Councillor Tony Jones

Jones Wins Support For Fewer Councillors

2009-07-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

BATTLE WARD councillor Tony Jones won support in his call for the number of councillors in Reading to be cut by a third - from 46 to 30, saving local residents over £200,000 a year.

Cllr Jones told Reading Council's Corporate Scrutiny Panel (8 July) that seeking a review of the number of wards and councillors in Reading, and the frequency of elections would do nothing to harm the efficient management of the council or injure the democratic processes - but could save £200,000 a year.

Cllr Jones said "A ll walks of life are facing greater pressures to become more efficient. Indeed council workers have been expected to do more with fewer staff every year, so I believe councillors can also do so. Making this part of government smaller would not mean it would make RBC any less efficient."

The Conservatives spoke in favour of the idea, Labour predictably opposed and the LibDems said the matter wasn't important to their constituents. On the casting vote of the Panel Chair, a report will now go to the full meeting of the council in October.

Oxford Road's Unreliable Street Lights To Go

2009-07-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

AFTER MANY years of unreliable service, the controversial lights along the Oxford Road are to be removed this summer.

Originally installed as part of the multi-million pound regeneration scheme in the late 1990s the design split opinion from the start. Some believe them to be iconic, others thought they were more akin to "a meccano ball cock gone mad!"

Battle Councillor Tony Jones said "Whatever your personal opinion - I have never liked them - they were just too unreliable and expensive to keep. The council is embarking on a decluttering programme and I certainly think this will help tidy up the Oxford Road."

Residents Have Their Say On Crime

2009-07-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

BATTLE WARD residents had their say recently at a public meeting organised by the Oxford Road Neighbourhood Action Group.

Residents discussed their concerns about crime in their area. All their ideas and views are being analysed and will soon be published as part of a plan for the year ahead.

Neighbourhood Action Grops (NAGs) are volunteer working groups made up of representatives from the community. They include residents, Police, local authority and other organidsations. Oxford Road NAG is chaired by local resident Carol Bird.

Battle ward Cllr Jones said "Carol is to be congratulated for all the work she has put into keeping the pressure up to get things done. I look forward to seeing the list of priorities. Obviously, anti socila behavior, drug dealing, street drinking and theft are all key issues."

Jones Calls For Fewer Councillors

2009-07-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

BATTLE WARD councillor Tony Jones has called for the number of councillors in Reading to be cut by a third - from 46 to 30, saving local residents over £135,000 a year.

Cllr Jones told Reading Council's Corporate Scrutiny Panel last night (3 June 2009) that he wanted to bring a report to the next meeting (8 July) seeking a review of the number of wards and councillors in Reading, and the frequency of elections.

The experienced councillor said "In my view getting rid of 16 councillors (from 46 to 30) would save around £135,000 per year in allowances without in any way harming the efficiency of the council or injuring the democratic processes.

Reducing the cost of an election every year - we currently have council elections 3 years in 4 - would also save many thousands of pounds. Such a proposal would probably need the approval of the Electoral Commission and the Boundary Commission.

The 3 councillors per ward has been around at least since 1974 if not longer ago than than that. But with changed technology, emails & websites, these days many more residents can now access information directly from the council rather than their councillor.

However, all walks of life are facing greater pressures to become more efficient. Indeed council workers have been expected to do more with fewer staff every year, so I believe councillors can also do so.

Making this part of government smaller would not mean it would make RBC any less efficient."

Tackling Empty Homes in Battle Ward

2009-07-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

THE SCANDAL of empty homes while so many people need decent accommodation is a big problem in Battle ward - and is on the increase.

Battle Ward Councillor Tony Jones, who led Reading's award winning "Empty Homes Strategy" in the 1990's, said council data showed that the West Reading ward was one of the worst hit in the town.

The ward had seen the number of reported empty homes jump from 39 to 52 in the past six months. Battle also suffered from a greater number of squatted properties than any other part of town.

Councillor Jones said " I have been impressed by the efforts made by LibDem councillor Daisy Benson to get the council to renew their Empty Homes Strategy after so many years and the professional approach being adopted by the council's Empty Homes Officer Nick Pritchard-Gordon".

Anyone who spots an empty or squatted proprty should contact Nick on 0118 939 0900 or email emptyhomes@reading.gov.uk

New Civic Offices: Satellite Offices Now Being Considered

2009-07-14T08:41:00.001-07:00

THE EVER LENGTHENING SAGA around the quest to find new council offices has taken a new turn, with officers now being told to investigate "satellite offices" as part of a new solution.

The council had said they were going to press ahead with their original plans for a single custom-designed new headquarters on Hosier Street in St Mary's Butts, while recently conceding that alternatives would be considered.

CllrTony Jones, who has campaigned to overturn the all-party support for a bespoke new building, said "I welcome this new option. I don't think there is any public appetite for a single new building costing more than £50million. I do believe that a creative use of the existing Town Hall and existing empty office space in the town centre would be a more reasonable approach.

The NHS are moving into the Broad Street Mall, so could the council. The empty Woolworths store would also be a perfect customer service centre. Back office work could easily be undertaken effectively at other locations, either around the town centre, which would also support the town centre economy, or on the outskirts such as Green Park.

There is no doubt the sooner staff can be moved out of the current civic offices the better, so I was surprised to learn that no date has been set for another meeting of the Civic Board responsibe for this. I am beginning to suspect that having already spent £3.7million on this project, some people may be getting cold feet over making a decision." said Cllr Jones.

Local Schools We Can Proud Of!

2009-07-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Following visits to the two primary schools in Battle ward last week, Councillor Tony Jones said he was impressed that they had the right leadership in place and were moving in the right direction.

Cllr Jones said "At Battle Primary School in Cranbury Road it was clear that the head Mrs Parish and her colleagues have already made a really significant impact. I do believe, if they can keep things going at this pace, then the school will get out of special measures before the end of 2009."

Meanwhile, over at Oxford Road Community School, where Cllr Jones is a governor, he met with the school head and council officers to discuss the "master-plan" for the future. "I have been consistently impressed with the vision Karen Salter has about what the school's priorities should be and I have no doubt that if money can be found to implement these plans, then things will see another huge step forward.

I am delighted that both primary schools are already schools we can be proud of, knowing that their pupils are in the care of strong leaders who know what they are doing."

Battle Library Set To Reopen On 13 June

2009-04-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

Council officers report that the refurbishment of Battle Library is going very well and the contractors are due to hand back the library to the council on Friday 15th May.
Following this the internal fit-out will take place of all shelving, furniture, stock and equipment, including murals painted in the children's library; with the official public opening taking place on Saturday 13th June.

Battle councillor Tony Jones, who helped lead the bid for the Lottery funded improvements, said "It so good that the end is in sight. After such a long trail, and the work of so many people, it will be good to have the library open again and back at the heart of the Oxford Road community."

Hazel Blears is listening - how about RBC?

2009-04-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Government Communities secretary Hazel Blears has outlined proposals designed to convert empty shops into useful spaces for communities in the northwest - a lesson Reading needs to learn, says Independent councillor Tony Jones.

The minister has suggested temporarily altering the windows of empty retail outlets into displays of local art, learning centres or social enterprises that will benefit high streets and bring more money into local communities.

