In response, the hedge alongside the road was cut back, but the vegetation behind was left in an untidy and overgrown state. Following complaints that residents remained dissatisfied, the matter was referred again to the Amenities and Leisure Committee on 8 September.
To the amazement of residents, the committee ‘unanimously agreed’ that the hedge at the rear of the formal hedge would be ‘neatened and thinned but would not be cut down to the height of the hedge at the front’.
The detailed reasons given by the council for this decision have been circulated to MERA members whose views of the lake are being obstructed. The requirements of the Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act 2006 and its emphasis on conserving biodiversity appears to be the over-arching reason for the decision, although of course this legislation was in place when the agreement with residents was reached in 2012.
Given the clear agreement of nine years ago to preserve the views of the lake, this decision was unexpected, and residents are surprised and upset that the council has failed to implement the undertakings given after consultation with them and that they have now abandoned that agreement altogether.
A MERA spokesman explained that the recent change in political control of Earley Town Council had led to a different approach being taken to the management of this area of land. He stated: ‘We understand that the new administration would not feel bound to pursue the policies of previous administrations, but we are disappointed that they are unwilling to take on board the discontent of Lakeside residents. Given the decision that has been made on this matter, there appears to be little more that we can do for the time being, but residents might want to raise this as a continuing issue with prospective candidates for the next Town Council election.’
27 September 2021
Residents of Lakeside, Earley were left feeling ignored by their council after failing to have a 2006 committee decision and a subsequent agreement with residents made in 2012 enforced.
A hedge marking a boundary between the nature reserve and the residential area was cut back in August following concerns raised by Lakeside residents that it had been left to grow well beyond the 2’ 6” that was specified in a decision of Earley Town Council’s Amenities and Leisure Committee on 18 January 2006.
However, the vegetation behind the main hedge was left in place, spoiling the view of the lake that can be seen from the properties opposite, and the local authority is refusing to have this reduced to the same height as the hedge.
Maiden Erlegh Residents’ Association (MERA) carried out a survey of its members whose views of the lake were now obscured by the vegetation that is being left to grow out of control to establish the strength of feeling that existed. 16 of the 18 residents who replied wanted the hedge to be trimmed to waist height.
One resident commented that the residents of Lakeside chose to live there ‘when there were lovely vistas of the water and its wildlife from our windows. When the grass was mown, there were bulbs and rose bushes, when it was an attractive open park-like asset for the estate. We could have communal picnics with the children while enjoying watching the water birds – like in a London park, only even nicer…’
Amongst the concerns being expressed, it is claimed that ‘cars can no longer park on the south side of the road for children and dogs to get out onto the grass, and on the path we can’t give geese and goslings a wide berth, or other dogs that ours might not get on with. Much of the year it is a safety hazard as you can’t see what’s on the road ahead – parked cars, geese, etc. Motorists wouldn’t see if a child, dog, fox or deer emerges from one of the designated exit points. Are we actually waiting for an accident to happen?’
Another resident described the hedge as ‘very dangerous’ pointing out that there has been increased anti-social behaviour as people are more hidden. It is claimed that ‘more people are using the road and pavement rather than the path’.
Residents are baffled by the fact that a committee resolution has not been adequately enforced and an agreement with residents on the maintenance of the hedge has been ignored for years. It appears that these agreements have been deliberately undermined by allowing the vegetation behind the hedge to grow, contrary to the spirit of the undertakings given by the Town Council.
In view of the concerns being expressed by its members, MERA asked the Town Clerk to take action to ensure that the decisions made by members of the council were enforced. In response, the hedge alongside the road was cut back, but the vegetation behind was left in an untidy and overgrown state. Following complaints that residents remained dissatisfied, the matter was referred again to the Amenities and Leisure Committee on 8 September.
To the amazement of residents, the committee ‘unanimously agreed’ that the hedge at the rear of the formal hedge would be ‘neatened and thinned but would not be cut down to the height of the hedge at the front’.
The detailed reasons given by the council for this decision have been circulated to MERA members whose views of the lake are being obstructed. The requirements of the Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act 2006 and its emphasis on conserving biodiversity appears to be the over-arching reason for the decision, although of course this legislation was in place when the agreement with residents was reached in 2012.
Given the clear agreement of nine years ago to preserve the views of the lake, this decision was unexpected, and residents are surprised and upset that the council has failed to implement the undertakings given after consultation with them and that they have now abandoned that agreement altogether.
A MERA spokesman explained that the recent change in political control of Earley Town Council had led to a different approach being taken to the management of this area of land. He stated: ‘We understand that the new administration would not feel bound to pursue the policies of previous administrations, but we are disappointed that they are unwilling to take on board the discontent of Lakeside residents. Given the decision that has been made on this matter, there appears to be little more that we can do for the time being, but residents might want to raise this as a continuing issue with prospective candidates for the next Town Council election.’
Bus service improvement plan
30 August 2021
MERA's Chairman (Colin Mair) and Secretary (Steve Feltham) met virtually on 23 August with the Borough Council's Community Transport Manager to discuss MERA's views on the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) in respect of services running through Maiden Erlegh.
The Government's National Bus Strategy requires local authorities to publish a BSIP by the end of October 2021. The Borough Council is currently inviting named stakeholders to comment on the level of customer satisfaction with the current network; what matters most to passengers in the MERA area; whether current services are meeting expectations; and what passengers need to know about their services.
The Secretary explained that what mattered most to MERA bus passengers was the need for more frequent services to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading Town Centre and Chalfont (for Chalfont Surgery, Asda and the Library in particular). It was reported that some residents had raised with MERA the inconvenience that they had experienced when the Brookside Close bus stop in Gypsy Lane was closed a few years ago.
A plea was also made for the provision of more shelters and seating (not the sloping benches) in Silverdale Road as well as real-time information at bus stops.
As MERA has received complaints about the smaller 'Little Oranges' buses due to difficulties experienced by passengers with rollators, prams and disability scooters, a request was made for the continued use of the longer buses that had been used since the Covid emergency measures were implemented, as these provided better comfort and less overcrowding at busier times.
On the routeing of bus services, it was suggested that to enable Silverdale Road passengers to be connected directly to Chalfont by bus, some 21 services could be routed via Gypsy Lane and Silverdale Road, re-connecting with Pepper Lane and the university before travelling into Reading via the hospital. This would be beneficial to all Earley residents, most of whom did not have direct access to the hospital at present. It was suggested that two buses per hour could be established along Silverdale Road in both directions via Kilnsea Drive by extending the 21a service that currently terminated at the University. This could be funded further by a discontinuation of the service 19a/c through the Silverdale Road section, which in the future could serve Woodley and connect to Earley in a loop via the Toseland Way, Rushey Way and Brookside Close bus stops. It was explained that although a small number of residents did use the Woodley connection from Silverdale Road, in practice, most people did not use it and preferred to have the connection to Chalfont reinstated. Although it was possible that the Silverdale Road section of the route might still require the Borough Council to subsidise the service, it was quite likely that the proposed arrangement could operate commercially.
MERA's proposal for the Beech Lane 19b service was that the frequency should be increased to half-hourly at least. If it was not possible to achieve this, an additional route could be established to provide a service connecting Beech Lane with the Hatchmill estate in Winnersh, and either the Danywern Avenue estate or Wokingham. To ensure that the Carshalton Way area could also benefit from a half-hourly service, it was proposed that one 21 Claret bus per hour could be diverted via Beeston Way, Cutbush Lane and Meredith Way.
The Chairman made it clear that the preference was for a service every 15 minutes on Silverdale Road and Beech Lane, because as the 21 route showed, this was the level of frequency that enabled passengers to walk to the bus stop when it was convenient to them, knowing that a bus would be along shortly. This resulted in a considerable increase in passengers using the service, although it was accepted that this was likely not to happen without increased money from the Government to improve service levels in poorly served areas.
The meeting proved to be very worthwhile, and we hope that something good comes of it. Certainly, it did enable us to put forward some practical suggestions to address the main complaints and aspirations of Maiden Erlegh residents as communicated to us over recent years.
30 August 2021
MERA's Chairman (Colin Mair) and Secretary (Steve Feltham) met virtually on 23 August with the Borough Council's Community Transport Manager to discuss MERA's views on the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) in respect of services running through Maiden Erlegh.
The Government's National Bus Strategy requires local authorities to publish a BSIP by the end of October 2021. The Borough Council is currently inviting named stakeholders to comment on the level of customer satisfaction with the current network; what matters most to passengers in the MERA area; whether current services are meeting expectations; and what passengers need to know about their services.
The Secretary explained that what mattered most to MERA bus passengers was the need for more frequent services to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading Town Centre and Chalfont (for Chalfont Surgery, Asda and the Library in particular). It was reported that some residents had raised with MERA the inconvenience that they had experienced when the Brookside Close bus stop in Gypsy Lane was closed a few years ago.
A plea was also made for the provision of more shelters and seating (not the sloping benches) in Silverdale Road as well as real-time information at bus stops.
As MERA has received complaints about the smaller 'Little Oranges' buses due to difficulties experienced by passengers with rollators, prams and disability scooters, a request was made for the continued use of the longer buses that had been used since the Covid emergency measures were implemented, as these provided better comfort and less overcrowding at busier times.
On the routeing of bus services, it was suggested that to enable Silverdale Road passengers to be connected directly to Chalfont by bus, some 21 services could be routed via Gypsy Lane and Silverdale Road, re-connecting with Pepper Lane and the university before travelling into Reading via the hospital. This would be beneficial to all Earley residents, most of whom did not have direct access to the hospital at present. It was suggested that two buses per hour could be established along Silverdale Road in both directions via Kilnsea Drive by extending the 21a service that currently terminated at the University. This could be funded further by a discontinuation of the service 19a/c through the Silverdale Road section, which in the future could serve Woodley and connect to Earley in a loop via the Toseland Way, Rushey Way and Brookside Close bus stops. It was explained that although a small number of residents did use the Woodley connection from Silverdale Road, in practice, most people did not use it and preferred to have the connection to Chalfont reinstated. Although it was possible that the Silverdale Road section of the route might still require the Borough Council to subsidise the service, it was quite likely that the proposed arrangement could operate commercially.
MERA's proposal for the Beech Lane 19b service was that the frequency should be increased to half-hourly at least. If it was not possible to achieve this, an additional route could be established to provide a service connecting Beech Lane with the Hatchmill estate in Winnersh, and either the Danywern Avenue estate or Wokingham. To ensure that the Carshalton Way area could also benefit from a half-hourly service, it was proposed that one 21 Claret bus per hour could be diverted via Beeston Way, Cutbush Lane and Meredith Way.
The Chairman made it clear that the preference was for a service every 15 minutes on Silverdale Road and Beech Lane, because as the 21 route showed, this was the level of frequency that enabled passengers to walk to the bus stop when it was convenient to them, knowing that a bus would be along shortly. This resulted in a considerable increase in passengers using the service, although it was accepted that this was likely not to happen without increased money from the Government to improve service levels in poorly served areas.
The meeting proved to be very worthwhile, and we hope that something good comes of it. Certainly, it did enable us to put forward some practical suggestions to address the main complaints and aspirations of Maiden Erlegh residents as communicated to us over recent years.
New barber shop opens in The Parade
25 July 2021
Maiden Erlegh's new Elite Turkish Barber Shop will open in The Parade, Silverdale Road on the premises previously occupied by Wicked Beauty. The new shop opens its doors at 9am on Monday 25 July.
Let us know what you think and you will have a chance to have your review printed in the next edition of the MERA Magazine.
25 July 2021
Maiden Erlegh's new Elite Turkish Barber Shop will open in The Parade, Silverdale Road on the premises previously occupied by Wicked Beauty. The new shop opens its doors at 9am on Monday 25 July.
Let us know what you think and you will have a chance to have your review printed in the next edition of the MERA Magazine.
Approval given for 3G football pitch at Laurel Park
19 July 2021
Wokingham Borough Council has given approval to the proposal to create a 3G football pitch at Laurel Park, subject to planning consent. The council states that this proposal will also provide for significantly improved parking and will deal with the issues of parking on local streets including Marefield.
While good news for young footballers and their parents, local residents are worried that the proposal may include the installation of floodlighting and the loss of a field to the west of the Pavilion to a car park. MERA has asked the Borough Council to designate the whole of Laurel Park as green space, but it will be some time before we receive a response to this as the request is subject to agreement on the Local Plan.
The upgrading of the Laurel Park football pitch may also see an escalation in the facilities at Laurel Park, with all the additional disturbance this brings to nearby houses. MERA will watch this closely to ensure that its members are kept up to date with developments.
19 July 2021
Wokingham Borough Council has given approval to the proposal to create a 3G football pitch at Laurel Park, subject to planning consent. The council states that this proposal will also provide for significantly improved parking and will deal with the issues of parking on local streets including Marefield.
While good news for young footballers and their parents, local residents are worried that the proposal may include the installation of floodlighting and the loss of a field to the west of the Pavilion to a car park. MERA has asked the Borough Council to designate the whole of Laurel Park as green space, but it will be some time before we receive a response to this as the request is subject to agreement on the Local Plan.
The upgrading of the Laurel Park football pitch may also see an escalation in the facilities at Laurel Park, with all the additional disturbance this brings to nearby houses. MERA will watch this closely to ensure that its members are kept up to date with developments.
Services start to return to normal
19 July 2021
As legal restrictions are removed, services in the Borough are beginning to return to normality. Confirmation has been received that libraries will re-open from 19 July - most back to their full operating ours and with all services resumed. However, Woodley library will not open on Sundays until 'later in the summer'. Library visitors will be encouraged to continue to wear face coverings and to keep some space between themselves and others in the interests of maintaining a safer environment. Screens and hand sanitiser will continue to be in place.
Reading Buses will continue to encourage passengers to wear face masks to protect themselves and others on board. From 19 July, seating capacity will be increased from 50% to near-full capacity, except for the seats immediately behind the driver. It should be noted that drivers will not be required to wear masks as these can be distracting, and there is also the danger of spectacles steaming up while driving. Accordingly, bus cab screens will remain in place and ventilation holes will also be covered to provide increased protection for drivers. Hand sanitisers will be available on board and buses will continue to be cleaned to a high standard.
