Two applications came to the Planning Committee because Peppard Councillor Richard Willis used the “call in” procedure to ensure that they came before elected Councillors to consider. Many local residents had expressed concerns about both applications to ward Councillors and 16 had written to the Council to object to the first application.

Conservatives in Peppard ward have launched a new community information website for the residents of Caversham Park Village, Emmer Green and Micklands.

Rob Wilson MP has moved to the Treasury as part of this week’s cabinet reshuffle.  Rob has become parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to George Osborne at the Treasury.

Rob said: “I have been in close dialogue with Nationwide for several weeks, impressing on the Building Society the seriousness with which I viewed their proposed closure of the Caversham branch.  We have had a constructive and ultimately positive series of conversations that mean the branch will continue to serve Caversham and also have an improved service offering.”

Caversham Councillor Andrew Cumpsty has written to Graham Beale - CEO of the Nationwide Building Society - to protest against the planned closure of the Caversham branch.

Rob Wilson MP approached Maiden Erlegh School to open a new free school because parents told him they wanted the choice of a Maiden Erlegh education. On 13 September Maiden Erlegh School submitted a bid to open a free school in East Reading to provide a new secondary school for 11 to 16 year olds.

Thames Ward Cllr Ed Hopper has welcomed new guidance published this year by the Department for Transport aimed reducing sign clutter and calling for local Councils to use their engineering judgement and local knowledge to complement the guidance to ensure signing solutions are effective.

Conservative Councillors and Reading East’s MP have welcomed progress toward substantive repairs of the much-used and very pot-holed Budgen’s Precinct car park in Emmer Green. 

Caversham's Cllr Andrew Cumpsty questions the Labour Council's support for Caversham, applauds the great work done by Caversham businesses and community groups and makes a challenge to the owners of St Martin's Precinct.

Conservatives turned out in force for the first ever meeting of the Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, and Education Committee in support of the Save Arthur Clark campaigners who packed the public gallery.