She pointed out that such displays could attract tourists and promote local businesses, for example, by advertising farmers' markets.

"Our ideas for reviving town centres will give communities the knowhow to temporarily transform vacant premises into something innovative for the community," Ms Blears remarked.

Independent Councillor Tony Jones who is campaigning for Reading Borough Council to move some of it's public business into empty town centre shop sites said "First the NHS shows the way with a new surgery in the Broad Street Mall, now a Government Minister sees the sense in this way forward. How long will it take RBC to wake and listen instead of spending millions on more buildings?"

Can I Have A Receipt With That?

2009-04-15T01:53:00.000-07:00

This is the list of essential items Labour Home Office Minister Jacqui Smith has charged the public purse in order for her to undertake her duties as an MP from her second home in her constituency.

When she loses her seat at the next general election, as seems likely, she will not have to repay a penny. It will then be interesting to see if she continues to use a bedroom at her sister's home in London as her main home.

New Civic Offices: NHS Surgery To Open In Broad Street Mall

2009-04-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

The NHS is to open a new GP surgery in the Broad Street Mall - yet Labour led Reading Borough Council still thinks it's not good enough to house a public customer service centre.

West Berks PCT is to lease 9,550 sq feet on the first floor of the Mall to open a new surgery. Independent councillor Tony Jones has previously called on the council to move staff into vacant town centre properties such as Zavvi or Woolworths.

Cllr Jones said "it is a shame that RBC won't admit that the public will not support their plans for a multi-million pounds new civic offices. If the Broad Street Mall is good enough for an NHS surgery, why can't it be good enough for RBC to meet the public as well?"

Launch Of The Website Archive

2009-03-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

The posts included originally appeared on my website www.cllrtonyjones.com and have been included here as an archive.

Oxford Road Children's Centre: Family Day A Great Success

2009-03-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

A Great Fun Family Day was held at Emmanuel Church (next door to Battle Library) on Saturday. Balloon modelling, face painting, food tasting and much more was enjoyed by children and parents alike.

Local Battle ward councillor Tony Jones said "It was great to see so many children and parents at the Family Fun Day. It is to the great credit of the Children's Centre workers and volunteers that it was such a great success."

For more information about the Oxford Road Children's Centre contact Jenny or Maria on (0118) 901 5676 or go to www.reading.gov.uk/orcc/

New Council Offices: Labour Still Want To Build New Offices

2009-03-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

DESPITE THE Financial Times reporting that Reading is already over-supplied with empty offices, Labour council chiefs seem determined to press on with their multi-million pounds plans to build new council offices. (25Mar09)

Commenting in the FT, Shaun Whittaker, chief executive of the business group Thames Valley Economic Partnership, says: "There is a huge amount of commercial space available. But that's almost as much a result of serious oversupply as the recession. There was an oversupply even before the credit crunch."

Commenting on the more recent council discussions, Independent Councillor Tony Jones said "I have no doubt that Labour are just going through the motions with the Tories and LibDems. Having already spent £3.7million on the new offices project, they won't back down now. With the councill strapped for cash, I hope no more public money will be wasted on the idea of a £70million headquarters.

However, I can see this this dragging on but firmly predict now that Reading Council will not move into new, specially commissioned offices in the foreseeable future. I still believe that there is plenty of empty and affordable office space in the town centre to meet the pressing needs of getting out of the existing civic centre. Labour just won't admit that their plans are dead in the water so it will take longer to get to a sensible solution".

Battle Primary School: Update

2009-03-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

THE LATEST Report on Battle Primary school is in - and it doesn't make great reading. And one of the new governors - Rob Ketley - has quit. But Battle councillor Tony Jones says he is "now very optimistic" about the school's future. (17Mar09)

See the full report here on the Ofsted website published on 16 March 2009.

Commenting on the third monitoring report which followed an inspection on 25 and 26 February 2009 Battle Ward councillor Tony Jones said:

"I think this is an honest and fair assesment of where the school is. While it doesn't gloss over the current shortcomings, it is constructive in it's criticism and acknowledges that things are being put in place to give the school a better future.

It is far too early for the new arrangements to have made their full impact but I am now very optimistic that under the new leadership the school is beginning to turn things around.

I hope that before long arrangements can be made for a permanent head, deputy head and special needs advisor to be in place - the school needs the stability they could provide - along with new teachers being given time to settle down."

Cllr Jones also said he was disappointed that Mr Ketley had left the governing body after such a short period of time.

New Health Centre Delayed

2009-03-30T10:01:00.001-07:00

PLANS for the opening of a new Health and Well Being Centre on the Oxford Road opposite the Battle Tesco site have been delayed.

The Council's Housing, Health and Community Care Scrutiny Panel has been told that the centre has been delayed by the economic down-turn.

The report said "Work on the development of the Battle Health & Wellbeing Centre continues to be affected by the current national financial climate. Discussions with the developers are ongoing and the commitment to establish premises on the formal Battle Hospital site remains.

Discussions with those organisations that have shown an interest in occupying the building also continues. We have agreements form Reading Borough Council adult social care, Reading Age Concern and the Improving Access to Psychological Services (IAPS) team.".

Last year NHS service director Joe Devanney described the new centre as a "unique health related facility which would become an integral part of the community".

Battle Cllr Tony Jones said "This is obviously disappointing news, but no project seems to be immune from the current economic woes. However, more disappointing is the lack of any discernable commitment to the sort of health provision we were promised four years ago."

Evening Post To Shrink To 2 Days A Week

2009-03-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

From a report by Owen Amos UK Press Gazette (11 March 2009)

THE PUBLISHERS of the Evening Post, Guardian Media Group (GMG) are making significant cuts at its Surrey and Berkshire regional newspapers, with 95 jobs, four offices and two newspapers set to go.

As part of the proposed changes, being announced to staff today, the five-days-a-week Reading Evening Post will be cut back to just two days a week.

GMG said it will not make an announcement until all staff at the division, which includes the Surrey Advertiser and Farnborough News and Mail, were told. The Press Gazette understands that 95 jobs will go, with 35 lost from the 110-strong editorial team. Cuts will be made across all editorial divisions.

The Reading Evening Post – a morning paper printed five days a week – will switch to two days a week. In the second half of 2008, its circulation was 12,879.

The Esher News and Mail, a paid-for weekly, will close, as will the Aldershot Mail, also a paid-for weekly. The titles' circulation in the second half of 2008 were 5,173 and 8,320 respectively.

Two offices in Aldershot will close, as will offices in Esher and Wokingham. All staff will work from existing buildings in Reading and Guildford.

NUJ head of publishing Barry Fitzpatrick said: "It is deeply worrying that in Reading the commitment to local news is being cut from a full week of papers to two days a week. Local people will be denied the information they need to keep the community together and scrutinise the local authorities. Instead of supporting the communities the company claims to serve it is hitting the economy with job cuts. Once again journalists are paying the price for the short sighted policies of newspaper managements."

Independent Councillor Tony Jones said "Even in this fast moving age of websites and blogs, there must be room for strong daily and weekly local newspapers. Reading will be all the poorer if these cuts go ahead."