Unfortunately, due to the uncertainty about when 'freedom day' would arrive, the Earley Green Fair will not be held this year. Earley Town Council has advised residents on its website that the council does intend to hold the event in the future and remains committed to environmental issues in the town. The council hopes to organise some smaller scale green themed activities later this summer.
The Covid restrictions have meant that MERA was not able to meet at its usual venue for the period, and it was necessary to set up 'virtual meetings', which has enabled business to be continued as normal. With the easing of restrictions, it has been agreed that our normal meetings will re-commence at Earley Day Centre from Thursday 12 August 2021. We meet on the second Thursday of each month at 8pm, and all signed-up members are welcome to attend. The next AGM will be held on 12 May 2022.
19 July 2021
As legal restrictions are removed, services in the Borough are beginning to return to normality. Confirmation has been received that libraries will re-open from 19 July - most back to their full operating ours and with all services resumed. However, Woodley library will not open on Sundays until 'later in the summer'. Library visitors will be encouraged to continue to wear face coverings and to keep some space between themselves and others in the interests of maintaining a safer environment. Screens and hand sanitiser will continue to be in place.
Reading Buses will continue to encourage passengers to wear face masks to protect themselves and others on board. From 19 July, seating capacity will be increased from 50% to near-full capacity, except for the seats immediately behind the driver. It should be noted that drivers will not be required to wear masks as these can be distracting, and there is also the danger of spectacles steaming up while driving. Accordingly, bus cab screens will remain in place and ventilation holes will also be covered to provide increased protection for drivers. Hand sanitisers will be available on board and buses will continue to be cleaned to a high standard.
Unfortunately, due to the uncertainty about when 'freedom day' would arrive, the Earley Green Fair will not be held this year. Earley Town Council has advised residents on its website that the council does intend to hold the event in the future and remains committed to environmental issues in the town. The council hopes to organise some smaller scale green themed activities later this summer.
The Covid restrictions have meant that MERA was not able to meet at its usual venue for the period, and it was necessary to set up 'virtual meetings', which has enabled business to be continued as normal. With the easing of restrictions, it has been agreed that our normal meetings will re-commence at Earley Day Centre from Thursday 12 August 2021. We meet on the second Thursday of each month at 8pm, and all signed-up members are welcome to attend. The next AGM will be held on 12 May 2022.
Covid rules swept away as 'freedom' returns
19 July 2021
With effect from Monday 19 July, most restrictions due to the pandemic will be gone, and freedom returns for many. However, the government has urged everyone to be cautious and not to take unnecessary risks. Infection rates are continuing to rise markedly, but the link to hospital admissions and serious illness has been weakened considerably.
Residents should note that today does not mark any additional freedoms for extremely vulnerable people, and so it is appropriate to remember that if you live with or associate with people who are particularly susceptible to the virus, you take measures to protect them and avoid infection yourself. Although most legal restrictions no longer apply, the government recommends that in crowded indoor spaces such as shops and public transport, masks are still worn for the time being to protect vulnerable people from infection.
The main changes from today are:
Some restrictions remain, however. For example, overseas travel continues to be impacted by government measures, and the rules on this are fast-changing. Anyone contemplating a holiday abroad this year will need to take advice and follow the news carefully, and be aware that changes to the rules can happen quickly both here and abroad.
These changes are only possible because we have a vaccination programme in place, and this has weakened, but not removed, the link between infections and hospital admissions. However, hospital admissions are currently on the way up, but the expectation is that the rise in numbers will be much more limited than previously. This is why all unvaccinated people are urged to get vaccinated if they are eligible to do so, which will reduce transmission and minimise the risk of further variants establishing themselves in this country.
It is easy to book your Covid-19 vaccination. Simply go to the Borough Council's website and find all the information you need on their Covid-19 pages:
Covid-19 - Wokingham Borough Council
19 July 2021
With effect from Monday 19 July, most restrictions due to the pandemic will be gone, and freedom returns for many. However, the government has urged everyone to be cautious and not to take unnecessary risks. Infection rates are continuing to rise markedly, but the link to hospital admissions and serious illness has been weakened considerably.
Residents should note that today does not mark any additional freedoms for extremely vulnerable people, and so it is appropriate to remember that if you live with or associate with people who are particularly susceptible to the virus, you take measures to protect them and avoid infection yourself. Although most legal restrictions no longer apply, the government recommends that in crowded indoor spaces such as shops and public transport, masks are still worn for the time being to protect vulnerable people from infection.
The main changes from today are:
- Social distancing rules are removed. This means there are no longer restrictions on how many people can meet and the one-metre distance measures no longer apply. However, there are some places where social distancing will still apply by law, such as in hospitals.
- The wearing of facemasks is no longer a legal requirement, although many venues and transport operators may require you to do so while infection rates remain high.
- Pubs and restaurants will no longer be obliged to offer table-service only and nightclubs can now re-open.
- Legal limits on guests at weddings and funerals are abolished.
- There are no longer limits on attendance at concerts, theatres and cinemas. All restrictions related to sports events and communal worship are removed.
- The legal restrictions on care home visitors are also removed.
Some restrictions remain, however. For example, overseas travel continues to be impacted by government measures, and the rules on this are fast-changing. Anyone contemplating a holiday abroad this year will need to take advice and follow the news carefully, and be aware that changes to the rules can happen quickly both here and abroad.
These changes are only possible because we have a vaccination programme in place, and this has weakened, but not removed, the link between infections and hospital admissions. However, hospital admissions are currently on the way up, but the expectation is that the rise in numbers will be much more limited than previously. This is why all unvaccinated people are urged to get vaccinated if they are eligible to do so, which will reduce transmission and minimise the risk of further variants establishing themselves in this country.
It is easy to book your Covid-19 vaccination. Simply go to the Borough Council's website and find all the information you need on their Covid-19 pages:
Covid-19 - Wokingham Borough Council
Wokingham Borough Council to work on a bus service improvement plan
30 June 2021
At a meeting of its Executive meeting this month, the Borough Council agreed that work would commence on a Bus Service Improvement Plan. MERA has been asking for our bus services to be reviewed for some time with a view to increasing the profitability of local routes and serving better the residents of Maiden Erlegh. If this is not done, MERA has been concerned that bus routes will be reduced in frequency or withdrawn altogether on some routes.
We have now received an assurance that MERA has been identified as a stakeholder that should be consulted on how bus routes are improved in the future and we will be bringing our ideas forward for debate at the appropriate time.
In the meantime, bus usage has reduced considerably during the lockdown, and as things get back to normal, members are urged to use the buses as much as possible to show that Maiden Erlegh residents will use an improved service if this is provided. So when travelling into Reading, please do think about using our bus services, which will help to avoid unnecessary fumes and congestion. If you are visiting the hospital, the bus is a quick and efficient way of getting there and avoids the frustration of car parking, which is severely limited.
The danger of seeing our bus services withdrawn or much diminished is real. So please leave your car at home if you can and travel by bus instead. The phrase 'use it or lose it' comes to mind!
30 June 2021
At a meeting of its Executive meeting this month, the Borough Council agreed that work would commence on a Bus Service Improvement Plan. MERA has been asking for our bus services to be reviewed for some time with a view to increasing the profitability of local routes and serving better the residents of Maiden Erlegh. If this is not done, MERA has been concerned that bus routes will be reduced in frequency or withdrawn altogether on some routes.
We have now received an assurance that MERA has been identified as a stakeholder that should be consulted on how bus routes are improved in the future and we will be bringing our ideas forward for debate at the appropriate time.
In the meantime, bus usage has reduced considerably during the lockdown, and as things get back to normal, members are urged to use the buses as much as possible to show that Maiden Erlegh residents will use an improved service if this is provided. So when travelling into Reading, please do think about using our bus services, which will help to avoid unnecessary fumes and congestion. If you are visiting the hospital, the bus is a quick and efficient way of getting there and avoids the frustration of car parking, which is severely limited.
The danger of seeing our bus services withdrawn or much diminished is real. So please leave your car at home if you can and travel by bus instead. The phrase 'use it or lose it' comes to mind!
MERA's campaign to reduce housing allocation starts to yield results
30 June 2021
Following concerns raised by Wokingham residents generally regarding the proposed increase in the allocation of 1,600 homes per year in the Borough by the government, MERA wrote to MP Sir John Redwood to seek his help in reducing this burden to protect our countryside and to reduce the congestion that this would cause.
We noted that Maiden Erlegh was already fairly fully developed but that the new target would impact on pollution, traffic congestion and loss of countryside within the Borough. We acknowledged that people needed to be housed and that more people wanted to live in the south east rather than in other parts of the country, but the point was made that a sensible solution may lie in making less prosperous parts of the UK more attractive if businesses could be encouraged into those areas to create wealth and employment. Of course, this would fit in neatly with the government's plan to revitalise less prosperous areas including the north, which was supported.
We made the point that we accepted the existing housing allocation for Wokingham reluctantly, but that the proposed doubling of this total was a step too far and should be resisted. We asked Sir John to oppose the measure when it was debated in the House of Commons.
We are pleased to report that Sir John gave a speech on planning to the Commons on 21 June, putting forward his ideas on how to reduce the housing pressure on the south-east and he mentioned the opportunities for building new dwellings as part of the levelling up agenda that was advocated by the Prime Minister. We now have hope that pressure on this Borough may be avoided and that new housing will be provided in other areas more suited to housing development as new and existing businesses are established in localities that are currently more deprived.
The full address to the Commons will be made available in the Autumn edition of the MERA Magazine.
30 June 2021
Following concerns raised by Wokingham residents generally regarding the proposed increase in the allocation of 1,600 homes per year in the Borough by the government, MERA wrote to MP Sir John Redwood to seek his help in reducing this burden to protect our countryside and to reduce the congestion that this would cause.
We noted that Maiden Erlegh was already fairly fully developed but that the new target would impact on pollution, traffic congestion and loss of countryside within the Borough. We acknowledged that people needed to be housed and that more people wanted to live in the south east rather than in other parts of the country, but the point was made that a sensible solution may lie in making less prosperous parts of the UK more attractive if businesses could be encouraged into those areas to create wealth and employment. Of course, this would fit in neatly with the government's plan to revitalise less prosperous areas including the north, which was supported.
We made the point that we accepted the existing housing allocation for Wokingham reluctantly, but that the proposed doubling of this total was a step too far and should be resisted. We asked Sir John to oppose the measure when it was debated in the House of Commons.
We are pleased to report that Sir John gave a speech on planning to the Commons on 21 June, putting forward his ideas on how to reduce the housing pressure on the south-east and he mentioned the opportunities for building new dwellings as part of the levelling up agenda that was advocated by the Prime Minister. We now have hope that pressure on this Borough may be avoided and that new housing will be provided in other areas more suited to housing development as new and existing businesses are established in localities that are currently more deprived.
The full address to the Commons will be made available in the Autumn edition of the MERA Magazine.
Our green spaces need protecting
24 May 2021
Members may be aware that a planning application for development of Swallows Meadow is on the cards. Earley residents have been airing their concerns about the loss of green space that would result if such an application were to be approved. Another area that has caused MERA concern is the proposed establishment of a car park opposite the Pavilion at Laurel Park.
The Coronavirus emergency measures that have been imposed upon us over the last year demonstrates the importance of the green spaces around us and surely highlights the fact that any diminution of these areas due to development will disadvantage residents of Earley significantly.
We have received confirmation from Wokingham Borough Council that they will be considering both of these sites for designation as Green Space as part of the Local Plan that is currently being developed. Once this is adopted, these areas will be afforded a degree of protection from future development, but until that time, these green spaces will be in danger. We will keep members updated on the position. Public consultation is expected to be carried out in the autumn and we will post details on this site when it commences.
24 May 2021
Members may be aware that a planning application for development of Swallows Meadow is on the cards. Earley residents have been airing their concerns about the loss of green space that would result if such an application were to be approved. Another area that has caused MERA concern is the proposed establishment of a car park opposite the Pavilion at Laurel Park.
The Coronavirus emergency measures that have been imposed upon us over the last year demonstrates the importance of the green spaces around us and surely highlights the fact that any diminution of these areas due to development will disadvantage residents of Earley significantly.
We have received confirmation from Wokingham Borough Council that they will be considering both of these sites for designation as Green Space as part of the Local Plan that is currently being developed. Once this is adopted, these areas will be afforded a degree of protection from future development, but until that time, these green spaces will be in danger. We will keep members updated on the position. Public consultation is expected to be carried out in the autumn and we will post details on this site when it commences.
Carnival hub opening in the autumn of 2022
24 May 2021
Wokingham Borough Council has several spaces which, when not in use by the leisure centre or library, could be made available for community and cultural hire. If you are interested in running such events, you can respond to their consultation by completing the survey which is available on the link below. Responses are invited by 13 June 2021.
Current consultations - Wokingham Borough Council
24 May 2021
Wokingham Borough Council has several spaces which, when not in use by the leisure centre or library, could be made available for community and cultural hire. If you are interested in running such events, you can respond to their consultation by completing the survey which is available on the link below. Responses are invited by 13 June 2021.
Current consultations - Wokingham Borough Council
MERA - Election of officers
24 May 2021
In the absence of an AGM this year, we need to address the constitutional requirement to elect a qualified Hon Auditor to review our accounts. MERA is a relatively small Association and the financial transactions are mainly confined to the banking of subscriptions, payments for the printing of our magazine which is published three times every year, the collection of advertising monies and payments for our meeting venue which are made annually.
If you are interested in putting your name forward for this voluntary position, please email askmera@virginmedia.com and attach your cv by no later than 1 September 2021.
24 May 2021
In the absence of an AGM this year, we need to address the constitutional requirement to elect a qualified Hon Auditor to review our accounts. MERA is a relatively small Association and the financial transactions are mainly confined to the banking of subscriptions, payments for the printing of our magazine which is published three times every year, the collection of advertising monies and payments for our meeting venue which are made annually.
If you are interested in putting your name forward for this voluntary position, please email askmera@virginmedia.com and attach your cv by no later than 1 September 2021.
Tesco bicycle racks to be replaced
17 May 2021
Following a request to the Manager of Tesco Express at Silverdale Road, cyclists can now request that their bicycles are locked in the warehouse at the store while they do their shopping. This is a temporary arrangement while we wait for the cycle racks to be replaced. The manager advised that the previous cycle rack had been stolen.
