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Niki Hinman Local Democracy Reporter

Niki writes about politics and the impact of political decisions on people’s lives. She began her career in Westminster and after 20 years of making documentaries has come full circle back to political journalism.

High-rise Eagle Quarter plans kicked out by planning inspector

21 August 2025
High-rise Eagle Quarter plans kicked out by planning inspector

High-rise Eagle Quarter plans kicked out by planning inspector

21 August 2025

The Kennet Shopping centre multi-storey Eagle Quarter redevelopment plans have been knocked on the head by the Government planning inspector.


Saplings are taking over Stroud Green after poplars were felled last year

21 August 2025
Saplings are taking over Stroud Green after poplars were felled last year

Saplings are taking over Stroud Green after poplars were felled last year

21 August 2025

Hundreds of young trees have sprung up through pavements and drains in Stroud Green in Newbury after a row of mature poplars was felled.


VAT on school fees blamed for independent Padworth College closure

19 August 2025
VAT on school fees blamed for independent Padworth College closure

VAT on school fees blamed for independent Padworth College closure

19 August 2025

The building housing the former Padworth College, which closed its doors in June, has gone up for sale with a £5m price tag.


Have your say on antisocial behaviour measures

19 August 2025
Have your say on antisocial behaviour measures

Have your say on antisocial behaviour measures

19 August 2025

The public is being asked if antisocial behaviour measures should remain in a town centre.


How a snail can stop a bulldozer in West Berkshire

19 August 2025
How a snail can stop a bulldozer in West Berkshire

How a snail can stop a bulldozer in West Berkshire

19 August 2025

The diminutive Desmoulin’s whorl snail has a consistent presence in the planning red tape.


Named community officers will help tackle crime, says Home Secretary

15 August 2025
Named community officers will help tackle crime, says Home Secretary

Named community officers will help tackle crime, says Home Secretary

15 August 2025

Named, contactable officers are now in place across every neighbourhood in the Thames Valley.


Douai Park could get new sports facilities

14 August 2025
Douai Park could get new sports facilities

Douai Park could get new sports facilities

14 August 2025

Plans have gone in to West Berkshire Council for two padel courts at Douai Park in Upper Woolhampton.


Parish council objects to plans for dog walking field

13 August 2025
Parish council objects to plans for dog walking field

Parish council objects to plans for dog walking field

13 August 2025

Plans for a dog walking field in a West Berkshire village are being hounded out.


‘It feels like we are waking up in a commercial transport depot’

12 August 2025
‘It feels like we are waking up in a commercial transport depot’

‘It feels like we are waking up in a commercial transport depot’

12 August 2025

An application for planning permission for more shipping containers to be used for self storage has been refused by West Berkshire Council.


Council must pay compensation and provide free school transport

11 August 2025
Council must pay compensation and provide free school transport

Council must pay compensation and provide free school transport

11 August 2025

West Berkshire Council’s children’s services team has admitted getting it wrong after child was refused home-to-school transport


AWE reviews processes after workers accidentally damage explosive component at nuclear bomb factory

07 August 2025
AWE reviews processes after workers accidentally damage explosive component at nuclear bomb factory

AWE reviews processes after workers accidentally damage explosive component at nuclear bomb factory

07 August 2025

The Office for Nuclear Regulation has closed an improvement notice issued to AWE.


Late-night shop gets its London Road licence – despite pleas from locals not to allow it

06 August 2025
Late-night shop gets its London Road licence – despite pleas from locals not to allow it

Late-night shop gets its London Road licence – despite pleas from locals not to allow it

06 August 2025

An application to sell late night food and alcohol at Best Buy Foods on London Road, Newbury, has been permitted.

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Kintbury research base for the study and enhancement of the flora and fauna

05 August 2025
Kintbury research base for the study and enhancement of the flora and fauna

Kintbury research base for the study and enhancement of the flora and fauna

05 August 2025

An eco centre research base in Kintbury has moved a step closer to fruition.


Date set for planning appeal over Membury asphalt plant refusal

04 August 2025
Date set for planning appeal over Membury asphalt plant refusal

Date set for planning appeal over Membury asphalt plant refusal

04 August 2025

A planning inspector has been appointed by the government to look into West Berkshire Council’s refusal of an asphalt plant.


MPs pressure minister for change to dangerous A34 slip roads

03 August 2025
MPs pressure minister for change to dangerous A34 slip roads

MPs pressure minister for change to dangerous A34 slip roads

03 August 2025

A cross-party group of MPs representing constituencies along the A34 have written to the Minister for Transport.

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Fears for noise and light pollution with storage site proposal in Midgham

01 August 2025
Fears for noise and light pollution with storage site proposal in Midgham

Fears for noise and light pollution with storage site proposal in Midgham

01 August 2025

An application for planning permission for 20 shipping containers to be used for self storage is to be discussed.


Hungerford wetlands project planning delays – applicant asked to prove it isn’t a flood risk

31 July 2025
Hungerford wetlands project planning delays – applicant asked to prove it isn’t a flood risk

Hungerford wetlands project planning delays – applicant asked to prove it isn’t a flood risk

31 July 2025

There's a big plan in Hungerford to create a wetland wildlife area.


Police station in Theale gets new security fence

29 July 2025
Police station in Theale gets new security fence

Police station in Theale gets new security fence

29 July 2025

Theale police station is getting new gates and a three meter security fence.


Detailed plans set to go forward for Compton development

29 July 2025
Detailed plans set to go forward for Compton development

Detailed plans set to go forward for Compton development

29 July 2025

The site for 160 planned homes in Compton has now been cleared.


Policy for showing films in West Berkshire

28 July 2025
Policy for showing films in West Berkshire

Policy for showing films in West Berkshire

28 July 2025

A little-known fact about the inner workings of West Berkshire Council is that it has its own film classification rules.


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