New Council Offices: Residents Should Not Pay For New Offices

2009-03-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

AS READING's three big political parties get together to consider the next steps in the long running saga to replace the Civic Offices, Independent councillor Tony Jones has urged them not to spend millions of pounds on a purpose built palace, but to reinvest in existing empty town centre properties. (7 Mar 09)

Battle ward councillor Tony Jones said "The council needs a town centre presence, somewhere convenient for residents to visit. However, I have never believed that a brand new buiding was the answer and in these difficult times and a tight council budget, I do not believe we should ask the public to pay for a new building."

Cllr Jones has suggested that town centre properties such as the empty Woolworths in Broad Street or the former Zavvi store on the corner of the Broad Street Mall are well suited for a "customer service centre" and would be a boost to the town centre economy. Other "behind the scenes" work could be located in existing empty town centre offices and the old Town Hall could once again be used for council meetings.

Cllr Jones said "I first raised concerns about the spiralling costs of the proposals for brand new offices last summer. At that stage Labour relied on an old deal for all party support for their plans. However since then support for the Labour plans has begun to unwind.

In January this year the council set up a working group to reconsider options for new civic offices, but despite a request from Reading's only Independent councillor to be included, the three big parties decided that only Labour, LibDems and Conservative councillors would be involved." I don't know why the three parties decided to exclude me, perhaps it is because I have been a critic of the original plans." said Cllr Jones.

He went on to say "I firmly believe that the Council should move out of the existing offices - which are asbestos ridden and hugely energy inefficient - as soon as possible. I just don't think the plans published last year is the way forward. But there may now be dificulties in selling the site.

As far as I can work it out the position of the three parties is:

Labour want to press ahead with the plans to build a multi-million pound replacement Civic Offices on Hosier Street
LibDems want to renovate the existing Civic Offices
Tories would consider a town centre customer centre and back offices being located elsewhere.
Cllr Jones said "The Labour / LibDem / Tory group is next due to meet on 12 March. As I said last November, that even after spending £3million on the Hosier Street idea it's still not too late to look for some other suitable alternatives. With the economy as it is, and with such a tight council budget, now is not the time to ask Reading residents to pay for a new Civic Offices."

Batle Art: Time For The People To Decide

2009-03-30T09:56:00.002-07:00

FOLLOWING THE REVELATION that £33K had already been spent on "three holes in the ground" without any agreement, residents could be asked what they would like to see. (4Mar09)

Battle ward councillor Tony Jones said "While I'm not happy that so much money appears to have already been spent on a project that no one has seen a final design, I think we ought to ask Battle residents what they want to do.

The choice would seem to be either carry on with the controversial "Fall In, Curl Up, Climb Out" silos in the ground, or else use what is left of the original £100k and come up with something else, either on the Tesco site or else next door in the library. I will ask that the council now considers a wider public consultation" said Cllr Jones

Council Tax: Settled At 3.9%

2009-03-30T09:56:00.001-07:00

READING COUNCIL has agreed a council tax increase of 3.9%. (2Mar09)

Lib Dem proposals to reduce Labour's planned 4.2% budget increase to 3.9% were agreed in the absence of any lawful alternative from the Tories - who sat on the sidelines claiming they could deliver a 0% change, but with no details (required by law) on how they would do it

Council Tax: Bickering And Bartering

2009-03-30T09:55:00.001-07:00

READING'S THREE big political parties failed to set a legal council tax budget despite a second late night of bickering and bartering. Now they will have to come back on Monday night for a third attempt. (26Feb09)

The ruling Labour group had proposed a 4.24% increase, the LibDems 3.9% - only to be trumped by the Tories claiming that a 0% change budget could be set - but they refused to say how they could do it within the law.

It is said that the weekend delay has already cost Reading residents £60,000 in the unplanned stoppage of printing the council tax demands.

Battle ward councillor Tony Jones said "£60,000 could have been used for much neeeded services, but the three big parties couldn't sort themselves out to come come to an agreement. Hopefully Monday night will see an end to this ego-fest".

Battle Art: The Farce Of It All

2009-03-30T09:54:00.001-07:00

Following the recent claim by Labour Cabinet councillor Graeme Hoskin that Battle ward councillor Tony Jones "had been on the council’s working group and had helped choose the design" of the £100k donated by Tesco for public art in Battle ward, a council meeting was told on Thursday (5 Feb 09) that:

No one had seen the final design for the controversial art work
No one had finally agreed the project
£ THOUSANDS ALREADY SPENT

The meeting was also told that despite the fact that the working party charged with over-seeing the £100,000 project had not met since February 2008, a £17,000 bill had been run up digging three holes in readiness for three vacuum packed, life size displays. A further £11,600 had been paid to the artist and £5,000 in legal fees.

3 HOLES: " FALL IN, CURL UP, CLIMB OUT"

The art work was described as three glass covered holes where residents might imagine they could "fall in, curl up, climb out".

Battle Art: Bid To Stop Spending £100,000 On Three Holes In The Ground

2009-03-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

Bid to stop Council spending £100,000 on three holes in the ground - but is it art?

READING COUNCIL has plans to spend £100,000 on three holes in the ground and call it art - but not if Battle ward councillor Tony Jones gets his way. (22Jan09)

The money was given by Tesco to provide public art as part of the deal to build their store on the former Battle Hospital site. The store is long opened, but the art has yet to appear.

But following repeated calls from Cllr Jones for information about the project - including the final design - the idea is to be reviewed at a meeting next month. Tony Jones said "I have made repeated requests for information about this project over many months. As long ago as last June I was told the design was ready to be revealed, but then nothing happened."

"Later I was told that there was some dispute with Tesco not being keen to stump up £5,000 a year for the maintenance of the design, which has been described to me as three holes in the ground, three metres deep with lighting at the bottom. The last I heard was that Tesco now wanted to walk away from the idea and I have to say I would not blame them if they did."

"I fully understand that under the planning agreement this money can only be spent on public art rather than on other community needs, but I would personally prefer to see something more accessible, such as a sign post or metallic tree with branches pointing to the various countries of residents in the Battle area, or better still something substantial within Battle Library. I hope a more common sense approach will be taken at the meeting next month." said Cllr Jones.

Battle Library: Amazing Works Underway

2009-03-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

THE LOTTERY FUNDED improvements to Battle Library are well under way as library boss Marjorie McClure was able to see for herself this week.

Construction manager Phillip Mansfield (far right in picture) showed a delighted Marjorie, Battle Councillor Tony Jones and residents and library users' rep Carol Bird around the empty building.

The Oxford Road library won a £1.46 million Lottery grant that will allow for a new computer room, toilets, a garden and a green roof..

Mrs McClure said: “I am really excited for the refurbishment to be complete because the library will be just wonderful. It was completely stripped bare when we went inside and there is a huge amount of work being done – it was amazing to see it so empty.”

Councillor Tony Jones said "I'm delighted the works are progressing so well. This will be an amazing transformation when complete."

Reading Council - Child Protection Amongst 8 Worst In England

2009-03-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

Reading Council has been branded as being one of the eight worst local authorities in England for their "inadequate "child protection procedures.

The Ofsted report into the quality of child protection in every council in England found that eight are now deemed "inadequate", up from four in 2007.