17 May 2021
Following a request to the Manager of Tesco Express at Silverdale Road, cyclists can now request that their bicycles are locked in the warehouse at the store while they do their shopping. This is a temporary arrangement while we wait for the cycle racks to be replaced. The manager advised that the previous cycle rack had been stolen.
Coronavirus emergency measures continue to ease
17 May 2021
From Monday 17 May, the lockdown measures will be eased further, bringing the most significant freedoms back for the population of England. The main changes are:
- You can now meet in groups of up to 30 people outdoors.
- Six people or two households can meet indoors. Sleeping overnight is also permitted.
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings, receptions and other life events.
- There is no longer a limit on the number of people who can attend a funeral, but the size of the venue will be a factor.
- Care home residents can have up to five named visitors, and there are more freedoms for visits out of the home.
- Up to 30 people are allowed to attend a support group or parent-and-child group (not counting under fives).
- You can now be served indoors at a pub, bar, cafe and restaurant.
- Indoor entertainment venues including museums, cinemas, theatres and sports stadiums can now open.
- Organised sports and exercise classes can restart indoors.
- Hotels, hostels, B&Bs and saunas can re-open.
- Face coverings are no longer recommended for pupils in secondary schools and all university students can return to in-person teaching.
- You can now travel abroad to green list countries without having to quarantine on return.
Within our area, Lower Earley, Wokingham and Woodley libraries are open on set days with reduced hours for book browsing and borrowing only.
Reading Buses is making more seats available, allowing all forward facing seats to be used. Passengers are advised not to use the rear-facing seats, and standing on board is not permitted. Face coverings are still required. The company has reassured the public that an enhanced cleaning regime is in place and hand sanitiser stations are available on every bus. Windows will be left open to maximise ventilation.
17 May 2021
From Monday 17 May, the lockdown measures will be eased further, bringing the most significant freedoms back for the population of England. The main changes are:
- You can now meet in groups of up to 30 people outdoors.
- Six people or two households can meet indoors. Sleeping overnight is also permitted.
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings, receptions and other life events.
- There is no longer a limit on the number of people who can attend a funeral, but the size of the venue will be a factor.
- Care home residents can have up to five named visitors, and there are more freedoms for visits out of the home.
- Up to 30 people are allowed to attend a support group or parent-and-child group (not counting under fives).
- You can now be served indoors at a pub, bar, cafe and restaurant.
- Indoor entertainment venues including museums, cinemas, theatres and sports stadiums can now open.
- Organised sports and exercise classes can restart indoors.
- Hotels, hostels, B&Bs and saunas can re-open.
- Face coverings are no longer recommended for pupils in secondary schools and all university students can return to in-person teaching.
- You can now travel abroad to green list countries without having to quarantine on return.
Within our area, Lower Earley, Wokingham and Woodley libraries are open on set days with reduced hours for book browsing and borrowing only.
Reading Buses is making more seats available, allowing all forward facing seats to be used. Passengers are advised not to use the rear-facing seats, and standing on board is not permitted. Face coverings are still required. The company has reassured the public that an enhanced cleaning regime is in place and hand sanitiser stations are available on every bus. Windows will be left open to maximise ventilation.
Winnersh relief road is now open
10 May 2021 (updated 17 May 2021 and 30 June 2021)
Members are advised that the extension of Hatch Farm Way to the Reading Road (A329) is now open. This means that drivers are no longer permitted to turn right onto this road from King Street Lane. So when returning from Sainsbury's in Winnersh, drivers will need to use the Reading Road exit, turning right up to the new roundabout and onto the Winnersh Relief Road from that point.
It should be noted that turning right off Hatch Farm Way onto King Street Lane towards Barkham will no longer be possible either.
10 May 2021 (updated 17 May 2021 and 30 June 2021)
Members are advised that the extension of Hatch Farm Way to the Reading Road (A329) is now open. This means that drivers are no longer permitted to turn right onto this road from King Street Lane. So when returning from Sainsbury's in Winnersh, drivers will need to use the Reading Road exit, turning right up to the new roundabout and onto the Winnersh Relief Road from that point.
It should be noted that turning right off Hatch Farm Way onto King Street Lane towards Barkham will no longer be possible either.
MERA responds to Earley Town Plan
10 May 2021
Earley Town Council has revised its Town Plan, which can be found on the council's website. The main points made by MERA were as follows:
- We supported the proposals to protect our green spaces, particularly Swallows Meadow and the field opposite the pavilion to the west of Laurel Park.
- We proposed that small trees were planted on the grass verges where possible to make Maiden Erlegh more attractive, to deter drivers from parking on the verges and to help decarbonise the atmosphere. The planting of wild flowers in suitable locations was also supported.
- It was noted that new legislation was to be introduced to prohibit parking on pavements, as advocated by MERA. We suggested that exceptions could be made on a case-by-case basis on narrow roads to maintain traffic flow.
- The hope was expressed that the Earley Town Fair could be reinstated this year following the expected final easing of COVID restrictions on 21 June.
- Following a campaign by our neighbouring residents' association, ACER (representing North Earley residents), we requested that when considering planning applications referred to the authority by the Borough Council, the Town Council should look at whether such applications met the Borough's Design Code.
- The view was expressed that more attention should be paid to the enforcement of existing speed limits rather than reduce these to 20mph (except near schools). Traffic calming measures should avoid the use of speed humps due to the vibrations to buildings that these can cause, damage to vehicle suspensions and discomfort to road users with back problems. Alternatives that could be considered included the installation of chicanes to slow traffic.
- Further work needed to be done to improve bus service connectivity, and the frequency and viablility of the 19a/b/c services required attention. Improved facilities at bus stops would encourage bus use (such as bus shelters and real time information at bus stops). We drew attention to the need to reinstate the Bus Working Party following its suspension during the COVID emergency.
- Cycle lanes were encouraged, but the point was made that these should be installed away from the roads where possible.
- The provision of transport services for severely disabled people in the area through financial assistance to service providers was supported.
- The Town Council's acknowledgement of the problems caused by cars being parked too close to road junctions was requested.
- There was a need to ensure that all residents installing driveways on their properties were aware of the requirement to use porous materials.
10 May 2021
Earley Town Council has revised its Town Plan, which can be found on the council's website. The main points made by MERA were as follows:
- We supported the proposals to protect our green spaces, particularly Swallows Meadow and the field opposite the pavilion to the west of Laurel Park.
- We proposed that small trees were planted on the grass verges where possible to make Maiden Erlegh more attractive, to deter drivers from parking on the verges and to help decarbonise the atmosphere. The planting of wild flowers in suitable locations was also supported.
- It was noted that new legislation was to be introduced to prohibit parking on pavements, as advocated by MERA. We suggested that exceptions could be made on a case-by-case basis on narrow roads to maintain traffic flow.
- The hope was expressed that the Earley Town Fair could be reinstated this year following the expected final easing of COVID restrictions on 21 June.
- Following a campaign by our neighbouring residents' association, ACER (representing North Earley residents), we requested that when considering planning applications referred to the authority by the Borough Council, the Town Council should look at whether such applications met the Borough's Design Code.
- The view was expressed that more attention should be paid to the enforcement of existing speed limits rather than reduce these to 20mph (except near schools). Traffic calming measures should avoid the use of speed humps due to the vibrations to buildings that these can cause, damage to vehicle suspensions and discomfort to road users with back problems. Alternatives that could be considered included the installation of chicanes to slow traffic.
- Further work needed to be done to improve bus service connectivity, and the frequency and viablility of the 19a/b/c services required attention. Improved facilities at bus stops would encourage bus use (such as bus shelters and real time information at bus stops). We drew attention to the need to reinstate the Bus Working Party following its suspension during the COVID emergency.
- Cycle lanes were encouraged, but the point was made that these should be installed away from the roads where possible.
- The provision of transport services for severely disabled people in the area through financial assistance to service providers was supported.
- The Town Council's acknowledgement of the problems caused by cars being parked too close to road junctions was requested.
- There was a need to ensure that all residents installing driveways on their properties were aware of the requirement to use porous materials.
Concerns raised about lack of electric vehicle charging points
11 April 2021
MERA has raised concerns with the council about the difficulty in encouraging people to switch to electric cars due to the lack of charging points throughout the country. Wokingham Borough Council is now looking to tackle this problem in the Borough and has produced a survey of residents to establish the demand for these charging points throughout the Borough.
Residents are encouraged to complete the survey to help ensure that our future needs are met. The closing date for responses is 30 April 2021, and you can find the survey on the council's website.
Current consultations - Wokingham Borough Council
11 April 2021
MERA has raised concerns with the council about the difficulty in encouraging people to switch to electric cars due to the lack of charging points throughout the country. Wokingham Borough Council is now looking to tackle this problem in the Borough and has produced a survey of residents to establish the demand for these charging points throughout the Borough.
Residents are encouraged to complete the survey to help ensure that our future needs are met. The closing date for responses is 30 April 2021, and you can find the survey on the council's website.
Current consultations - Wokingham Borough Council
Optimism starts to return as further lockdown restrictions are eased
11 April 2021
Monday 12 April sees further restrictions eased as the winding down of the COVID emergency sees a significant reduction in the restrictions that have impacted the population in England for months. From this date, all shops can re-open, as can gyms, hairdressers and beauty salons. Pubs and restaurants can also re-open outdoors, but the size of groups will continue to be restricted to the 'rule of six' or two households. It should be noted that not all pubs and restaurants with gardens will open their doors again because for some, it would be unprofitable to do so. We will have to wait at least until 17 May before we see hospitality opening up indoors.
Libraries and community centres can re-open with a restricted service, and the public will be permitted only to browse and borrow books. Lower Earley Library will be open on Mondays and Thursdays between 9.30am and 1.30pm and from 1pm to 5pm on Tuesdays. Woodley Library will welcome the public on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 1pm and on Thursdays from 1pm to 5pm. Wokingham Library will be open on Tuesdays between 1pm and 5pm and on Wednesdays and Fridays between 9.30am and 1.30pm. A click and collect service will operate at all these libraries between 9.30am and 1pm on Saturdays.
Loddon Valley, Bulmershe, St Crispin's, Ryeish Green Sports Hub and Arborfield Green leisure centres will re-open their swimming pools and they will also resume swimming lessons.
Buses also will get back to normal, and the Winnersh Triangle park and ride will return. Masks must continue to be worn on buses and social distancing measures on all vehicles will be in place to ensure safe journeys on our bus services.
11 April 2021
Monday 12 April sees further restrictions eased as the winding down of the COVID emergency sees a significant reduction in the restrictions that have impacted the population in England for months. From this date, all shops can re-open, as can gyms, hairdressers and beauty salons. Pubs and restaurants can also re-open outdoors, but the size of groups will continue to be restricted to the 'rule of six' or two households. It should be noted that not all pubs and restaurants with gardens will open their doors again because for some, it would be unprofitable to do so. We will have to wait at least until 17 May before we see hospitality opening up indoors.
Libraries and community centres can re-open with a restricted service, and the public will be permitted only to browse and borrow books. Lower Earley Library will be open on Mondays and Thursdays between 9.30am and 1.30pm and from 1pm to 5pm on Tuesdays. Woodley Library will welcome the public on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 1pm and on Thursdays from 1pm to 5pm. Wokingham Library will be open on Tuesdays between 1pm and 5pm and on Wednesdays and Fridays between 9.30am and 1.30pm. A click and collect service will operate at all these libraries between 9.30am and 1pm on Saturdays.
Loddon Valley, Bulmershe, St Crispin's, Ryeish Green Sports Hub and Arborfield Green leisure centres will re-open their swimming pools and they will also resume swimming lessons.
Buses also will get back to normal, and the Winnersh Triangle park and ride will return. Masks must continue to be worn on buses and social distancing measures on all vehicles will be in place to ensure safe journeys on our bus services.
New business expects to open in The Parade
29 March 2021
Following the closure of WKD Beauty in The Parade, a new tenant has been found to take over the shop. A notice has appeared on the shop window informing the public that there will be a 'top class Turkish barber' opening soon. We have no dates as yet, but it is nice to know that the premises will not be vacant for long.
29 March 2021
Following the closure of WKD Beauty in The Parade, a new tenant has been found to take over the shop. A notice has appeared on the shop window informing the public that there will be a 'top class Turkish barber' opening soon. We have no dates as yet, but it is nice to know that the premises will not be vacant for long.
As lockdown eases, our freedoms start to return
29 March 2021
Following the full re-opening of schools on 8 March, today sees a further easing of the coronavirus restrictions. From Monday 29 March, residents will be able to meet outside in groups of up to six, or as two households. Outdoor sports facilities can recommence and formally organised sports can re-start. Weddings can also take place now, but for the present, only six people will be permitted to attend.
The next easing of restrictions is expected to take place on 12 April, which will see all shops, including hairdressers and beauty salons, reopen. Restaurants and pubs will be allowed to serve food and alcohol outside, and gyms, zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres will be permitted to re-open. Weddings can go ahead with up to 15 people attending.
There remains uncertainty about when venues will re-open for meetings to take place, and until this becomes clear, MERA is working on the expectation that this will not be permitted until 21 June at the earliest. This opens the prospect of our Executive Committee re-opening its doors for members to attend meetings from 8 July, but we will confirm this nearer the time.
Given that the earliest practical time to convene our next AGM would be October, given that many people may be taking summer holidays from July to September, the Executive Committee has made the decision to cancel this year's meeting. We now expect the next AGM to be held on Thursday 12 May 2022.
29 March 2021
Following the full re-opening of schools on 8 March, today sees a further easing of the coronavirus restrictions. From Monday 29 March, residents will be able to meet outside in groups of up to six, or as two households. Outdoor sports facilities can recommence and formally organised sports can re-start. Weddings can also take place now, but for the present, only six people will be permitted to attend.
The next easing of restrictions is expected to take place on 12 April, which will see all shops, including hairdressers and beauty salons, reopen. Restaurants and pubs will be allowed to serve food and alcohol outside, and gyms, zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres will be permitted to re-open. Weddings can go ahead with up to 15 people attending.
There remains uncertainty about when venues will re-open for meetings to take place, and until this becomes clear, MERA is working on the expectation that this will not be permitted until 21 June at the earliest. This opens the prospect of our Executive Committee re-opening its doors for members to attend meetings from 8 July, but we will confirm this nearer the time.
Given that the earliest practical time to convene our next AGM would be October, given that many people may be taking summer holidays from July to September, the Executive Committee has made the decision to cancel this year's meeting. We now expect the next AGM to be held on Thursday 12 May 2022.
