Home   Authors   Author

Subscribe Now

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.

‘They seem to be trying to deflect attention from the generally poor services they are delivering’

23 July 2025
‘They seem to be trying to deflect attention from the generally poor services they are delivering’

‘They seem to be trying to deflect attention from the generally poor services they are delivering’

23 July 2025

The row over Reading Borough Council’s attempted land grab for parts of the eastern area of West Berkshire has ratcheted up.


Pangbourne Meadows to get antisocial behaviour focus

23 July 2025
Pangbourne Meadows to get antisocial behaviour focus

Pangbourne Meadows to get antisocial behaviour focus

23 July 2025

Antisocial behaviour in Pangbourne Meadows is being clamped down on.


Transport plan strikes a balance between ambition and pragmatism

22 July 2025
Transport plan strikes a balance between ambition and pragmatism

Transport plan strikes a balance between ambition and pragmatism

22 July 2025

Rural roads in West Berkshire are to get some love from the council


‘I have never known anyone receive so much as a cup of tea on a planning committee’

22 July 2025
‘I have never known anyone receive so much as a cup of tea on a planning committee’

‘I have never known anyone receive so much as a cup of tea on a planning committee’

22 July 2025

West Berkshire councillors have asked people on social media to stop saying they take back handers.


Popular independent Italian eaterie Lusso moving to Northbrook Street

21 July 2025
Popular independent Italian eaterie Lusso moving to Northbrook Street

Popular independent Italian eaterie Lusso moving to Northbrook Street

21 July 2025

Popular Italian restaurant and gelateria Lusso is moving to Northbrook Street in Newbury town centre.


Residents want speed limits cut

18 July 2025
Residents want speed limits cut

Residents want speed limits cut

18 July 2025

Three petitions asking the West Berkshire Council to help with speeding motorists were lodged at council last night (Thursday).


West Berkshire youth are surveyed about mental health

16 July 2025
West Berkshire youth are surveyed about mental health

West Berkshire youth are surveyed about mental health

16 July 2025

The results of the 2023 West Berkshire Youth Survey are out.


‘Worsening trend of school age pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs in West Berks’

16 July 2025
‘Worsening trend of school age pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs in West Berks’

‘Worsening trend of school age pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs in West Berks’

16 July 2025

There is a ‘significant concern’ around a worsening trend of school age pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs in West Berkshire.


All you need to know about the bin changes coming in September

15 July 2025
All you need to know about the bin changes coming in September

All you need to know about the bin changes coming in September

15 July 2025

The bin collection in West Berkshire goes down to three weeks from September.

7

Reading and West Berkshire in tit for tat row over attempts at land grab

14 July 2025
Reading and West Berkshire in tit for tat row over attempts at land grab

Reading and West Berkshire in tit for tat row over attempts at land grab

14 July 2025

West Berkshire Council says get off my patch to Reading after the council launched a land grab for eastern parts of the district.


Reading Borough Council wants bits of West Berkshire

14 July 2025
Reading Borough Council wants bits of West Berkshire

Reading Borough Council wants bits of West Berkshire

14 July 2025

Reading Borough Council has begun land grab moves to co-opt part of West Berkshire.


Council e-scooters could be coming to Newbury

14 July 2025
Council e-scooters could be coming to Newbury

Council e-scooters could be coming to Newbury

14 July 2025

Council e-scooters could be coming to Newbury. It’s part of a drive (!) to get us out of our cars and on to two wheels. And legs.


Children’s home gets top marks from Ofsted

13 July 2025
Children’s home gets top marks from Ofsted

Children’s home gets top marks from Ofsted

13 July 2025

Squirrel Lodge, a children’s homes in West Berkshire, has been awarded an outstanding grade by Ofsted in its latest inspection.


West Berkshire fined more than £1,000 for fault over bus pass address

12 July 2025
West Berkshire fined more than £1,000 for fault over bus pass address

West Berkshire fined more than £1,000 for fault over bus pass address

12 July 2025

West Berkshire Council has been told to pay more than £1,000 in compensation by the Local Government Ombudsman.


Council redacts names from planning application letters

11 July 2025
Council redacts names from planning application letters

Council redacts names from planning application letters

11 July 2025

West Berkshire Council has decided to keep secret the names of people who object to planning applications.


The area in West Berkshire where people have the lowest life-expectancy revealed

11 July 2025
The area in West Berkshire where people have the lowest life-expectancy revealed

The area in West Berkshire where people have the lowest life-expectancy revealed

11 July 2025

Men and women living in Thatcham North East have the lowest life expectancy in West Berkshire.


Green grant win for Northcroft

10 July 2025
Green grant win for Northcroft

Green grant win for Northcroft

10 July 2025

West Berkshire Council has been given a £2.8m grant to help deliver a major green upgrade at Northcroft Leisure Centre in Newbury.


More EV charge points for Newbury

10 July 2025
More EV charge points for Newbury

More EV charge points for Newbury

10 July 2025

West Berkshire Council has launched new ‘Evolt Charging’ points at key locations throughout the district.


Early signs that Newbury pedestrian scheme is working

07 July 2025
Early signs that Newbury pedestrian scheme is working

Early signs that Newbury pedestrian scheme is working

07 July 2025

West Berkshire Council has doubled down on extending pedestrianisation hours in Newbury, saying there are ‘positive signs’.


Great British Bake Off wedding venue plans blocked by council’s tree team

06 July 2025
Great British Bake Off wedding venue plans blocked by council’s tree team

Great British Bake Off wedding venue plans blocked by council’s tree team

06 July 2025

West Berkshire Council has slapped a tree preservation order across a whole woodland.


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More