Town halls no longer meeting standards in safeguarding children include Haringey Council, where Baby P was allowed to die after suffering months of abuse, despite being on an at-risk register and having been seen 78 times by social workers and doctors.

The other councils failing to keep children safe are Birmingham, Doncaster, Essex, Surrey, West Sussex and Wokingham.

Independent Battle ward councillor Tony Jones said "Who will stand up in the Labour Cabinet for this devastating assessment and take responsibility? No one.

Councillors love to take credit when things are going well, but are often hard to find after a report like this. Wait for the excuses and spin, or claims that things have already been improved."

New Council Offices: Rethink Welcome

2009-03-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

RETHINK ON COUNCIL OFFICES "WELCOME"

BATTLE ward councillor Tony Jones has welcomed an agreement by Reading Council to rethink it's plans for new offices. (27Nov08)

Cllr Jones, who first raised public concerns about spiralling costs for the proposed new building in Hosier Street last summer, said "I am pleased that the Civic Board is now prepared to look at a wider set of alternatives.

While I totally agree that the existing Civic Offices are not good enough, I am not in favour of a new building when there is so much office space available in Reading and a perfectly good Town Hall.

I am glad that even after spending £3million on the Hosier Street idea it's still not too late to look for some other suitable alternatives".

Residents Get Better Protection From Travellers

2009-03-30T09:48:00.002-07:00

On 4 November Battle ward councillor Tony Jones called on Reading Council to provide better protection from the nuisance of travellers on Portman Road.

On 20 November RBC confirmed that new fencing will go up in December- and not before time given their unwelcome return.

Residents Win Residential Traffic Ban

2009-03-30T09:48:00.001-07:00

On 11 November 2008 Tony Jones backed a call from residents living on the new West Village development for through traffic to be banned.

On 20 November RBC confirmed that bollards will be erected to block through traffic very shortly.

Residents Block Greedy Housing Plan

2009-03-30T09:47:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year residents fought against the over-developement at 11-15 Western Elms Avenue.

On 20 November 2008 RBC confirmed that the planning inspector had thrown out the appeal by developers.

Jones To Join Police On THe Beat

2009-03-30T09:45:00.002-07:00

Jones to join Police on the beat

Councillor Tony Jones will soon be joining the Police on the beat in West Reading to see their work at first hand. (19 Nov 08)

Cllr Jones said "Sgt Zahid Aziz is fast gaining a reputation for tackling the street level issues so important to local residents, so I was delighted when he invited me to join him and his colleagues on the beat. I did something similar with Cllr Chris Maskell a few years ago and I hope we will all be able to join with the Police this time".

Oxford Road South neighbourhood team Sergeant Zahid Aziz said: “The neighbourhood team will tackle and challenge all forms of crime and any behaviour that brings down the quality of life of residents, from prostitution to vehicle crime and drugs.” (Reading Chronicle)

He added: “The feedback I am getting from residents and businesses is very positive and we will endeavour to run more operations as well as doing day-to-day policing.”

Residents Call For Traffic Ban

2009-03-30T09:45:00.001-07:00

Residents living on the new West Village development have called for through traffic to be banned. (11Nov08)

Families have callled on the council to erect bollards to stop vehicles, including superstore delivery lorries, taking a short cut through Valentia Road and Portman Way.

Following a meeting with residents this week, Battle councillor Tony Jones has writtten to the council to ask for the bollards to be installed. Cllr Jones said "There seems to be some confusion between the council, the developer and the housing association as to when or if this was to be done. I believe it was in the original planning agreement and should now be put in place."

Battle Primary School: New Governing Body Overdue

2009-03-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

A new governing body is to be set up at Battle Primary School, in order to speed up the improvements needed to take the school out of special measures.

Despite progress in addressing weaknesses identified by Ofsted in January this year, the council believes the school needs stronger governance and wants to establish an Interim Executive Board (IEB). An IEB is a specially appointed governing body whose job it is to improve a school's leadership and management until it is strong enough for a new, long-term governing body can take control.

The council will be responsible for running the school until the Secretary of State approves the establishment of an Executive Board which the council expects to start work in January.

COUNCIL MOVE DUBBED "OVERDUE"

Commenting on the move Battle councillor Tony Jones said "It has been obvious that there have been significant weaknesses in the school's leadership and management for some time, yet it will be a year since Ofsted reported before the new executive will get to work.

I am critical that it has taken Councillor Jon Hartley, the lead member for education, so long to take this much overdue action. Frankly this should have happened at least six months ago, if not before then, and not allowed to drift this far. I do hope that this will now allow the school to make a real fresh start - the pupils and parents deserve nothing less.

Kerb Crawlers: Time For Change On The Oxford Road

2009-03-30T09:42:00.002-07:00

A PIONEERING new course aimed at changing the behaviour of men caught kerb crawling set to be held in Norwich this weekend, should be brought to the Oxford Road says Battle Ward councillor Tony Jones. (25Nov08)

The one-day Change Course marks the first time Norfolk Constabulary has issued conditional cautions to kerb crawlers stopped on the streets of Norwich and sought to address their behaviour with a new correctional approach.

The Change Course began more than seven years ago and has been run in Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Dorset, Northamptonshire, Avon and Somerset and nearly 1,200 men have so far participated. So far 98 per cent of the men who have been issued with a caution and pay £200 to attend the course have decided to be part of the solution.

Councillor Jones said "This appears to be a highly effective strategy and proven to work in other parts of the country. I look forward to Thames Valley Police bringing this approach to the Oxford Road".

Stepping Down From Reading Buses

2009-03-30T09:42:00.001-07:00

Battle ward Councillor Tony Jones has announced that he is to stand down as Chair of Reading Transport Ltd - which includes Reading Buses - after three years at the helm of the Great Knollys Street based bus company.

Announcing his decision today, Tony said: “When I became Chair in December 2005 I expressed the wish to undertake the role for three years. That term is now coming to a close and I am grateful to the staff of RTL and Reading Borough Council for the way they have supported the work of the company and me personally over that period. It has been a real pleasure to work with them all in such an exciting and challenging environment”.

Tony’s term as Chair has seen many rapid developments at the company, including huge investment in new, brightly coloured buses for Reading and the re-branding of Newbury Buses. The Premier Route network in Reading was completed earlier this year and customer numbers on the these routes are showing spectacular growth.

In addition Tony has presided over a significant change to the management style of the Company, recruiting a new CEO who took office last year, and helping to reduce the cost base of the company.

Tony will be succeeded by the current Deputy Chair Stuart Singleton-White on 1st December. (10 Nov)

Residents Need Better Protection From Travellers

2009-03-30T09:41:00.001-07:00

BATTLE ward councillor Tony Jones has called on Reading Council to provide better protection from the nuisance of travellers.

After visiting Portman Road Cllr Jones asked RBC on 3 November that "urgent consideration be given to providing some suitable fencing on the Portman Road to prevent or discourage further encampments by travellers."

While most of the Portman Road has protection by fencing, two areas of land are exposed: to the north of Barnwood Close to Ashmere Terrace - and land south of Wigmore Lane to Stone Street which is in Kentwood ward and site of the most recent invasion.