Dealing with scams and frauds
18 March 2021
We set out in the Spring edition of our magazine that details of a report that had been submitted to the National Association of Residents' Associations (NORA) to gain support nationwide for MERA's campaign to introduce measures designed to reduce the sheer volume of telephone, internet and doorstep frauds that all of us are exposed to.
The report we sent to NORA was amended by our Executive Committee after we went to print, and the final version is set out in the attachment.
Although many of us believe that it is mainly our more vulnerable residents that can be defrauded in this way, the reality is that even professional business people can be fooled by some of the more sophisticated or original scams these days.
Some residents are now receiving several fraudulent telephone calls and emails every day and it is our view that the government needs to take measures to make life more difficult for the criminals behind these activities.
NORA has assured that our proposals will be circulated to residents' associations around the country.
We are hopeful of a positive response, following which we will be sending our request for a review of legislation to the government.
In the meantime, all our members are advised to be aware of all suspicious telephone calls and emails and to follow the police guidance when dealing with unsolicited emails and telephone calls.
18 March 2021
We set out in the Spring edition of our magazine that details of a report that had been submitted to the National Association of Residents' Associations (NORA) to gain support nationwide for MERA's campaign to introduce measures designed to reduce the sheer volume of telephone, internet and doorstep frauds that all of us are exposed to.
The report we sent to NORA was amended by our Executive Committee after we went to print, and the final version is set out in the attachment.
Although many of us believe that it is mainly our more vulnerable residents that can be defrauded in this way, the reality is that even professional business people can be fooled by some of the more sophisticated or original scams these days.
Some residents are now receiving several fraudulent telephone calls and emails every day and it is our view that the government needs to take measures to make life more difficult for the criminals behind these activities.
NORA has assured that our proposals will be circulated to residents' associations around the country.
We are hopeful of a positive response, following which we will be sending our request for a review of legislation to the government.
In the meantime, all our members are advised to be aware of all suspicious telephone calls and emails and to follow the police guidance when dealing with unsolicited emails and telephone calls.
| Proposals to deal with scams and frauds |
COVID emergency claims another business casualty
7 March 2021
The Wicked Beauty salon at The Parade is another business casualty of the Coronavirus emergency measures introduced by the government. Sadly, the salon has now closed, but regular users of the service can still book appointments at 422 Reading Road in Winnersh when the emergency restrictions are eased. This is likely to be no earlier than 12 April.
The government has provided a roadmap out of lockdown, which commences on Monday 8 March, when the schools fully re-open. On this date, people may meet with one other person outside their household bubble outdoors.
This is followed by a further relaxation of the rules on 29 March, when the ‘rule of six’ is re-introduced.
Full details can be found on the government’s website.
COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021 (Summary) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
7 March 2021
The Wicked Beauty salon at The Parade is another business casualty of the Coronavirus emergency measures introduced by the government. Sadly, the salon has now closed, but regular users of the service can still book appointments at 422 Reading Road in Winnersh when the emergency restrictions are eased. This is likely to be no earlier than 12 April.
The government has provided a roadmap out of lockdown, which commences on Monday 8 March, when the schools fully re-open. On this date, people may meet with one other person outside their household bubble outdoors.
This is followed by a further relaxation of the rules on 29 March, when the ‘rule of six’ is re-introduced.
Full details can be found on the government’s website.
COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021 (Summary) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
COVID vaccination programme
1 February 2021
The COVID vaccination programme has been rolling out extremely quickly and methodically in the Maiden Erlegh area, and at its January meeting, MERA’s Executive Committee was unanimous in its praise for the speed with which it was being conducted. Brookside General Practice was singled out especially for its efficient response and for the excellent organisation it had put into this huge task.
The programme is well advanced, with residents over 70 now being contacted and invited to attend either the Salvation Army Hall (on weekdays) or the Chalfont Surgery (at weekends).
The more people who are vaccinated, the fewer the number of new serious infections will be, which will relieve the excessive demand on the NHS and enable the government to start easing the emergency restrictions. Hopefully, we will be able to go about our normal lives again in the summer, but this is dependent on all of us playing our part in containing the virus in the meantime. Sadly, however, it would seem premature to book any holidays abroad at this time as each country is at a different stage of fighting Covid-19.
The first sign of a return to normality will be the reopening of Primary Schools, which the government hopes will be achievable on 8 March, although it has been made clear that this is the earliest possible date that has been pencilled in. A government announcement is expected on or immediately after 22 February.
1 February 2021
The COVID vaccination programme has been rolling out extremely quickly and methodically in the Maiden Erlegh area, and at its January meeting, MERA’s Executive Committee was unanimous in its praise for the speed with which it was being conducted. Brookside General Practice was singled out especially for its efficient response and for the excellent organisation it had put into this huge task.
The programme is well advanced, with residents over 70 now being contacted and invited to attend either the Salvation Army Hall (on weekdays) or the Chalfont Surgery (at weekends).
The more people who are vaccinated, the fewer the number of new serious infections will be, which will relieve the excessive demand on the NHS and enable the government to start easing the emergency restrictions. Hopefully, we will be able to go about our normal lives again in the summer, but this is dependent on all of us playing our part in containing the virus in the meantime. Sadly, however, it would seem premature to book any holidays abroad at this time as each country is at a different stage of fighting Covid-19.
The first sign of a return to normality will be the reopening of Primary Schools, which the government hopes will be achievable on 8 March, although it has been made clear that this is the earliest possible date that has been pencilled in. A government announcement is expected on or immediately after 22 February.
MERA agrees on campaign to tackle fraud
1 February 2021
At its meeting on 14 January, MERA agreed on a plan to tackle fraudulent activity and scams. Alarm was expressed by the Secretary that these incidents appeared to be on the increase, and disproportionately impacted on vulnerable and elderly people, although potentially anyone could be affected by the more sophisticated scams.
An outline of possible measures that could help to deter criminals was shown to the Executive Committee, and it was agreed that these should be developed and presented to the National Organisation of Residents’ Associations (NORA) with a view to gaining national support to petition the government.
The Committee will consider the proposals at its next meeting on 11 February. Full details will appear on this website as soon as possible after this date.
1 February 2021
At its meeting on 14 January, MERA agreed on a plan to tackle fraudulent activity and scams. Alarm was expressed by the Secretary that these incidents appeared to be on the increase, and disproportionately impacted on vulnerable and elderly people, although potentially anyone could be affected by the more sophisticated scams.
An outline of possible measures that could help to deter criminals was shown to the Executive Committee, and it was agreed that these should be developed and presented to the National Organisation of Residents’ Associations (NORA) with a view to gaining national support to petition the government.
The Committee will consider the proposals at its next meeting on 11 February. Full details will appear on this website as soon as possible after this date.
Air quality, bonfires and fuel for heating
14 January 2021
Responding to a number of complaints received about bonfires, MERA has asked the council to provide advice on when bonfires are permitted and information on what should and should not be burned.
Residents are reminded that only dried plant material from their gardens should be used on bonfires, and that household waste, plastic, polystyrene, aerosols, tyres, canisters, painted or treated wood should never be used as fuel for bonfires. Treated wood such as fence panels and anything containing foam or paint should not be used on bonfires either.
If we are all mindful of these rules, and ideally if alternatives to bonfires were found such as taking rubbish to our waste disposal facility, we will all be contributing to an improvement in our air quality, which is so important for our good health.
It is also worth noting that only approved fuels should be used to heat our homes. Never use wet or unseasoned wood and again, treated wood and household rubbish should not be used for burning as they can emit harmful fumes such as arsenic. Regular sweeping of chimneys and servicing of stoves is essential.
Just recently, a little girl living in a polluted area in southern England died as a result of continued exposure to pollution. If we all take steps to reduce the pollutants we let into the air, we will be making our contribution to achieving a safer environment for us all.
14 January 2021
Responding to a number of complaints received about bonfires, MERA has asked the council to provide advice on when bonfires are permitted and information on what should and should not be burned.
Residents are reminded that only dried plant material from their gardens should be used on bonfires, and that household waste, plastic, polystyrene, aerosols, tyres, canisters, painted or treated wood should never be used as fuel for bonfires. Treated wood such as fence panels and anything containing foam or paint should not be used on bonfires either.
If we are all mindful of these rules, and ideally if alternatives to bonfires were found such as taking rubbish to our waste disposal facility, we will all be contributing to an improvement in our air quality, which is so important for our good health.
It is also worth noting that only approved fuels should be used to heat our homes. Never use wet or unseasoned wood and again, treated wood and household rubbish should not be used for burning as they can emit harmful fumes such as arsenic. Regular sweeping of chimneys and servicing of stoves is essential.
Just recently, a little girl living in a polluted area in southern England died as a result of continued exposure to pollution. If we all take steps to reduce the pollutants we let into the air, we will be making our contribution to achieving a safer environment for us all.
Walks Around Earley
13 January 2021
With the national lockdown upon us, it is more important than ever to consider taking regular exercise to keep yourself fit and healthy. So this is an opportune time to think about taking a walk each day to get you out of the house and help burn off those calories!
Earley Town Council has launched its guide to 14 accessible walks in and around Earley which is designed to enable residents of all ages to get fit and healthy and enjoy the Town’s outdoor environment.
Our thanks to Mary Bather, Steve Vale, Grant Kelly and Keith Brill, volunteers from the London Valley Ramblers’ Association, who worked with Earley Town Councillors Andrew Long and David Ireland to plan, trial and publish comprehensive route instructions for 14 different walks, together with maps and photographs. The routes are designed to be family friendly, and two are accessible to wheelchair users.
Please do visit the Town Council’s website for further information.
https://www.earley-tc.gov.uk/2020/12/07/walks-around-earley
13 January 2021
With the national lockdown upon us, it is more important than ever to consider taking regular exercise to keep yourself fit and healthy. So this is an opportune time to think about taking a walk each day to get you out of the house and help burn off those calories!
Earley Town Council has launched its guide to 14 accessible walks in and around Earley which is designed to enable residents of all ages to get fit and healthy and enjoy the Town’s outdoor environment.
Our thanks to Mary Bather, Steve Vale, Grant Kelly and Keith Brill, volunteers from the London Valley Ramblers’ Association, who worked with Earley Town Councillors Andrew Long and David Ireland to plan, trial and publish comprehensive route instructions for 14 different walks, together with maps and photographs. The routes are designed to be family friendly, and two are accessible to wheelchair users.
Please do visit the Town Council’s website for further information.
https://www.earley-tc.gov.uk/2020/12/07/walks-around-earley
A national lockdown is now in force
6 January 2021 [updated 13 January 2021]
With effect from Wednesday 6 January, a national lockdown is in force for the whole of England. The new rules mean that you are now only allowed out of your house for one of five reasons, which are:
Full details are available on the government’s website.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home
Bus timetables for our area remain largely unchanged for the time being, but if an announcement about service changes is made by Reading Buses, we will keep you updated.
6 January 2021 [updated 13 January 2021]
With effect from Wednesday 6 January, a national lockdown is in force for the whole of England. The new rules mean that you are now only allowed out of your house for one of five reasons, which are:
- To go to work unless you are able to work from home;
- To go to a shop for groceries or other essentials;
- To exercise;
- To provide care;
- To attend for a medical appointment.
Full details are available on the government’s website.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home
Bus timetables for our area remain largely unchanged for the time being, but if an announcement about service changes is made by Reading Buses, we will keep you updated.
Overflowing bins
22 December 2020
When a resident complained to MERA about an overflowing bin on Kenton Road, local Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Mickleburgh was contacted for his support in persuading the Borough Council to deal with this recurring problem.
The Kenton Road bin is emptied twice a week at present, and the council was asked to consider increasing the frequency of collections. However, the councillor pointed out that even additional collections may not resolve the problem, because some residents appeared to be emptying their household waste into the bin.
The Borough Council responded by speaking to their contractor, instructing them to keep a watching brief on the bins in the area. The council stated that it was looking at installing more or larger bins in an effort to resolve the problem. However, these problems would not be solved if the bins were misused. It was reported that on one occasion recently, a large bin liner full of soil had been left by the Kenton Road receptacle.
MERA has been asked to remind residents that they are not permitted to fill these bins with household waste, and that those dumping rubbish sacks risk prosecution. Clearly, it is in nobody’s interest to have an untidy neighbourhood, and discarded rubbish simply encourages more of the same. We would respectfully ask all our residents to take their rubbish home wherever possible and dispose of their household rubbish in the appropriate manner.
22 December 2020
When a resident complained to MERA about an overflowing bin on Kenton Road, local Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Mickleburgh was contacted for his support in persuading the Borough Council to deal with this recurring problem.
The Kenton Road bin is emptied twice a week at present, and the council was asked to consider increasing the frequency of collections. However, the councillor pointed out that even additional collections may not resolve the problem, because some residents appeared to be emptying their household waste into the bin.
The Borough Council responded by speaking to their contractor, instructing them to keep a watching brief on the bins in the area. The council stated that it was looking at installing more or larger bins in an effort to resolve the problem. However, these problems would not be solved if the bins were misused. It was reported that on one occasion recently, a large bin liner full of soil had been left by the Kenton Road receptacle.
MERA has been asked to remind residents that they are not permitted to fill these bins with household waste, and that those dumping rubbish sacks risk prosecution. Clearly, it is in nobody’s interest to have an untidy neighbourhood, and discarded rubbish simply encourages more of the same. We would respectfully ask all our residents to take their rubbish home wherever possible and dispose of their household rubbish in the appropriate manner.
MERA meetings are resumed
22 December 2020
When the COVID-19 emergency was declared in March 2020, all meetings venues were closed down, which meant that the planned AGM could not be held and our monthly Executive Committee meetings had to cease.
To ensure that the Association was able to continue representing its residents, it was agreed that business would continue by correspondence until such time as the emergency measures were lifted, and of course, the AGM was postponed.
When the original expectation that meetings venues would be allowed to re-open in the autumn was no longer possible, it was decided that virtual meetings would be considered, and following a successful trial run in November, MERA’s meetings have been resumed ‘virtually’ with the aid of the ‘Zoom’ app.
Sadly, it has not been possible to resume our AGM meetings yet, but we are hopeful that we can start seeing things getting back to normal during the course of 2021.
