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Burghfield, Mortimer, Beech Hill & Wokefield Update
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Local news from Councillor Nick Carter |
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Welcome
Welcome to the latest update for residents in Burghfield, Mortimer, Beech Hill and Wokefield.
In this issue
- Pharmacy Consolidation
- Mortimer West End 350-home plan
- St John’s school/housing/dentist planning application
plus
- Local infrastructure and transport
- Environment & enforcement
- Council reorganisation
and more |
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1: Proposed Consolidation Of Mortimer Pharmacies |
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The NHS recently issued a proposal to formalise consolidation of Mortimer’s two pharmacies into the single site at West End Road.
This would involve making permanent:
• The pharmacy at Mortimer Surgery closing
• Services transferring to the Little Village Pharmacy on West End Road
• Changes to opening hours; Mon–Fri: 09:00–18:00, Sat: 09:00–18:00 (closed 1-2pm), Sun: Closed
The NHS is inviting comments before making a decision.
If you use either pharmacy, you may wish to consider how this affects you, for example in relation to access, opening hours or parking.
Comments can be submitted directly by email to [email protected], quoting reference: CAS-427697-M5C5V5. You are welcome to copy me in on your comments. I’ll feed in any local points raised with me too. [email protected]
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2: Mortimer West End 350-Home Proposal |
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Current Status
There were nearly 5,000 responses to Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council’s Regulation 18 consultation on its draft Local Plan, with around a quarter relating to the proposed 350-home allocation at Mortimer West End.
Basingstoke & Deane says it is now reviewing the issues raised before progressing to the next stage of the plan. Particular concern has been identified around strategic infrastructure, especially water supply, and the council has indicated that a revised timetable will now be needed.
West Berks Council Leader, Jeff Brooks, returned to Mortimer, in March to explain that the council leadership has continued discussions with counterparts at Basingstoke & Deane. I also expect to table a motion on the issue at West Berkshire Full Council in July.
Further updates will be published on the dedicated Mortimer West End webpage. |
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3: Plans For Mortimer St' Johns' School and Dentist |
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Schools sports/play, housing & dentist
Further to the last newsletter, the plans for the land originally set aside for a new school, doctors' surgery and parking have been revised in response to comments made on protected trees and the design of a residential property. The Council’s highways officer and some residents raised concerns about the width and shared use of a single-lane access onto The Street.
Other matters under consideration include the NHS Integrated Care Board’s objection to the loss of the planned GP surgery provision, and the applicant’s viability case for not providing affordable housing on the site.
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4: Local Infrastructure and Transport |
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Request for Speed Limit Reduction in Grazeley Green |
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The proposed 40mph section |
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The petition, instigated by Wokefield Parish Council, to reduce the speed limit from 50 to 40mph along a stretch of Goring Lane was signed by almost every household in Grazeley Green and has since reached the threshold that warrants formal review. As a first step I discussed it with the Highways team who explained that while they understand residents’ concerns, any change must still meet national guidance and secure Police support. Officers advised that they can only support changes that are consistent with national guidance and supported by evidence and Police input. I explained that the parish council has submitted such data in the past and that there have been fatalities at the James/Goring Lane junction.
Rather than simply reviewing existing signage and road markings, we agreed to begin costing work for a formal speed limit change for possible inclusion in the 2027/28 Highways programme.
We agreed to move beyond a simple signage review and instead begin costing work for a formal speed limit change for possible inclusion in the 2027/28 Highways programme. This work would involve changing speed limit signs and altering road markings and their spacing. |
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Several residents asked what role the council has in managing or even speeding up completion of the roadworks on Goring Lane. Several residents asked what role the council has in managing or speeding up the Goring Lane works, including diversion routes, HGV traffic and safety concerns. I’ve published a summary of the main questions and answers from highways officers here:
👉 [roadworks Q&A] |
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Lower Street, Mortimer - speed limit review
The petition asking if you support a time-based speed limit reduction on the Lower Street, Mortimer, outside St Mary’s School remains open. Please sign it if you agree with the request (even if you already did the speed survey). You can also record objection if you prefer. I'll progress it only if there are significant calls for action. |
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Electric Vehicle Charging For Residents Without Off-Street Parking
To make electric vehicle ownership more practical, for residents without off-street parking, the council plans to install some on‑street charge points in the area. Additional benefits include supporting visitors to community facilities and events. The proposal aligns too with the emerging Mortimer Neighbourhood Plan which is expected to focus on environmental issues.