"I have asked that the Barnwood Close area be fenced off and I'm sure that Kentwood councillors will want something similar for the land near Wigmore Lane. We simply can't put up with this repeated nuisance." said Cllr Jones. (4Nov08)

Jones Backs Call For Police Action Plan

2009-03-30T09:40:00.001-07:00

BATTLE Ward Independent Councillor Tony Jones has backed a call for renewed action to tackle street prostitution in West Reading made by Labour MP Martin Salter- and has asked what happened to the last Police plan to deal with the issue.

"Little support or reassurance from Police or Council" says Salter

Cllr Jones said "Mr Salter has apparently said that when residents complained they received "little support or reassurance" from the police or Reading Borough Council". (Evening Post, 31Oct08). I will gladly work with him and anyone else who can help make things better."

"With prostitution issues continuing to plague West Reading I am pleased that Martin Salter has got involved. He has said that this situation cannot be allowed to continue. I agree. But when the police consider their next moves, perhaps we ought to ask what happened to the last plan? There needs to be a more consistent approach than in the past."

In 2006 this website reported the following:

"Now local police Inspector Graham Dix has set out an action plan to help clean-up the area. The plan includes:

Target kerb crawlers using automatic number plate tracking systems
Install CCTV cameras which would embarass the hell out of repeat offenders by writing to them or paying them a visit
Create an exclsuion zone for all prostitutes in the Oxford Road area
Gather more data on anti-social behaviour by prostitutes in the area.
Tony Jones said "I welcome this plan and it has my full support. We were asked for this to be done two years ago and despite assurances it clearly didn't happen."

Cllr Jones said "I will be again raising these matters at a meeting with police this Monday." (Posted 2Nov08)

Better Street Lighting On The Way

2009-03-30T09:39:00.001-07:00

IMPROVED street lighting which will help community safety and environmental sustainability is on its way to Battle ward this month. (28Oct08)

Residents in Catherine Street and Curzon Street will be the first to benefit from the replacement programme. Cllr Tony Jones said "This is very welcome news and a great start. I will be pressing the council to extend the better lights to more streets in Battle ward in 2009.

Making Battle Safer

2009-03-30T09:38:00.001-07:00

A NUMBER of schemes are underway to make Battle a better and safer place to live. (20Oct08)

Richmond Road - The gating of the alley behind the street has been completed.
Salisbury Road / Beresford Road Park - A bid for funding to gate an alley behind properties backing on to the park has been made. A work team will soon clear the alley.
Catherine Street - The alley between Beresford Road and Valentia Street is being considered for gating.
Stanley Grove - A request for gating an alley has been made.
Speaking up for the bids local councillor Tony Jones said "We know that when supported by residents, alley gating schemes can work well in curbing crime hot spots. I look forward to these being installed as soon as possible".

Battle Library: Closed For Lottery Makeover

2009-03-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

BATTLE's 100 year old libray has closed for a major repair and fit-out.

But Reading's Labour run Council cut back the package of improvements and won't add a penny to the works - even though costs have escalated. Cllr Tony Jones, who led the bid with Chris Maskell and Martin Salter, said "I'm disappointed that the programme has been cut-back because the council won't consider topping up the £1.4million from the lottery. I have to ask is this because they are stock-piling money for the new Civic Offices?

"Nevertheless, we must look to the future and I am sure that when the library reopens we wil have a warm, water-tight building.

One Way IDR: Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

2009-03-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

DESPITE wasting a £1million on the failed One Way Inner Distribution Road fiasco, Labour still can't say sorry.

Cllr Tony Jones said "I supported the original one way IDR plan. Later, on reflection, I was amongst those who led the calls for an independent review. I know I got it wrong, so when given the chance in council to support an apology for wasting £1million on this plan, I did so. Unfortunately, the Labour councillors on Reading Council still couldn't bring themselves to admit their failure, voting against any apology."

Fuel Poverty To Hit Battle Hard This Winter

2009-03-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

AS the dark nights arrive and the weather turns colder more Battle ward residents face the reality of fuel poverty.

Tony Jones, Independent councillor for Battle ward, said: “The latest figures show that about one in seven of all households in England have now fallen into the fuel poverty trap, with many more teetering on the brink, where they have to spend 10% or more of their income on fuel costs..

“Battle ward includes some of the poorest households in the town, and I believe that there is every reason to believe that the local figure is closer to one in five or even one in four among the 4,500 homes in the area. That would account for between 2,500 to 3,000 people.

“Of course many, many more are already feeling the pinch of the staggering fuel increases without being classified as being in fuel poverty.

“Recent Government announcements on help with insulation costs, though welcome, will do little to help many people this winter. Labour promised to eliminate fuel poverty by 2010, but clearly they won't keep that promise.

Kensington Park: Update

2009-03-30T09:34:00.002-07:00

FOLLOWING the concerns of many local residents being raised with Councillor Tony Jones, action is to be taken to improve Kensington Park.

Council officers have responded following an inspection of the park with a positive package of changes, including:

Grass Area Verge to rear of Norfolk Road - timber rustic post will be installed along the grass space (45 metres stretch) to stop vehicles parking there and the grass area will be re-stated with top soil and seed.
Height Barrier - Both will be repaired so that the height barriers can be locked.
General - a general tidy up of the site will be carried out by Parks and Streetcar
As soon as cost quotes for the work have been agreed RBC staff will advise on the time scale for the improvements.

However, prior to any works starting sign's will be fitted advising users on what actions will be carried out to improve this facility. Battle Primary school will also be involved as their teachers use the car park

Oxford Road Traffic Congestion: New Report

2009-03-30T09:34:00.001-07:00

SOLUTIONS to traffic congestion along the Oxford Road will be be at the centre of a raft of new ideas to be unveiled in the next few weeks.

Following research and a public consultation earlier this year, new plans are being drawn up to improve the flow of traffic along the Oxford Road - including changes to Norcot Road roundabout and the Cow Lane bridges - will soon be revealed to the public.

Community councillor Tony Jones said "I am delighted that after many years we now have the possibility of making a big impact on improving the quality of life along the Oxford Road."

New Council Offices: Hidden Costs Add £20 Million

2009-03-30T09:33:00.001-07:00

EXTRA COSTS adding millions to the bill for the new Civic Offices in Reading have been revealed.

The council had previously said the new Civic Centre would cost £50million - which is supported by Labour, Conservatives and Lib Dems - about the same cost as refurbishing the existing building.

However, it has now been revealed that extra hidden costs - estimated to add at least another £20million to the bill - have not been included in the original 2007 budget.

In answers to questions raised by Independent councillor Tony Jones, officials confirmed that the cost of essential parts of the project were not in the budget, including land acquisition, demolition of the existing building, relocation of the market, transport and environment improvements, planning payments, legal fees, new staff nursery and IT relocation costs.

Commenting on the revelations, Cllr Tony Jones said "I support the need for new offices, though I've never agreed that this was the right plan or the right place.

However, the fact that so many hidden costs aren't in the overall budget suggests that this isn't the best deal everyone has been led to believe. I do think that more work needs to be done before this project is accepted.

If the new building is to last longer than the one it is to replace, further reflection now could save a great deal of money further down the line.