22 December 2020
When the COVID-19 emergency was declared in March 2020, all meetings venues were closed down, which meant that the planned AGM could not be held and our monthly Executive Committee meetings had to cease.
To ensure that the Association was able to continue representing its residents, it was agreed that business would continue by correspondence until such time as the emergency measures were lifted, and of course, the AGM was postponed.
When the original expectation that meetings venues would be allowed to re-open in the autumn was no longer possible, it was decided that virtual meetings would be considered, and following a successful trial run in November, MERA’s meetings have been resumed ‘virtually’ with the aid of the ‘Zoom’ app.
Sadly, it has not been possible to resume our AGM meetings yet, but we are hopeful that we can start seeing things getting back to normal during the course of 2021.
Flooding at Maiden Erlegh nature reserve
21 December 2020
MERA received a complaint this autumn about a persistent flooding problem along the main nature reserve footpath that starts at the footbridge by the waterfall, leading to the Brookside surgery. The section of the path in question was close to the houses in Egremont Drive and at the rear of houses situated along Silverdale Road, whose gardens were often flooded after heavy or persistent rain.
MERA Secretary Steve Feltham met with Earley Town Council’s Park Ranger, Grahame Hawker, who explained the cause of the problem, which had remained unresolved for about 30 years or more. It appeared that a culvert was restricting the flow of the brook, causing it to flood. It was impossible to gain access to the culvert to remove it owing to the position of a willow tree, which was subject to a tree preservation order.
The culvert was the property of Wokingham Borough Council, and so MERA contacted Cllr Pauline Jorgensen and officers of the council to demand that action be taken to resolve this long standing problem. Additionally, complaints from Egremont Drive residents captured the attention of the Town Council leadership, who joined the call for action to remove the problem.
The Borough Council’s Drainage Maintenance Specialist responded that he had been working closely with the Park Ranger to establish the means to resolve the flooding issues. Following discussions with the Tree Team, a contractor was appointed to remove the willow tree that was preventing access to the culvert and it was hoped that the work would be completed by Christmas.
In the event, three trees had to be felled, which is regrettable but necessary. It was the expectation of the council that the flooding issue would be resolved once the work on this part of the brook was completed.
Separately, two of our football fields have been found to be waterlogged. On investigation, the council discovered that the cause was a broken pipe, which was immediately scheduled for repair.
21 December 2020
MERA received a complaint this autumn about a persistent flooding problem along the main nature reserve footpath that starts at the footbridge by the waterfall, leading to the Brookside surgery. The section of the path in question was close to the houses in Egremont Drive and at the rear of houses situated along Silverdale Road, whose gardens were often flooded after heavy or persistent rain.
MERA Secretary Steve Feltham met with Earley Town Council’s Park Ranger, Grahame Hawker, who explained the cause of the problem, which had remained unresolved for about 30 years or more. It appeared that a culvert was restricting the flow of the brook, causing it to flood. It was impossible to gain access to the culvert to remove it owing to the position of a willow tree, which was subject to a tree preservation order.
The culvert was the property of Wokingham Borough Council, and so MERA contacted Cllr Pauline Jorgensen and officers of the council to demand that action be taken to resolve this long standing problem. Additionally, complaints from Egremont Drive residents captured the attention of the Town Council leadership, who joined the call for action to remove the problem.
The Borough Council’s Drainage Maintenance Specialist responded that he had been working closely with the Park Ranger to establish the means to resolve the flooding issues. Following discussions with the Tree Team, a contractor was appointed to remove the willow tree that was preventing access to the culvert and it was hoped that the work would be completed by Christmas.
In the event, three trees had to be felled, which is regrettable but necessary. It was the expectation of the council that the flooding issue would be resolved once the work on this part of the brook was completed.
Separately, two of our football fields have been found to be waterlogged. On investigation, the council discovered that the cause was a broken pipe, which was immediately scheduled for repair.
Maiden Erlegh residents get their Post Office back
30 November 2020
After much campaigning by local politicians, Fadi and MERA, and following a petition signed by many local residents, Maiden Erlegh finally have their post office back, a year after losing the service when McColls closed their doors for the last time.
It should be noted that opening times are not the same as before. Post Office services are now available from 9am until 5pm Mondays to Fridays and until 12.30pm on Saturdays. These opening hours will be reviewed at a later date.
30 November 2020
After much campaigning by local politicians, Fadi and MERA, and following a petition signed by many local residents, Maiden Erlegh finally have their post office back, a year after losing the service when McColls closed their doors for the last time.
It should be noted that opening times are not the same as before. Post Office services are now available from 9am until 5pm Mondays to Fridays and until 12.30pm on Saturdays. These opening hours will be reviewed at a later date.
Maiden Erlegh Post Office set to re-open
23 November 2020
Following community pressure for the resumption of Post Office services in Maiden Erlegh, the owner of our new shop, Fad, located in the Parade, has now received the equipment he needs for the service to begin. Training has commenced, and our new Post Office should be available by next week, if not before!
All credit to Fadi for his determination to provide this much needed service to our residents, and also thanks to Cllr Clive Jones for his support.
23 November 2020
Following community pressure for the resumption of Post Office services in Maiden Erlegh, the owner of our new shop, Fad, located in the Parade, has now received the equipment he needs for the service to begin. Training has commenced, and our new Post Office should be available by next week, if not before!
All credit to Fadi for his determination to provide this much needed service to our residents, and also thanks to Cllr Clive Jones for his support.
Maiden Erlegh Post Office on hold
5 November 2020
We understand from the shop owner of Fad that his application to provide post office services from the store are on hold while a reorganisation takes place at the Post Office. This is proving frustrating for him as well as for residents, and so he has organised a petition, which residents are invited to sign in store. The petition states:
'We, the undersigned, understand the many Covid-19 related challenges facing retail businesses, including the post office. We are grateful that Post Office Ltd committed to restore a vital local post office in Maiden Erlegh after services ceased in December 2019; and that, prior to the pandemic, a local entrepreneur, operating a family-run business, had signed agreements with the Post Office to operate this service. We call on the Post Office to honor this agreement and to facilitate the opening of a much-needed post office in FAD, in the Silverdale Road shops, without further delay.'
MERA is fully aware of the difficulties that have been encountered for some residents in not having a Post Office facility in the Maiden Erlegh, and we urge all MERA members to sign this petition to have the service restored as soon as possible.
In the meantime, MERA has written to the Post Office for their comments, and the response to our inquiries will be posted on here as soon as it is received. The situation will be discussed at the virtual meeting of the MERA Executive Committee scheduled for 12 November 2020.
5 November 2020
We understand from the shop owner of Fad that his application to provide post office services from the store are on hold while a reorganisation takes place at the Post Office. This is proving frustrating for him as well as for residents, and so he has organised a petition, which residents are invited to sign in store. The petition states:
'We, the undersigned, understand the many Covid-19 related challenges facing retail businesses, including the post office. We are grateful that Post Office Ltd committed to restore a vital local post office in Maiden Erlegh after services ceased in December 2019; and that, prior to the pandemic, a local entrepreneur, operating a family-run business, had signed agreements with the Post Office to operate this service. We call on the Post Office to honor this agreement and to facilitate the opening of a much-needed post office in FAD, in the Silverdale Road shops, without further delay.'
MERA is fully aware of the difficulties that have been encountered for some residents in not having a Post Office facility in the Maiden Erlegh, and we urge all MERA members to sign this petition to have the service restored as soon as possible.
In the meantime, MERA has written to the Post Office for their comments, and the response to our inquiries will be posted on here as soon as it is received. The situation will be discussed at the virtual meeting of the MERA Executive Committee scheduled for 12 November 2020.
NHS struggling to provide services
5 November 2020
MERA has taken up the concerns raised by some residents that although the NHS has dealt with the Covid 19 emergency admirably, non Covid patients have been left behind. We are receiving reports that NHS appointments with hospitals and GPs are difficult to arrange, and when a date is eventually secured, it is for a long time ahead. For hospital appointments it can be months and for GP appointments, up to three weeks ahead.
We have heard of frustration that face to face appointments cannot be arranged, check-ups are not being followed up which leads patients to be concerned about their health, and increasingly, residents are being urged to book an appointment online, which is impossible for elderly residents in particular, who may not even have a computer.
We have expressed these and other additional concerns to our MP Sir John Redwood and we have written also to Brookside General Practice, the principal provider of health services in the Maiden Erlegh area.
We have received very helpful responses from Sir John Redwood, who has urged the Secretary of State to keep the NHS open for both Covid and non-Covid patients, and from Brookside, whose letter is attached, together with MERA's initial request for action.
We are pleased to report that Brookside has taken very seriously our comments regarding the long and confusing telephone messages previously encountered when attempting to access a receptionist, and now residents can hear much more concise and relevant information when telephoning the surgery that will reassure those unable to book appointments online. We are very grateful to Brookside for taking this action.
MERA's original letter to Brookside and their response can be found below.
5 November 2020
MERA has taken up the concerns raised by some residents that although the NHS has dealt with the Covid 19 emergency admirably, non Covid patients have been left behind. We are receiving reports that NHS appointments with hospitals and GPs are difficult to arrange, and when a date is eventually secured, it is for a long time ahead. For hospital appointments it can be months and for GP appointments, up to three weeks ahead.
We have heard of frustration that face to face appointments cannot be arranged, check-ups are not being followed up which leads patients to be concerned about their health, and increasingly, residents are being urged to book an appointment online, which is impossible for elderly residents in particular, who may not even have a computer.
We have expressed these and other additional concerns to our MP Sir John Redwood and we have written also to Brookside General Practice, the principal provider of health services in the Maiden Erlegh area.
We have received very helpful responses from Sir John Redwood, who has urged the Secretary of State to keep the NHS open for both Covid and non-Covid patients, and from Brookside, whose letter is attached, together with MERA's initial request for action.
We are pleased to report that Brookside has taken very seriously our comments regarding the long and confusing telephone messages previously encountered when attempting to access a receptionist, and now residents can hear much more concise and relevant information when telephoning the surgery that will reassure those unable to book appointments online. We are very grateful to Brookside for taking this action.
MERA's original letter to Brookside and their response can be found below.
| MERA letter to Brookside |
| Brookside letter of response to MERA |
Planning for the future
5 November 2020
The government has proposed a series of reforms designed to overhaul England’s planning legislation, which aims to streamline and modernise the planning process. A public consultation process was launched in the summer, and following consideration by MERA’s Executive Committee, the decision was taken to respond to those issues that were most likely to affect or concern Maiden Erlegh residents or impact on the overall well-being of our members.
Of primary concern to us was the government’s proposal to allocate mandatory housing development requirements to local authorities using house prices to indicate where most demands for housing in the country existed.
There is clearly considerable discontent about what this means for the Wokingham Borough, where this mandatory requirement has mushroomed to double the original figure allocated for Wokingham. If this was to stand, there would be a major increase of house building on top of developments already planned for Grazeley, Arborfield, Shinfield, Spencers Wood and Hatch Farm, which would see even more of our surrounding countryside destroyed.
We have already written to local MP Sir John Redwood about these concerns, and he has proposed an alternative means of deciding where future housing should be prioritised, recognising that other areas of the country require investment to attract industry, provide more jobs and encourage more of the population to settle there rather than in the congested south-east.
We think that is a more acceptable means of allocating housing provision, and we have made this point in responding to the consultation process.
Reasons for changing the system
The ‘Planning for the Future’ consultation document covers much more than simply the amount of housing that is necessary – in fact it proposes a major overhaul of the planning system. The government points out that much of our planning system is outdated, the last comprehensive reform having been implemented by the Town and Country Planning Act 1947.
Since then, ‘additional measures have been bolted on, taken off and replaced by new measures according to which government was in power at the time’. As a result, we are left with an over-complicated and extremely slow system which is delaying house building projects and leading to escalating house prices, which are unaffordable for a growing number of the population.
The vision set out in the consultation document is that planning decisions will be faster by cutting out red tape and streamlining the system, without lowering standards. The reformed system would place ‘a higher regard on quality, design and local vernacular than ever before’. Environmentally friendly homes would be built with green spaces and new parks nearby, ‘where tree-lined streets are the norm and where neighbours are not strangers.’
Most planning decisions are made on a case-by-case basis rather than determined by clear rules for what can and cannot be done. The report makes the point that this is not the way other countries manage planning decisions and is extremely inefficient.
The report emphasises that it takes far too long to produce a Local Plan, each one taking an average of 7 years to produce. As such, Local Plans are becoming out of date even as they are published.
A big focus of the report is related to house building, and it points out that there is not enough focus on design, and there is little incentive for high quality new homes and places. The existing system does not lead to enough homes being built, especially where the need for homes is highest, pushing up prices to unaffordable levels for many.
An important consideration for residents is the user experience of the planning system. The of digital neighbourhood groups, social media and on residents’ mobile phones rather than notices on lampposts and in newspapers. Additionally, local plans would be accessed by software used across the public sector, enabling accessible interactive maps that show what can be built and where.
For local authorities, the proposed new arrangements would enable them to give more attention to improving the quality of new development and ‘focus on those large and special sites that need the most consideration’ rather than continue to burden them with various assessments and negotiations. The government believes that this will lead to overall environmental improvement. A further aim is to bring amenities and places to work closer to homes, reducing our carbon footprint.
The government points to planning systems in other parts of the world, including the Netherlands, Germany and Japan, where plans provide greater certainty about where development is permitted and where it is not.
MERA's response
We have supported the need to review the system but made clear that the public wants its voice to be heard and does not wish to be constrained by deadlines within which it is difficult to complete the necessary research and consultation to enable a considered response to proposals. We have opposed the government's plan to double the housing allocation for the Wokingham Borough.
We have taken into account the views expressed by MERA’s officers and Area Representatives who believe that these views broadly reflect those of the majority of Maiden Erlegh residents and we have taken care not to delve into those controversial areas which would not appear to have the support of a large proportion of our membership.
You can see MERA’s detailed response by clicking on the attachment below.
5 November 2020
The government has proposed a series of reforms designed to overhaul England’s planning legislation, which aims to streamline and modernise the planning process. A public consultation process was launched in the summer, and following consideration by MERA’s Executive Committee, the decision was taken to respond to those issues that were most likely to affect or concern Maiden Erlegh residents or impact on the overall well-being of our members.