The chargers would be delivered and funded through a mix of government funding and private investment. West End Road car park, Mortimer, is a possible location. It was put to the parish council as tenant, recently - more here and here. Other sites are being reviewed and local residents living near proposed sites will be informed in advance.
👉 [More information |
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Beech Hill
The council-installed CCTV we installed in Beech Hill has reportedly resulted in two prosecutions so far. The parish council has asked us to consider additional cameras in other sites.
At their recent volunteer-led litter tip, in the short time between the bags being left out ready and our contractor arriving to collect, someone decided to fly tip some asbestos. As a result, our contractor had to leave most of the waste until a specialist could collect it - at taxpayer cost. |
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Litter pick was added to by fly tippers. |
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7: Foot/cycle/bridleway between Mortimer and Burghfield |
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Stratfield Mortimer Parish council's contractor has begun work on the first phase of the foot/cycle/bridleway between Mortimer and Burghfield. West Berks Council has been able to find funding to create a controlled crossing between the path and the Three Firs roundabout area. We've just sent crossing details to our safety auditor to assess and advise, before doing the work. |
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8: Local Government Reorganisation |
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Changes to Local Councils
The Government is changing local councils. In particular, it's doing away with county + district ("two-tier") councils, in places such as Oxfordshire and Hampshire, to form “unitary” authorities, with each responsible for all local services. The Government would like each to serve about 500,000 residents. We support creating a unitary authority comprising West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse. The working title is “Ridgeway.” There are two alternative options proposed, one of which would also affect West Berkshire. A Government decision is expected in July.
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Mobile Bin Reminders Return
After a brief accidental break in April, the service is restored. Sorry to current subscribers for any alarm caused. Your calendars should auto update. |
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Resident Survey
The council seeks your views to help us set our new Council Strategy for the next few years. The survey takes about 15 minutes and is open until 10 May.
 Take the survey
Renting Rule Changes
Renting laws changed as of 1 May; tenancies will now have no end date and landlords can no longer serve s21 (no fault) eviction notices. There are new rules that landlords must follow or risk being fined.
Read more
Next Steps for SEND support
West Berkshire Council is developing a new plan to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Read more
Be tick aware
While you’re out and about this summer, it’s important to stay tick aware.
Read more |
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May 9 Craft Club, Burghfield Library.
24 May Police Have Your Say, Mortimer.
21 June Burghfield Box Kart Bash.
27 June Transport Through The Ages, Mortimer. |
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Newsletter Sign-Up
To receive future newsletters directly by email, simply sign up on MY HOMEPAGE. You can unsubscribe at any time. The homepage shows previous editions, FAQs and useful web links including about the Mortimer West End housing proposal. |
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Drop-In/Surgery
Raise issues with us at our monthly drop-ins/surgeries, usually held on the first Saturday of each month:
- Nick at The Baobab, West End Road, Mortimer from 10.00-11.00 (please prebook by calling or emailing)
- Vic at Burghfield Library in School Lane, from 10.00-11.30.
Ask either of us about anything across the "patch". |
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Off The Record — Personal View
This newsletter aims to stay as factual and non-political as possible. This section is where I add personal commentary. |
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When I compered Thatcham Unplugged, part of the Thatcham Festival last year, I was introduced to Christine Belcher, who's doing a Wing Walk later this month to mark 60 years since she joined the RAF. You can hear her story in my first Podcast. |
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The Boat That (still) Rocks |
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Radio Caroline's monthly live broadcast from the station's historic home aboard former cod-trawler, Ross Revenge, returns on May 9/10. Whilst I'm staying on dry land this time (for my regular show at 4pm Saturdays), the crew are joined by top American ex Laser 558 DJ Tommy Rivers. Meanwhile, Radio Caroline recently appeared near the top of an Intellectual Property Office poll of recognised UK brands.
IPO poll results
tuning in to the live broadcast
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