Otherwise local residents may come to believe that this is all about rushing to build a politicians' palace rather than a value for money, fit for purpose council centre."

Traffic Commission: Is That It?

2009-03-30T09:32:00.001-07:00

THE INDEPENDENT Traffic Commission report which arose out of the controversial plans for a one-way IDR has been published.

The long-awaited report recommends that the IDR plan is dumped. Other suggestions are that the council should work more closely with neighbouring councils - particularly to secure a third Thames bridge - consider introducing a road pricing scheme and ask central government for more funding, to support, amongst other things, the provision of more frequent buses.

Commenting on the report Battle ward councillor Tony Jones said "Sadly the report doesn't tell us anything new and you have to wonder if it was worth it. But if nothing else, it finally spells the end of the idea for a one-way IDR."

Building Schools For The Future

2009-03-30T09:31:00.001-07:00

SECONDARY SCHOOL PROVISION in Reading could receive a huge boost if the council agrees to make an early bid for new government funding.

Families and pupils through-out England are already benefitting from seeing schools modernised or completely new schools being built.

When Battle Ward councillor Tony Jones raised the issue with the council's education department earlier in the year he was told that Reading Council was not due to bid for the extra cash until 2011. However, Cllr Jones further pressed the issue in the main spending scrutiny panel earlier this month, and now a report seeking to make an early bid is to be considered by the council's cabinet next week. (7 July)

Tony Jones said "I'm delighted that the council is considering making an early bid. There's no doubt that secondary schools in Reading could do with a boost, with 35% of our pupils having to go to schools outside the borough. We need more places, possibly with new schools in the west, east and north to match the new academy in the south. Perhaps the independent review of school places could look at this too."

Cow Lane Bridges: New Plans Unveiled

2009-03-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

NEW plans for the Cow Lane traffic bottleneck have been unveiled.

the original plan to close Cow Lane Bridges and run an Oxford Road by-pass road from Scours Lane to Richfield Avenue has beeen dumped in favour of expanding the existing bridges.

Giving an initial response to the new plans, Battle Ward councillor Tony Jones said "That the cycle and pedestrian access from the Oxford Road area to the Thames riverside will be maintained and made safe must be welcome.

However, not closing the Cow Lane Bridges to road traffic will also mean that Beresford Road may continue to be a very busy rat-run and the loss of the by-pass will mean that the Oxford Road will continue to be a congested cross-town route." (25 June, updated 10 Sep 08)

Hart Street Drug Den Closed

2009-03-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER DRUG DEALER'S base in West Reading has been closed. The Hart Street property had come to the attention of the Police as part of their continuing action against dealers in the area.

Working with the local Neighbourhood Action Group, officers from Thames Valley Police have identified further areas for action.

Cllr Tony Jones has welcomed the action saying "Local dealing can make it a nightmare for residents. We are sure that this latest round of action will have an impact. I've been impressed by the fresh commitment that Insp Andy Bellman is giving to this task." (29 May)

Catherine Street Crack House Closed For Good

2009-03-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

A TROUBLESOME hostel in West Reading closed by the police earlier this year is not to reopen. The property had been run by a local homeless charity, but had become blighted as a notorious crack house for drug dealers.

Battle ward Councillor Tony Jones was given the news by Reading Single Homeless Project Director Ian Caren at a meeting earlier today (Tuesday).

Residents had feared that the hostel would reopen next month, when the court's closing order expired. But now RSHP has had a rethink and decided to vacate the property.

Cllr Jones said "I have been impressed by the careful evaluation undertaken by Ian Caren. I know that local residents are relieved that this nightmare is now over." (27 May 08)

Drug Dealing: Police Target Hart Street And Stanley Grove Area

2009-03-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

DRUG DEALERS in the Hart Street and Stanley Grove area in West Reading are the newest targets of continuing Police action.

Recent activity in the residential area has prompted the attention of the authorities in what has become a local crime hotspot. (20 May - updated above)

Return Of Weekly Rubbish Collections Is "Common Sense"

2009-03-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

THANKS to the support and efforts of local residents there has been a sharp rise in town’s recycling rates from 22% to 35%.

However, as with every new scheme, issues or problems arise and the introduction of new bin collection arrangements was no different.

In some streets the provision of bins has caused concerns and there are problems with wheeled bins and sacks being left on the pavement on non-collection days, as front gardens are too small to accommodate the bins. These can cause great inconvenience to pedestrians - particularly wheelchair users, people with visual impairment, or those with young children in prams or pushchairs.

In order to alleviate this problem, landfill waste collection from some properties will only be collected if contained in a black sack. Recycling collections can still use the 55 litre box containers previously supplied by the council (but not red wheeled bins).

Waste should be presented for collection weekly in sacks on the edge of the property no earlier than the evening before collection. Recycling collections will remain fortnightly. Collection days will remain the same.

Hailing the move Battle councillor Tony Jones said "The reintroduction of weekly collections to some properties is common sense - I'm glad the council has listened and recognised that "a one size fits all" scheme was not appropriate".

Battle Library: £1.4 Million Birthday Present!

2009-03-30T09:24:00.001-07:00

WEST READING will get a library fit for the 21st Century, thanks to a £1,469,808 cash boost from the National Lottery.

The lottery fund has announced this week that Battle Library in Oxford Road will receive the money to transform the facility into a focal point at the heart of the community. The library was constructed in 1907 and is an important keystone building within Oxford Road and is celebrating it's 100th birthday this month.

The funding means that new multi-functional community spaces will be created for baby clinics, a breastfeeding centre, sing-a-long sessions, new café, community art gallery exhibition space and a messy play area for youngsters.

Battle Library will be adapted to also include a community and story telling wall and create more space for community events and meetings.

New services in the new look library, will include a homework club, maths and science club, English classes, parenting classes, an IT based study support scheme for primary age children, children's art and craft sessions, health education displays and self-development classes. This will be done by areas within the library that are used as staff space, will be opened up into more flexible and public areas.

A community garden will also be created as will a dedicated children's library area.

Cllr Tony Jones, said: 'The lottery award is fantastic news. What better way to celebrate the 100th birthday of the library. The award is very well deserved and reflects the hard work of the manager and other staff, working together with the local community.'

Work is due to start on Battle Library's revamp later this year, before the transformation is completed in Spring 2010.

Another Tesco Coming To The Oxford Road

2009-03-30T09:23:00.001-07:00

RETAIL giant Tesco plans to open another branch less than a mile from its huge new Oxford Road supermarket.

The UK’s largest supermarket chain wants to open a Tesco Express on the site of TransAuto in Oxford Road, just a stone’s throw from the Tesco Extra being built on the former Battle Hospital site.

Tesco bought the site at 211 to 221 Oxford Road in May after approaching the owner of the garage. Tesco now own the freehold and have leased it back to garage for 12 months provisionally while they put through their planning applications and will extend the lease if they are not ready with their planning processes.

Battle ward Councillor Tony Jones said he was “disappointed and disheartened” that another Tesco would be coming to the area. He said: “Tesco has a big trading influence and although I welcome the development of the superstore, I think there is a fear that Tesco could completely monopolise the local market. The bigger store is where people will go to do their weekly shop but a convenience store will be direct competition with the other convenience stores in that area and I am a bit disheartened that it happens to be Tesco.