Of primary concern to us was the government’s proposal to allocate mandatory housing development requirements to local authorities using house prices to indicate where most demands for housing in the country existed.
There is clearly considerable discontent about what this means for the Wokingham Borough, where this mandatory requirement has mushroomed to double the original figure allocated for Wokingham. If this was to stand, there would be a major increase of house building on top of developments already planned for Grazeley, Arborfield, Shinfield, Spencers Wood and Hatch Farm, which would see even more of our surrounding countryside destroyed.
We have already written to local MP Sir John Redwood about these concerns, and he has proposed an alternative means of deciding where future housing should be prioritised, recognising that other areas of the country require investment to attract industry, provide more jobs and encourage more of the population to settle there rather than in the congested south-east.
We think that is a more acceptable means of allocating housing provision, and we have made this point in responding to the consultation process.
Reasons for changing the system
The ‘Planning for the Future’ consultation document covers much more than simply the amount of housing that is necessary – in fact it proposes a major overhaul of the planning system. The government points out that much of our planning system is outdated, the last comprehensive reform having been implemented by the Town and Country Planning Act 1947.
Since then, ‘additional measures have been bolted on, taken off and replaced by new measures according to which government was in power at the time’. As a result, we are left with an over-complicated and extremely slow system which is delaying house building projects and leading to escalating house prices, which are unaffordable for a growing number of the population.
The vision set out in the consultation document is that planning decisions will be faster by cutting out red tape and streamlining the system, without lowering standards. The reformed system would place ‘a higher regard on quality, design and local vernacular than ever before’. Environmentally friendly homes would be built with green spaces and new parks nearby, ‘where tree-lined streets are the norm and where neighbours are not strangers.’
Most planning decisions are made on a case-by-case basis rather than determined by clear rules for what can and cannot be done. The report makes the point that this is not the way other countries manage planning decisions and is extremely inefficient.
The report emphasises that it takes far too long to produce a Local Plan, each one taking an average of 7 years to produce. As such, Local Plans are becoming out of date even as they are published.
A big focus of the report is related to house building, and it points out that there is not enough focus on design, and there is little incentive for high quality new homes and places. The existing system does not lead to enough homes being built, especially where the need for homes is highest, pushing up prices to unaffordable levels for many.
An important consideration for residents is the user experience of the planning system. The of digital neighbourhood groups, social media and on residents’ mobile phones rather than notices on lampposts and in newspapers. Additionally, local plans would be accessed by software used across the public sector, enabling accessible interactive maps that show what can be built and where.
For local authorities, the proposed new arrangements would enable them to give more attention to improving the quality of new development and ‘focus on those large and special sites that need the most consideration’ rather than continue to burden them with various assessments and negotiations. The government believes that this will lead to overall environmental improvement. A further aim is to bring amenities and places to work closer to homes, reducing our carbon footprint.
The government points to planning systems in other parts of the world, including the Netherlands, Germany and Japan, where plans provide greater certainty about where development is permitted and where it is not.
MERA's response
We have supported the need to review the system but made clear that the public wants its voice to be heard and does not wish to be constrained by deadlines within which it is difficult to complete the necessary research and consultation to enable a considered response to proposals. We have opposed the government's plan to double the housing allocation for the Wokingham Borough.
We have taken into account the views expressed by MERA’s officers and Area Representatives who believe that these views broadly reflect those of the majority of Maiden Erlegh residents and we have taken care not to delve into those controversial areas which would not appear to have the support of a large proportion of our membership.
You can see MERA’s detailed response by clicking on the attachment below.
| Planning for the Future response |
Betchworth Avenue resurfacing
25 October 2020 [UPDATED 5 November 2020]
The council commenced the resurfacing of Betchworth Avenue on Monday 26 October, and the work was expected to take place until Friday 30 October. This meant that the road would be closed to through traffic on Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am and 6pm (subject to weather conditions).
Buses were unable to serve Betchworth Avenue and Silverdale Road during that time. Instead, the 19a/c service operated by way of Beech Lane and Rushey Way, observing all bus stops en route.
We are pleased to report that the work went without a hitch, with the road re-opened to traffic on Thursday evening. Betchworth Avenue now sports a nice, smooth surface free of potholes.
25 October 2020 [UPDATED 5 November 2020]
The council commenced the resurfacing of Betchworth Avenue on Monday 26 October, and the work was expected to take place until Friday 30 October. This meant that the road would be closed to through traffic on Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am and 6pm (subject to weather conditions).
Buses were unable to serve Betchworth Avenue and Silverdale Road during that time. Instead, the 19a/c service operated by way of Beech Lane and Rushey Way, observing all bus stops en route.
We are pleased to report that the work went without a hitch, with the road re-opened to traffic on Thursday evening. Betchworth Avenue now sports a nice, smooth surface free of potholes.
New shop opens in The Parade
19 September 2020
Local residents from all over Earley have been taking a look at the new fresh meat, veg and fruit store which opened today at The Parade, Silverdale Road. The new shop has a nice open feel about it and is packed with food, which has something for everybody. The butcher's section of the store will be particularly welcome as Maiden Erlegh saw the last butcher close its doors many years ago now.
Cllr David Hare, Mayor of Earley Town Council, formally opened the replacement shop on the old 'McColls' site. Named 'Fad', this promises to be a popular attraction to food lovers for miles around. A new Post Office is expected to open there in the near future.
The owner of the new store is Fadi Ibrahim, who has been overwhelmed by expressions of support from local residents, and MERA wishes him every success.
19 September 2020
Local residents from all over Earley have been taking a look at the new fresh meat, veg and fruit store which opened today at The Parade, Silverdale Road. The new shop has a nice open feel about it and is packed with food, which has something for everybody. The butcher's section of the store will be particularly welcome as Maiden Erlegh saw the last butcher close its doors many years ago now.
Cllr David Hare, Mayor of Earley Town Council, formally opened the replacement shop on the old 'McColls' site. Named 'Fad', this promises to be a popular attraction to food lovers for miles around. A new Post Office is expected to open there in the near future.
The owner of the new store is Fadi Ibrahim, who has been overwhelmed by expressions of support from local residents, and MERA wishes him every success.
New Food Bay store set to open
25 August 2020 [updated 8 September 2020 and 18 September 2020]
MERA Secretary Steve Feltham has spoken with the owner of the new fresh meat, fruit and vegetable shop in The Parade, who confirmed that he intended to commence trading very soon. A week has now passed and following information received from a reliable source, it can be revealed that the opening day will be Saturday 19 September, when the doors are expected to open at 9am.
The Food Bay store, going by the name of 'Fad', replaces the former McColls store at The Parade, Silverdale Road. Opening hours will be 7am to 9pm Mondays to Saturdays and 7am to 8pm on Sundays. The store will close for one hour at lunch time on Fridays only - between 1pm and 2pm in the summer and between 12noon and 1pm in the winter.
The shelves are being filled now, ready for the opening. MERA has been informed that Post Office services will be offered on site as soon as possible. An application has been lodged with the Post Office, so it is hoped that we will not have to wait too much longer before our post office services are restored.
25 August 2020 [updated 8 September 2020 and 18 September 2020]
MERA Secretary Steve Feltham has spoken with the owner of the new fresh meat, fruit and vegetable shop in The Parade, who confirmed that he intended to commence trading very soon. A week has now passed and following information received from a reliable source, it can be revealed that the opening day will be Saturday 19 September, when the doors are expected to open at 9am.
The Food Bay store, going by the name of 'Fad', replaces the former McColls store at The Parade, Silverdale Road. Opening hours will be 7am to 9pm Mondays to Saturdays and 7am to 8pm on Sundays. The store will close for one hour at lunch time on Fridays only - between 1pm and 2pm in the summer and between 12noon and 1pm in the winter.
The shelves are being filled now, ready for the opening. MERA has been informed that Post Office services will be offered on site as soon as possible. An application has been lodged with the Post Office, so it is hoped that we will not have to wait too much longer before our post office services are restored.
Planning regulations to be overhauled
18 August 2020
The government is preparing to simplify planning legislation to speed up planning decisions, and it has produced a document entitled 'Planning for the Future' which can be found on the government's website. The proposals create planning zones, which would be categorised as growth, renewal or protection areas.
Growth zones would have outline planning permission already decided that would allow developers to build houses without the need for councils to debate the principal of the scheme.
Renewal zones would provide automatic pre-approval from 'permitted development' rights.
Protection zones are expected to have similar rules in place to that of the green belt, where the presumption would be against development.
MERA is concerned about the possible implications of this - not so much for Maiden Erlegh itself, but because the implications of all this is likely to result in the increased development of the surrounding area, with the implications for increased traffic congestion and further destruction of the countryside.
We would be interested to hear your views of these proposals so that we can discuss your concerns in order to respond to the government consultation about these ideas. Please email us at askmera@virginmedia.com.
18 August 2020
The government is preparing to simplify planning legislation to speed up planning decisions, and it has produced a document entitled 'Planning for the Future' which can be found on the government's website. The proposals create planning zones, which would be categorised as growth, renewal or protection areas.
Growth zones would have outline planning permission already decided that would allow developers to build houses without the need for councils to debate the principal of the scheme.
Renewal zones would provide automatic pre-approval from 'permitted development' rights.
Protection zones are expected to have similar rules in place to that of the green belt, where the presumption would be against development.
MERA is concerned about the possible implications of this - not so much for Maiden Erlegh itself, but because the implications of all this is likely to result in the increased development of the surrounding area, with the implications for increased traffic congestion and further destruction of the countryside.
We would be interested to hear your views of these proposals so that we can discuss your concerns in order to respond to the government consultation about these ideas. Please email us at askmera@virginmedia.com.
Good news for walkers and riders
18 August 2020
Wokingham Borough Council is working on phase 2 of its greenways project, which will create a network of traffic free multi-user routes connecting Arborfield Green, Shinfield, Wokingham and the new developments in North and South Wokingham. The council is seeking views on the first section of Phase 2 of this project and is seeking views to help shape final decisions on the route and the detailed design. If you would like to have a say on this, the full details of the consultation can be found on the council's website under the 'current consultations' section.
You will need to be quick - comments must be received by 31 August 2020.
18 August 2020
Wokingham Borough Council is working on phase 2 of its greenways project, which will create a network of traffic free multi-user routes connecting Arborfield Green, Shinfield, Wokingham and the new developments in North and South Wokingham. The council is seeking views on the first section of Phase 2 of this project and is seeking views to help shape final decisions on the route and the detailed design. If you would like to have a say on this, the full details of the consultation can be found on the council's website under the 'current consultations' section.
You will need to be quick - comments must be received by 31 August 2020.
20mph speed limits proposed for Earley
9 August 2020
Earley Town Council has asked Wokingham Borough Council to consider introducing more 20mph speed limits in the area as part of the Borough’s speed limit review. The aim is to make the roads much safer, especially for children, the vulnerable and cyclists.
The Town Council also wants improved signage, including vehicle-activated signs.
9 August 2020
Earley Town Council has asked Wokingham Borough Council to consider introducing more 20mph speed limits in the area as part of the Borough’s speed limit review. The aim is to make the roads much safer, especially for children, the vulnerable and cyclists.
The Town Council also wants improved signage, including vehicle-activated signs.
Recycling crates to be replaced
9 August 2020
The black bins residents currently use for recycling their rubbish are to be replaced. Recycling firms no longer accept paper or cardboard that becomes wet and this has led to a reduction of recycling rates for Wokingham.
MERA has suggested that bins with lids could be the answer to the problem, but Wokingham Borough Council has decided that instead it will replace the bins altogether with ‘hessian sacks’, which will be weighted so that they do not blow away. Although the local authority has used the term ‘hessian sacks’, they will not be made from hessian but from ‘woven polypropylene fibre with a light plastic coating to ensure resistance to moisture’. So, although the sacks will not be made of natural materials, the council has undertaken to look into recycling them when they are no longer usable. They are expected to last for up to five years.
MERA is concerned that some residents may have difficulty in lifting the sacks when full, although the content of the bags should be relatively light, which is the nature of the type of recycling material that will be filling the bags, and that despite the weighting feature, the bags may well still blow away in windy weather.
The cost of the new arrangements is £295,000 per annum, but this is offset by the additional recyclable material and disposal costs, which will bring in revenue of £698,000 per annum, a saving of £403,000.
MERA will monitor the use of the new sacks and raise with the council any problems flagged up by residents after implementation.
9 August 2020
The black bins residents currently use for recycling their rubbish are to be replaced. Recycling firms no longer accept paper or cardboard that becomes wet and this has led to a reduction of recycling rates for Wokingham.
MERA has suggested that bins with lids could be the answer to the problem, but Wokingham Borough Council has decided that instead it will replace the bins altogether with ‘hessian sacks’, which will be weighted so that they do not blow away. Although the local authority has used the term ‘hessian sacks’, they will not be made from hessian but from ‘woven polypropylene fibre with a light plastic coating to ensure resistance to moisture’. So, although the sacks will not be made of natural materials, the council has undertaken to look into recycling them when they are no longer usable. They are expected to last for up to five years.
MERA is concerned that some residents may have difficulty in lifting the sacks when full, although the content of the bags should be relatively light, which is the nature of the type of recycling material that will be filling the bags, and that despite the weighting feature, the bags may well still blow away in windy weather.
The cost of the new arrangements is £295,000 per annum, but this is offset by the additional recyclable material and disposal costs, which will bring in revenue of £698,000 per annum, a saving of £403,000.
MERA will monitor the use of the new sacks and raise with the council any problems flagged up by residents after implementation.
Honorary Treasurer
28 July 2020|
We are pleased to announce that the Executive Committee has elected Ryan Yao-Smith as MERA's Hon Treasurer until officer and area representative elections are held at the AGM when it re-convenes. Ryan replaces Pamela Tames, who has served as our Treasurer for many years, and we are very grateful for all the work she has carried out for us over that time.
28 July 2020|
We are pleased to announce that the Executive Committee has elected Ryan Yao-Smith as MERA's Hon Treasurer until officer and area representative elections are held at the AGM when it re-convenes. Ryan replaces Pamela Tames, who has served as our Treasurer for many years, and we are very grateful for all the work she has carried out for us over that time.
Betchworth Avenue improvements on the way
25 May 2020 [Updated 10 August 2020]
Following MERA’s report to Wokingham Borough Council regarding the unacceptable condition of Betchworth Avenue, which members will be aware is presently littered with potholes, the council has announced that improvements to the road are planned and will be carried out between 24 August and 28 October on dates to be announced. The old surface will be removed and replaced due to the extent of the deterioration of this road.