Cow Lane Allotments

2009-03-30T09:21:00.002-07:00

COW LANE allotment holders have been protesting against the impact of the Reading Station upgrade plans, which will see an Oxford Road by-pass road being built across thier rented plots.

However, these plans have now been dropped. Councillor Tony Jones said "I'l glad that sense has prevailed and a better scheme is now being planned."

£300 Fine For Kerb Crawler Was An Insult

2009-03-30T09:21:00.001-07:00

THE £300 FINE dished out to a local man for kerb crawling was an insult to local people and Thames Valley Police, according to Chris Maskell.

"What kind of message does this send to the residents of Western Elms Avenue who, for far too long, have had to bear the burden of street sex workers and the vile anti social behaviour they bring with them.

What kind of message does a £300 fine send to our area police officers who are working hard to address the problem. £300 wouldn’t go a fraction of the way towards recovering the cost of their operation.

Local people and Thames Valley Police are tackling the problem of street sex workers head on with determination and fortitude but it seems our Magistrates are not prepared to do the same.

It would appear our Magistrates either do not have a grasp on reality, have no backbone or do not have the time to consider the matter seriously. It was reported that our Magistrates spent a ‘whopping’ 5 minutes deliberation over how best to punish the individual concerned.

They could have fined him £1,000 or taken his driving licence away or both. Instead they chose a mild slap on the wrist.

CCTV For The Avenues

2009-03-30T09:20:00.001-07:00

KERB CRAWLERS AND DRUG DEALERS face a double whammy in West Reading following a meeting between the area's top cop and community leaders.

Police Inspector Graham Dix told Battle councillors Chris Maskell and Tony Jones that he had signed the order for the installation of CCTV in Western Elms Avenue, following the recent outcry against the rise in street prostituion and drug dealing.

But in a further welcome move, Insp Dix agreed to support the installation of CCTV at the junction of Prince of Wales Avenue and Kensington Road and overlooking Kensington Park - something local people had been calling for over the past two years. Insp Dix said that Christchurch Meadows had been given CCTV and the needs in Caversham was not as great as West Reading.

Refuse, Reuse And Recycle

2009-03-30T09:19:00.001-07:00

A LOCAL COUNCILLOR has called on residents to think more about what they are buying, how things are packaged or wrapped, and to recycle where possible.

Battle Ward's Councillor Tony Jones said "Just think when you are out shopping next, do you really need that carrier bag they offer you? Refuse it if you can. And if you do take it, consider taking it back when you are next out. And lastly, when you've finished with all the packaging of every day life, think what you can reuse and that which you can't, then recycle what you can. If you follow this approach, it can be remarkable how much is actually left to put in the bin."

Tony Jones quoted an example from elsewhere where improvements had been made. "In Ireland where supermarkets started charging for carrier bags, there was a very noticeable change with many fewer bags being taken up, with customers prefering to bring their own bags time and time again. As well helping the environment, fewer bags littered their towns." he said.

Kate Winslet Honoured

2009-03-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

Kate Winslet has had a street named after her in her home town, according to reports in the Daily Mirror. The deputy mayor of Reading, Tony Jones, has claimed responsibility for the wheeze, saying: "The developers wanted to name the cul-de-sac Lexington Crescent. That's such an anonymous name. I thought it would be nice to honour one of our own by calling the street after Kate." All of the 50 houses, worth £130,000 each, in Winslet Place have been sold. According to the Titanic star's dad, Roger, "Kate doesn't know what to make of it really. She's flattered but slightly embarrassed."

New Health Centre Plans "Disappointing"

2009-03-30T09:16:00.001-07:00

PLANS for a new Health and Well Being Centre on the Oxford Road have been described as "disappointing".

Residents were told at the Battle Community Forum that building work would start on the new four storey centre opposite the new Tesco store on the Oxford Road next month.

Health service director Joe Devanney described the new centre as a "unique health related facility which would become an integral part of the community".

Two floors would be used to provide health and well being advice and support services - such as family support and parenting groups, brest feeding support and advice services for substance misuse and stop smoking support. Adult social services would take another floor.

The local PALS service would also be moved there from offices in the Bath Road. The remaining third floor space had not been allocated a use, but could include room for walk-in health checks or physiotherapy.

Many residents expressed their dismay and disappointment that there would be no GP services or other clinical services based at the new building. Services for the elderly had also been over-looked.

Cllr Tony Jones said "This seems to be a million miles away from the integrated health centre we thought we had been promised three years ago and will come as a big disappointment to many residents."

Mr Devanney agreed to return to the Forum in October to give a further update on developments.

Forum Welcomes School Places Review

2009-03-30T09:15:00.001-07:00

BATTLE WARD residents have welcomed the news of an independent review of school places and admission arrangements in the town.

The Battle Community Forum was told that the council had agreed to appoint "an independent Chair with national expertise" to undertake a review and report back by this November.

In April this year the council adopted "coordinated admissions arrangements for nursery, primary and secondary schools in Reading for the school year beginning in September 2009". However, it is clear that there are already insufficient places in the coming academic year.

Some families in Battle ward are already facing the prospect of having to split brothers ans sisters between different primary schools, while 35% of Reading pupils would be moving on to secondary schools outside the borough next September.

Battle councillor Tony Jones said "It is clearly an unsatisfactory position when families have to juggle young children between schools or have to send older children outside the borough because they can't get places in Reading.

I hope the independent chair will be able to offer clear advice and guidance to the council about a better way of organising admissions in the future."

Launch Of The Battle Community Forum

2009-03-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

11 JUNE saw the launch of the new Battle Community Forum.

What is sure to become a unique and influential forum, held it's first meeting on Wednesday, 11 June, at Battle Library, and was chaired by Cllr Tony Jones.

Topics under the spotlight included:

Education provision - both primary and secondary
Battle Health and Well-being Centre
Battle Library's Lottery Funded improvements
Cow Lane Bridges
and a new "Open Forum" spot.

Battle Community Forum replaces the now defunct Oxford Road Community Forum and will give a sharper focus to issues in Battle ward. It should not be confused with the continuing Oxford Road Safer Community Forum.

Kerbside Glass Collection Plan Moves Nearer

2009-03-30T09:13:00.001-07:00

KERBSIDE GLASS recycling collections in Reading came a step closer this week when a councillor pushed for a scheme to be in place by April 2009.

Councillor Tony Jones proposed the plan to collect glass bottles and jars at a council meeting on Tuesday night.

"I would like to see a pilot programme in place by April 2009 to run in a limited number of wards, for example Battle, Caversham and Redlands.”

Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors welcomed the opportunity to debate the idea and added that waste food collection could be included in the pilot scheme as well as glass. (4 June 2008)

School Wins More Cash To Get Windows Fixed

2009-03-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

OXFORD ROAD Community School has been something of a building site over recent weeks.

Overdue works have begun to repair some of the rotting windows which had led to the closure of class room space.

But now the school has been told that the original budget of £90,000 - which would meant only the worst windows being fixed - has been increased so that all the windows which front on to the Oxford Road can be done.