Work is expected to take place at off-peak times between 9.30am and 4pm.
The Council has earmarked £124 million for major highways and park and ride improvements for 2020/21. A further £20 million will be made available for tackling congestion in the Borough.
25 May 2020 [Updated 10 August 2020]
Following MERA’s report to Wokingham Borough Council regarding the unacceptable condition of Betchworth Avenue, which members will be aware is presently littered with potholes, the council has announced that improvements to the road are planned and will be carried out between 24 August and 28 October on dates to be announced. The old surface will be removed and replaced due to the extent of the deterioration of this road.
Work is expected to take place at off-peak times between 9.30am and 4pm.
The Council has earmarked £124 million for major highways and park and ride improvements for 2020/21. A further £20 million will be made available for tackling congestion in the Borough.
Earley Community Hub provides help for vulnerable residents
25 May 2020
Help is available for those residents who require assistance during the Coronavirus outbreak, including assistance with their shopping, collecting prescriptions and so forth.
Earley’s churches have come together to provide a much needed service to vulnerable people in the area through the Earley Community Hub, which is supported by the Town Council.
If you require assistance, or need somebody who does, you can access the service by contacting the Hub as follows:
Telephone: 07493 784 091
Email: earleyhelphub@gmail.com
Online: www.facebook.com/earley/helphub
25 May 2020
Help is available for those residents who require assistance during the Coronavirus outbreak, including assistance with their shopping, collecting prescriptions and so forth.
Earley’s churches have come together to provide a much needed service to vulnerable people in the area through the Earley Community Hub, which is supported by the Town Council.
If you require assistance, or need somebody who does, you can access the service by contacting the Hub as follows:
Telephone: 07493 784 091
Email: earleyhelphub@gmail.com
Online: www.facebook.com/earley/helphub
Coronavirus impacts on MERA’s activities
AGM postponed until later in the year
Internet communications to replace Executive Committee meetings
23 March 2020
With the government’s new rules on social distancing and the need to avoid all gatherings, MERA has been forced to consider new ways of ensuring that members receive the services it provides.
The most obvious impact on our activities is our inability to hold regular meetings to discuss concerns raised by or on behalf of our members. The Chairman has now authorised the changes necessary to ensure that MERA business continues to take place in this strange new environment that has descended upon us with little warning.
Unfortunately, our forthcoming AGM will no longer take place on 14 May 2020 as advertised in the latest MERA magazine. We very much regret this, particularly as we had secured Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, to provide us with information about the bus services operating in Earley and the forthcoming review. The good news, however, is that Robert has kindly agreed to speak to the AGM when it resumes later in the year, after these emergency measures have taken their course.
In the meantime, the urgency action taken by the Chairman will ensure that the essential business of the AGM is undertaken in an appropriate way. This means that:
- The audit of accounts will be submitted by the Treasurer for tentative approval by the Chairman by no later than 14 May and subject to final consideration by the rearranged AGM later in 2020.
- The election of officers and area representatives for 2020/21 will be delayed, but in the meantime, existing appointments will continue, subject to the agreement of those elected last year.
- The remainder of AGM business will await the re-scheduled meeting.
These urgency arrangements will be reviewed by no later than 9 July 2020.
We would like to reassure residents that these new arrangements will not impact on our ability to provide services to all our members, and although we will have to ensure social distancing to protect you and our area representatives at the doorstep, you can still raise any concerns or problems through by emailing us: askmera@virginmedia.com.
Alternatively, you can use our ‘Contact Us’ page on this website.
We wish all our members well during these difficult times – please don’t forget that we are here to help.
Neighbourhood Watch issues advice to protect yourself, loved ones and neighbours
18 March 2020
MERA has received advice from the Neighbourhood Watch network which encourages residents to consider ways ‘to keep yourself, your loved ones and those in your community safe, particularly the isolated and vulnerable’ during the course of the coronavirus outbreak.
18 March 2020
MERA has received advice from the Neighbourhood Watch network which encourages residents to consider ways ‘to keep yourself, your loved ones and those in your community safe, particularly the isolated and vulnerable’ during the course of the coronavirus outbreak.
| Neighbourhood Watch advice |
MERA AGM: Thursday 14 May 2020
13 February 2020
We are pleased to announce that MERA's next AGM will be held on Thursday 14 May 2020. We hope you are able to join us to hear our guest speaker, Robert Williams, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Reading Buses. After his presentation, questions will be invited from the audience.
MERA is aware of the public interest in the bus services provided within Maiden Erlegh, and we expect considerable interest from residents in what Robert has to say. For this reason, the AGM this year will be held in St Nicolas Church, Sutliffe Avenue, Earley this year rather than the Day Centre, to cater for the increased numbers expected.
The meeting will commence at 8pm and refreshments will be available from 7.30pm. We hope to see you there, so please make a note in your diary!
13 February 2020
We are pleased to announce that MERA's next AGM will be held on Thursday 14 May 2020. We hope you are able to join us to hear our guest speaker, Robert Williams, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Reading Buses. After his presentation, questions will be invited from the audience.
MERA is aware of the public interest in the bus services provided within Maiden Erlegh, and we expect considerable interest from residents in what Robert has to say. For this reason, the AGM this year will be held in St Nicolas Church, Sutliffe Avenue, Earley this year rather than the Day Centre, to cater for the increased numbers expected.
The meeting will commence at 8pm and refreshments will be available from 7.30pm. We hope to see you there, so please make a note in your diary!
Talks begin on bus service improvements
28 January 2020
MERA has commenced discussions with Earley Town Council on ways to improve Earley’s bus services on the Little Oranges 19a/b/c routes. Residents have complained about the poor frequencies, the small vehicles used and lack of destination choice. We are also aware of the lack of bus shelters on Silverdale Road and real time bus information on all of the secondary routes.
MERA Secretary Steve Feltham presented his report to the Working Party on 21 January, which set out various options with the aim of reducing the reliance on the grant aid provided by the Borough Council for service 19a/c. Options included extending the Silverdale Road route to Asda or Wokingham.
While the detailed discussions with the council cannot be revealed, the meeting was reported to have gone very well, with further meetings planned.
Steve Feltham is hopeful that the discussions with Earley Town Council will help to inform the next meeting of the AGM in May (to which all MERA members are invited), the speaker for which will be CEO of Reading Buses, Robert Williams.
28 January 2020
MERA has commenced discussions with Earley Town Council on ways to improve Earley’s bus services on the Little Oranges 19a/b/c routes. Residents have complained about the poor frequencies, the small vehicles used and lack of destination choice. We are also aware of the lack of bus shelters on Silverdale Road and real time bus information on all of the secondary routes.
MERA Secretary Steve Feltham presented his report to the Working Party on 21 January, which set out various options with the aim of reducing the reliance on the grant aid provided by the Borough Council for service 19a/c. Options included extending the Silverdale Road route to Asda or Wokingham.
While the detailed discussions with the council cannot be revealed, the meeting was reported to have gone very well, with further meetings planned.
Steve Feltham is hopeful that the discussions with Earley Town Council will help to inform the next meeting of the AGM in May (to which all MERA members are invited), the speaker for which will be CEO of Reading Buses, Robert Williams.
Residents must take ID to access Smallmead Waste Disposal facility
13 January 2020
Wokingham Borough Council has advised MERA that residents no longer need to use a permit to access the household Waste Recycling Centres. In future, proof of address will be sufficient to enable users to be allowed into the site.
This includes the Smallmead Waste Disposal facility, which is the main site used by Maiden Erlegh residents to dispose of the rubbish that they do not put out for collection.
Residents are advised to ensure that they take with them documentation (such as a driving licence or council tax bill) to confirm their address to the attendant.
The council advise that permits have not been necessary for the last two years, but the recycling centre has honoured the permits until now.
13 January 2020
Wokingham Borough Council has advised MERA that residents no longer need to use a permit to access the household Waste Recycling Centres. In future, proof of address will be sufficient to enable users to be allowed into the site.
This includes the Smallmead Waste Disposal facility, which is the main site used by Maiden Erlegh residents to dispose of the rubbish that they do not put out for collection.
Residents are advised to ensure that they take with them documentation (such as a driving licence or council tax bill) to confirm their address to the attendant.
The council advise that permits have not been necessary for the last two years, but the recycling centre has honoured the permits until now.
Underground electricity cables compensation
8 January 2020
We have been contacted by several residents who had received a letter from a firm of Chartered Surveyors (Sherwill Drake Forbes), who advised that their mapping team had become aware of underground electricity cables passing through their properties.
The company offered to process a claim on behalf of the homeowners to secure compensation payments from Southern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD). It is stated in the letter that payments would be between £100 and £350, and that they would charge a 20% fee for processing a successful claim.
We have been asked to discover whether this offer is a scam, and so we have written to the SSE directly and we have also contacted Ofgem.
SSE has now confirmed that this is not a scam and that if there is any electrical apparatus on, under or over a homeowner’s property that goes on to supply others, the homeowner may be eligible for a wayleave payment.
Interestingly, they also tell us that you can either email wayleave.registry@sse.com or alternatively, you can write to Wayleave Registry, SSE, 10 Henderson Road, Inverness, IV1 1SN to see if you have a claim. Should homeowners wish to follow this route, they can avoid the 20% fee charged by the Chartered Surveyors, and therefore this is MERA’s recommended approach.
MERA members may be interested to know that the compensation amount is dependent on the type of apparatus that has been installed. They tell us that a 15-year term agreement for an underground cable will pay out a lump sum of £150.04. If the agreement is for a pole with stay wire, the rate is £350.02.
At the time of publication, MERA had not received a response from Ofgem.
8 January 2020
We have been contacted by several residents who had received a letter from a firm of Chartered Surveyors (Sherwill Drake Forbes), who advised that their mapping team had become aware of underground electricity cables passing through their properties.
The company offered to process a claim on behalf of the homeowners to secure compensation payments from Southern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD). It is stated in the letter that payments would be between £100 and £350, and that they would charge a 20% fee for processing a successful claim.
We have been asked to discover whether this offer is a scam, and so we have written to the SSE directly and we have also contacted Ofgem.
SSE has now confirmed that this is not a scam and that if there is any electrical apparatus on, under or over a homeowner’s property that goes on to supply others, the homeowner may be eligible for a wayleave payment.
Interestingly, they also tell us that you can either email wayleave.registry@sse.com or alternatively, you can write to Wayleave Registry, SSE, 10 Henderson Road, Inverness, IV1 1SN to see if you have a claim. Should homeowners wish to follow this route, they can avoid the 20% fee charged by the Chartered Surveyors, and therefore this is MERA’s recommended approach.
MERA members may be interested to know that the compensation amount is dependent on the type of apparatus that has been installed. They tell us that a 15-year term agreement for an underground cable will pay out a lump sum of £150.04. If the agreement is for a pole with stay wire, the rate is £350.02.
At the time of publication, MERA had not received a response from Ofgem.
Council asks residents to keep recycling waste dry
20 December 2019
Council asks residents to keep their paper recycling dry
Wokingham Borough Council has asked residents to keep their paper and card recycling dry after being told that recycling plants would no longer accept wet paper and card.
This means that if you leave your paper and card outside in the rain in future, it will not be recycled. The council is seeking a solution to this crackdown, but in the meantime, they have asked residents to take appropriate measures to keep their recycling dry. The local authority suggests that any of the following actions would make a difference:
The council’s Director of Locality and Customer Services Sarah Hollamby acknowledges the efforts householders have made to recycle their waste, and also expressed her delight that food waste recycling has been ‘a huge hit’ which ‘has helped push our recycling rates up to unprecedented levels’.
MERA has resolved to ask the council to provide recycling boxes with lids in future to ensure compliance with the new recycling plant rules.
20 December 2019
Council asks residents to keep their paper recycling dry
Wokingham Borough Council has asked residents to keep their paper and card recycling dry after being told that recycling plants would no longer accept wet paper and card.
This means that if you leave your paper and card outside in the rain in future, it will not be recycled. The council is seeking a solution to this crackdown, but in the meantime, they have asked residents to take appropriate measures to keep their recycling dry. The local authority suggests that any of the following actions would make a difference:
- Keep the recycling indoors, or in a garage or a shed until collection day;
- Stack the black boxes with the paper filled one at the bottom;
- Put the black boxes out on the morning of the collection rather than the night before; or
- Cover the recycling boxes with something waterproof.
The council’s Director of Locality and Customer Services Sarah Hollamby acknowledges the efforts householders have made to recycle their waste, and also expressed her delight that food waste recycling has been ‘a huge hit’ which ‘has helped push our recycling rates up to unprecedented levels’.
MERA has resolved to ask the council to provide recycling boxes with lids in future to ensure compliance with the new recycling plant rules.
Speaker for AGM named as Reading Buses CEO Robert Williams
3 December 2019
We are pleased to announce that Robert Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of Reading Buses, has agreed to accept MERA's invitation to be our speaker at the AGM to be held on Thursday 14 May 2020. In view of the degree of interest expected, we will be meeting at a larger venue on that evening, the location of which will be announced within the next few weeks.
We continue to receive many queries from residents regarding Maiden Erlegh's bus services, and therefore we expect considerable interest in what Mr Williams has to say. We know that the reinstatement of our 19a/b/c services along Silverdale Road and Beech Lane was warmly welcomed, but we continue to receive feedback that these services are not frequent enough and that some services are overloaded, resulting in passengers being turned away, particularly at peak times. Our efforts have already resulted in a relief service being added to the 7.40am Beech Lane service into Reading and the 3.30pm 19b to Lower Earley in the afternoons on schooldays.
In preparation for the meeting, residents are encouraged to contact us by completing the contacts page on this website or by email (askmera@virginmedia.com) to tell us about your experiences, good and bad. We know that we have overloading problems on the 19c service journey at 7.50am on Silverdale Road and also the 19a at 3.45pm from Reading on schooldays, although we are hopeful that some passengers will migrate to the 19b service now that a relief bus has been added. We will be monitoring the situation to establish whether or not things improve over the next few weeks.