Commenting on the news, school governor Cllr Tony Jones said "At last the pleas of the school have been listened to. It would have been absurd to do half this year, take the scaffolding down, and then do the same again next year, with all the disruption that would have caused. I think the school head Karen Salter deserves a great deal of credit for getting this sorted out."

Karen Salter said "I’m very pleased to say that we have finally secured the funding to repair and paint all of the windows at the front of the school. We love our listed building but have long felt that the condition of the windows has let us down, especially as we have worked so hard on maintaining and improving the inside of the school – by September this will no longer be the case, we can't wait". (3 June 2008)

Reading Buses Up For Bus "Oscar" Award

2009-03-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

READING BUSES has been nominated for a top national award.

Named in the bus industry's "Operator Excellence Awards 2008" - the bus "Oscars" - the company is one of five contenders for the title of "Bus Operator Innovation of the Year".

The council-owned company will be competing against companies from Blackpool, Nottingham and two Stagecoach divisions from Warwickshire and West Scotland. The result will be announced at a gala event on 5 November in Birmingham.

The company introduced the world's first fleet of ultra clean ethanol powered double decker buses earlier in the year and has seen consistent growth in passenger numbers.

Bus company chair Tony Jones said "I'm delighted that once again the hard work of the Great Knollys Street staff is being recognised across the UK bus business. A win would mean three bus industry "Oscars" in the past three years, which shows the progress we have made."

Car Trips Down, Buses On The Up!

2009-03-30T09:08:00.001-07:00

MORE AND MORE people are travelling into Reading every day by public transport, according to new figures. And the most dramatic changes over the past two years have been the rise in trips made on the buses and the decline of car use.

WEEKDAY TRIPS INTO READING

Totals in 2001 and 2007

Private Car - 38.2% and 32.9%

Car & Motorbike totals - 38.6% & 33.3%

Bus - 17.9% and 22.4%

Bus & train totals - 32.9% and 36.8%

Bus, train, cycling & walking - 61.4% & 65.8%

Commenting on the report, Chair of Reading Buses Tony Jones said "The figures are very encouraging and the changes are there for all to see. The last two years has seen a real increase in the number of bus passenegers and we will work hard to ensure that the trend continues."

Police Target Kerb Crawlers

2009-03-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

EARLIER THIS YEAR (2008) Battle Councillors renewed calls to police to raise their game against street prostitution and kerb crawlers in west Reading.

At the time Chris Maskell said "Residents have endured enough. The council, police and others have worked hard to help prostitutes out of their often chaotic lifestyles. However we must never forget the interests of the local residents who have this nuisance in their faces.

I renew calls to Thames Valley Police to target the kerb crawlers - including sending letters to the homes or workplaces of registered owners of vehicles seen in the area - warning them off. If the women had no prospect of customers, they would soon leave. I am also asking residents if they think extra CCTV would help."

Now local police Inspector Graham Dix has set out an action plan to help clean-up the area. The plan includes:

Target kerb crawlers using automatic number plate tracking systems
Install CCTV cameras which would embarass the hell out of repeat offenders by writing to them or paying them a visit
Create an exclsuion zone for all prostitutes in the Oxford road area
Gather more data on anti-social behaviour by prostitutes in the area.
Tony Jones said "I welcome this plan and it has my full support. We were asked for this to be done two years ago and despite assurances it clearly didn't happen. We will be watching closely to ensure this time these badly needed measures are delivered for the community."

KERB CRAWLING: WHAT THE LAW SAYS

Kerb crawling is an ofence under section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 1985. It is an indictable offence where it is likely to cause annoyance or is persistent behaviour.

Offenders can be fined £1,000 and can be disqualified from driving.

Battle councillors have argued for the past two years that the police need to use the powers available to it to stamp out this desperate community nuisance, including writing to the registered owners of vehicles seen in the "hotspots"in clearly marked Police envelopes - regardless of whether they are sent to a breakfast table or a workplace.

Leaving Labour

2009-03-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

BOTH MY GRANDFATHERS were coal miners. So being part of the labour movement is almost part of my DNA. But I spent the early part of my life attending non-conformist chapels in South Wales, so for me “my party right or wrong” has never been the deal. Now, after 33 years of membership, I have left the Labour Party.

Over a period of time I have lost all confidence in the leadership of the Labour Party, both nationally and here in Reading. My reasons are many, but I will highlight a few which have driven me to end the longest relationship I have had in my life, excepting that with my parents.

Nationally, the failure to honour the manifesto commitment to hold a referendum on the European Treaty was dressed up in patronising explanations about how different this was to a constitution because, for amongst other significant differences, the plans for an anthem had been dropped. We made a promise to the people.

The disgraceful decision not to honour the independently adjudicated Police pay deal highlighted another breach of trust by this government.

The ridiculous position of having to campaign to keep local Post Offices open as they are closed by a national government agency has been replicated all over the country. Of course community services cost money, but people are not “morons” and they see through this arms length hypocrisy.

But most of all, I didn’t join the Labour Party to increase taxes for amongst the poorest in our community - even now Cabinet Ministers are claiming they have “dealt with” the 10p tax rate problem, which is not true - while the government can dither then find countless billions to bail out the failed bankers at Northern Rock, and MP’s argue for a £100,000 a year salary and freely enjoy the benefits of the John Lewis catalogue.

In my view Gordon Brown is not capable of listening, learning or leading. If he was, he would have done so by now and we would not be in the mess we are in.

Perhaps the more than 400 former Labour councillors across the country who lost their seats at the local elections are seen as expendable - it’s only when career MP’s see their livelihoods threatened things may change.

Clearly, the voters will never learn to love Gordon Brown and he should go now.

But just in case the demise of the Labour Council in Reading is blamed on national factors then consider the fact that on the same night that Labour lost control after 22 years, colleagues in Slough picked up 4 seats and took the mantle of being the only Labour controlled council in the South of England. No blaming the national government just a few miles down the M4.

Locally I have become increasingly out of step with the leadership of the Labour group. David Sutton may have won plaudits for how Reading has changed. But if he cares to think about his last council meeting he will come to see that his political career has ended in ignominy.

There are also differences in Battle ward. Who remembers “Education, education, education”? Yet we have near chaotic secondary school provision in Reading, Battle School back in special measures and Oxford Road School having to plead for extra cash to get their rotting windows replaced while the scaffolding is up with money only to replace the worst of them. Meanwhile a class room remains out of use.

The promised new Health Centre as part of the deal for the redevelopment of the old Battle Hospital site is now being changed to some kind of watered down Well-Being Centre, with little or no clinical provision.

The successful lottery bid to refurbish Battle Library is being mishandled, with plans having recently been cut back without any real public consultation.

I resigned before the election but chose not to go public, so as to allow the election to take its course, without giving people the opportunity to say that I had either sabotaged or helped any particular candidate or party’s chances.

But as the Reading Labour Group seems likely to retread the same paths as they have done over the past year or more, I can no longer stay.

I now have two years to discover if there is room for an independent voice in local politics, or whether things inevitably must fall back to the national parties playing their pieces and the yah-boo pointlessness of most council meetings.

I have never possessed the humility of my grandfathers, but I trust they would understand why I have taken this decision.