We are very fortunate to have three very frequent premier services operating through Earley (the 17, 4/X4 and 21 services). However, for most of us, these routes are just a little too far to away (necessitating at least a 15 minute walk), and given our aging population, a bus route closer to home is necessary. Even able bodied residents want the convenience of having easily accessible bus services, of course, and it is the ease of access and the speed of the journey that is most important to encourage as many people as possible to use them. MERA is concerned that the 19a/c service is heavily subsidised by Wokingham Borough Council at present and that the 19b is barely profitable. This puts these services at risk in the future, and MERA has been arguing that by adjusting routes and frequencies, potentially all of these services could be operating at a profit.
Of course, it is vitally important that as many of us use the buses as possible to ensure that our vision of benefiting from better services actually comes to pass and we urge all our residents to use the bus wherever possible, in particular to travel to the hospital and into Reading. In particular, Saturday services need a boost in passenger numbers to ensure that we do not have to endure a reduction rather than an increase in frequency in the future.
Earley Town Council has set up a Bus Working Party to discuss bus service provision in the area, and MERA will be actively involved when it meets in the New Year. A paper has been produced on some of the possibilities that can be explored, and we will be drawing our ideas to the attention of the Reading Buses CEO prior to the AGM. The report is attached to this item.
3 December 2019
We are pleased to announce that Robert Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of Reading Buses, has agreed to accept MERA's invitation to be our speaker at the AGM to be held on Thursday 14 May 2020. In view of the degree of interest expected, we will be meeting at a larger venue on that evening, the location of which will be announced within the next few weeks.
We continue to receive many queries from residents regarding Maiden Erlegh's bus services, and therefore we expect considerable interest in what Mr Williams has to say. We know that the reinstatement of our 19a/b/c services along Silverdale Road and Beech Lane was warmly welcomed, but we continue to receive feedback that these services are not frequent enough and that some services are overloaded, resulting in passengers being turned away, particularly at peak times. Our efforts have already resulted in a relief service being added to the 7.40am Beech Lane service into Reading and the 3.30pm 19b to Lower Earley in the afternoons on schooldays.
In preparation for the meeting, residents are encouraged to contact us by completing the contacts page on this website or by email (askmera@virginmedia.com) to tell us about your experiences, good and bad. We know that we have overloading problems on the 19c service journey at 7.50am on Silverdale Road and also the 19a at 3.45pm from Reading on schooldays, although we are hopeful that some passengers will migrate to the 19b service now that a relief bus has been added. We will be monitoring the situation to establish whether or not things improve over the next few weeks.
We are very fortunate to have three very frequent premier services operating through Earley (the 17, 4/X4 and 21 services). However, for most of us, these routes are just a little too far to away (necessitating at least a 15 minute walk), and given our aging population, a bus route closer to home is necessary. Even able bodied residents want the convenience of having easily accessible bus services, of course, and it is the ease of access and the speed of the journey that is most important to encourage as many people as possible to use them. MERA is concerned that the 19a/c service is heavily subsidised by Wokingham Borough Council at present and that the 19b is barely profitable. This puts these services at risk in the future, and MERA has been arguing that by adjusting routes and frequencies, potentially all of these services could be operating at a profit.
Of course, it is vitally important that as many of us use the buses as possible to ensure that our vision of benefiting from better services actually comes to pass and we urge all our residents to use the bus wherever possible, in particular to travel to the hospital and into Reading. In particular, Saturday services need a boost in passenger numbers to ensure that we do not have to endure a reduction rather than an increase in frequency in the future.
Earley Town Council has set up a Bus Working Party to discuss bus service provision in the area, and MERA will be actively involved when it meets in the New Year. A paper has been produced on some of the possibilities that can be explored, and we will be drawing our ideas to the attention of the Reading Buses CEO prior to the AGM. The report is attached to this item.
| Secondary bus routes in Earley report for Earley Town Council |
McColls has now closed
18 November 2019
As expected, McColls closed its doors to shoppers at noon on 15 November. The shop had been facing stiff competition from Tesco since it opened and McColls found itself no longer able to run a viable business from the shop. The Post Office was closed on 5 November.
We understand from the Property Agents that the new tenants wish to take over as soon as possible, but as the existing tenancy is not due to expire until 24 December, it is unlikely that the new shop will be opening until the New Year. The new tenants are FoodBay Ltd and we have been informed that they will be re-opening the Post Office as soon as possible after opening.
18 November 2019
As expected, McColls closed its doors to shoppers at noon on 15 November. The shop had been facing stiff competition from Tesco since it opened and McColls found itself no longer able to run a viable business from the shop. The Post Office was closed on 5 November.
We understand from the Property Agents that the new tenants wish to take over as soon as possible, but as the existing tenancy is not due to expire until 24 December, it is unlikely that the new shop will be opening until the New Year. The new tenants are FoodBay Ltd and we have been informed that they will be re-opening the Post Office as soon as possible after opening.
Post Office at McColls closed temporarily
6 November 2019
The Post Office has confirmed, contrary to their earlier statement, that the Post Office at McColls has closed temporarily 'until the new operator has been processed and approved'. MERA was advised by the Post Office on 22 October that a temporary Postmaster had been sourced to continue running the Post Office branch and that 'the previously planned temporary closure.....had been cancelled.'
The reason for this change of plan was not made clear in the statement received. Unfortunately, it appears that we will have to wait for the new tenants to take over the shop before this service can be resumed. Although there are alternative facilities available nearby in Lower Earley and Woodley, there are fears that some people who lack a means of transport and who find walking difficult will not be able to access a Post Office in the run up to the Christmas period.
6 November 2019
The Post Office has confirmed, contrary to their earlier statement, that the Post Office at McColls has closed temporarily 'until the new operator has been processed and approved'. MERA was advised by the Post Office on 22 October that a temporary Postmaster had been sourced to continue running the Post Office branch and that 'the previously planned temporary closure.....had been cancelled.'
The reason for this change of plan was not made clear in the statement received. Unfortunately, it appears that we will have to wait for the new tenants to take over the shop before this service can be resumed. Although there are alternative facilities available nearby in Lower Earley and Woodley, there are fears that some people who lack a means of transport and who find walking difficult will not be able to access a Post Office in the run up to the Christmas period.
Maiden Erlegh Drive is resurfaced
4 November 2019
Following representations made by MERA as well as the residents of Maiden Erlegh Drive, the severely pot-holed road running between Wokingham Road and Maiden Erlegh School has been re-surfaced. Concerns had been raised that people could injure themselves and mobility scooters could be damaged if repairs to the road were not carried out urgently. Maiden Erlegh Drive is now a pleasure to walk and drive through, and so Maiden Erlegh Trust deserve a big thank you for taking this matter seriously and resolving it for the benefit of everyone who uses it.
4 November 2019
Following representations made by MERA as well as the residents of Maiden Erlegh Drive, the severely pot-holed road running between Wokingham Road and Maiden Erlegh School has been re-surfaced. Concerns had been raised that people could injure themselves and mobility scooters could be damaged if repairs to the road were not carried out urgently. Maiden Erlegh Drive is now a pleasure to walk and drive through, and so Maiden Erlegh Trust deserve a big thank you for taking this matter seriously and resolving it for the benefit of everyone who uses it.
Herbies re-opens
26 October 2019
After weeks of closure, Herbies has finally re-opened under new management in The Parade.
26 October 2019
After weeks of closure, Herbies has finally re-opened under new management in The Parade.
| Herbies re-opens |
Bus overcrowding issue resolved
26 October 2019
MERA has learned that measures are now in place to address the overcrowding issue on the 7.40am Beech Lane service 19b. For some months, complaints had been registered that passengers were being left behind on this journey on schooldays, with the next bus not due for almost half an hour.
26 October 2019
MERA has learned that measures are now in place to address the overcrowding issue on the 7.40am Beech Lane service 19b. For some months, complaints had been registered that passengers were being left behind on this journey on schooldays, with the next bus not due for almost half an hour.
| Bus overcrowding issue resolved |
Pavement parking will incur official attention
18 October 2019
Wokingham Borough Council has announced measures designed to stop motorists from parking on footpaths and too close to road junctions.
18 October 2019
Wokingham Borough Council has announced measures designed to stop motorists from parking on footpaths and too close to road junctions.
| Pavement parking will incur official attention |
Local Transport Plan
17 October 2019
Wokingham Borough Council is consulting on its transport vision up to 2036. It states that it wishes ‘To deliver and maintain a safe, reliable and joined-up transport system that connects new and existing communities, businesses, commercial centres while providing leisure opportunities. The vision will future-proof the transport network for new and emerging technology; reduce social exclusion; improve network resilience; accommodate climate change; reduce congestion and improve productivity.’
17 October 2019
Wokingham Borough Council is consulting on its transport vision up to 2036. It states that it wishes ‘To deliver and maintain a safe, reliable and joined-up transport system that connects new and existing communities, businesses, commercial centres while providing leisure opportunities. The vision will future-proof the transport network for new and emerging technology; reduce social exclusion; improve network resilience; accommodate climate change; reduce congestion and improve productivity.’
Climate emergency
17 October 2019 Members may be aware that Wokingham Borough Council has joined the call to declare a climate emergency. As a result, the local authority has called upon local organisations to provide ideas on what the Borough can do to reduce its carbon emissions significantly within the next decade.
Maiden Erlegh Drive
16 October 2019 Following complaints from residents about the unsatisfactory state of Maiden Erlegh Drive, MERA has now received an assurance that this road will be completely resurfaced on 28 October 2019, weather permitting. Access will be restricted for three days, following which walking and cycling as well as driving on this stretch of road will be a far more pleasant experience. Concerns for future of field at Laurel Park
Updated 26 August 2019 A green field at Laurel Park that is used by Earley residents for leisure activities may be reduced or destroyed with hardcore to ameliorate the car parking problems encountered by Marefield residents on fun days and when Laurel Park is used for football matches.
Silverdale Road bus service viability concerns
15 August 2019 - updated 16 October 2019 Although the recent campaign by MERA, ACER, councillors and others to save our Silverdale Road bus service was successful, concerns remain that the service is heavily reliant on a substantial subsidy by Wokingham Borough Council. MERA is now in discussions with Earley Town Council with a view to preparing a blueprint for alternative commercial services to operate in the area, thus removing the need for a subsidy.
McColls is closing
15 August 2019 - updated 16 October and 13 November 2019 It has been confirmed that McColls at The Parade, Silverdale Road will cease trading at noon on 15 November, and as a result of this, the Maiden Erlegh Post Office will be closed temporarily on 5 November 2019.
Protecting your personal information
15 August 2019 MERA has agreed a new policy and privacy notice in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This legislation requires all organisations retaining personal data to ensure that it is kept securely and in line with the strict new rules ensuring that such information is acquired appropriately and not disclosed to third parties unlawfully. |
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| Protecting your personal information |
Closure of Martin's (Newsagent) at Asda
15 August 2019
Fears were raised that the Post Office at Asda may be closed following news that Martin’s the Newsagent was to cease trading in the Asda arcade. MERA established that the closure of Martin’s would not impact upon the Post Office, which will remain open. A new tenant has now been found and Gregg’s will operate from these premises from a date to be announced.
15 August 2019
Fears were raised that the Post Office at Asda may be closed following news that Martin’s the Newsagent was to cease trading in the Asda arcade. MERA established that the closure of Martin’s would not impact upon the Post Office, which will remain open. A new tenant has now been found and Gregg’s will operate from these premises from a date to be announced.
Parking on pavements
6 March 2019
We receive regular complaints from residents who are concerned about vehicles parking on pavements and grass verges. Parking on pavements forces pedestrians with prams, on disability scooters and those who are visually impaired onto the road, which is unacceptable.
Vehicles being driven onto grass verges, particularly when the ground is soft and wet, destroys these grassed areas, leaving them in a muddy mess during damp weather and as desolate eroded areas when dry. This does nothing to enhance the estate and in fact it is very likely to reduce house prices due to the poor appearance of our verges.
The parking enforcement service is powerless to tackle this problem as they can only issue tickets for contraventions to Traffic Regulation Orders. Parking on pavements is a police matter where this constitutes an obstruction, but of course the police do not have sufficient time to tackle this problem effectively with their current level of resourcing.
Maiden Erlegh residents are therefore asked if they could ensure that when they park their cars, the vehicle is on the road and not half on the pavement or verge. It has been observed that in most cases, there is still sufficient room for vehicles to pass despite being parked in this manner.
MERA has written to Sir John Redwood MP asking him to raise this issue with the Government with a view to extending the law currently applied in London only, where pavement parking can be enforced more effectively. He has received an undertaking from the Minister of State, Jesse Norman, that evidence of the effectiveness of current pavement parking laws would be carried out.
6 March 2019
We receive regular complaints from residents who are concerned about vehicles parking on pavements and grass verges. Parking on pavements forces pedestrians with prams, on disability scooters and those who are visually impaired onto the road, which is unacceptable.
Vehicles being driven onto grass verges, particularly when the ground is soft and wet, destroys these grassed areas, leaving them in a muddy mess during damp weather and as desolate eroded areas when dry. This does nothing to enhance the estate and in fact it is very likely to reduce house prices due to the poor appearance of our verges.
The parking enforcement service is powerless to tackle this problem as they can only issue tickets for contraventions to Traffic Regulation Orders. Parking on pavements is a police matter where this constitutes an obstruction, but of course the police do not have sufficient time to tackle this problem effectively with their current level of resourcing.
Maiden Erlegh residents are therefore asked if they could ensure that when they park their cars, the vehicle is on the road and not half on the pavement or verge. It has been observed that in most cases, there is still sufficient room for vehicles to pass despite being parked in this manner.
MERA has written to Sir John Redwood MP asking him to raise this issue with the Government with a view to extending the law currently applied in London only, where pavement parking can be enforced more effectively. He has received an undertaking from the Minister of State, Jesse Norman, that evidence of the effectiveness of current pavement parking laws would be carried out.
New polling station for Maiden Erlegh
6 March 2019
Maiden Erlegh School has given notice to the council that it no longer wishes to accommodate its premises for the purpose of a polling station from this year. The school is able to do this because it is independent of the council and it can use its premises for the sole purpose of educating its pupils if it chooses to do so.
6 March 2019
Maiden Erlegh School has given notice to the council that it no longer wishes to accommodate its premises for the purpose of a polling station from this year. The school is able to do this because it is independent of the council and it can use its premises for the sole purpose of educating its pupils if it chooses to do so.
| New polling station for Maiden Erlegh |
