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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.

Tony Vickers takes the top seat at the council

16 May 2025
Tony Vickers takes the top seat at the council

Tony Vickers takes the top seat at the council

16 May 2025

“I want to showcase some of the great things that are being done in our lovely district” says new council chairman Tony Vickers


New plans for West Berkshire’s net zero ambitions

16 May 2025
New plans for West Berkshire’s net zero ambitions

New plans for West Berkshire’s net zero ambitions

16 May 2025

With five years to go to its 2030 carbon neutral deadline - the council has adjusted its environmental expectations.

4

Jumping through hoops of red tape

15 May 2025
Jumping through hoops of red tape

Jumping through hoops of red tape

15 May 2025

Plans to put up 10 cross country jumps in a horse field have been given the Beechers Brook equivalent of a planning condition.


‘Party political tribalism’ row erupts over mayor’s appointment

14 May 2025
‘Party political tribalism’ row erupts over mayor’s appointment

‘Party political tribalism’ row erupts over mayor’s appointment

14 May 2025

A political row has erupted over which party mayors in Newbury should come from.

1

Solar farm given planning permission by West Berkshire Council

14 May 2025
Solar farm given planning permission by West Berkshire Council

Solar farm given planning permission by West Berkshire Council

14 May 2025

A 9,71 hectare solar farm is being planned for fields near the Beenham Industrial Area.


Roads minister to keep up pressure on A34 slip road safety after bill presented in Parliament

13 May 2025
Roads minister to keep up pressure on A34 slip road safety after bill presented in Parliament

Roads minister to keep up pressure on A34 slip road safety after bill presented in Parliament

13 May 2025

A bill for a review of the safety of the A34 slip roads at East Ilsley and Beedon has been put before Parliament.


What to do if you find treasure in your garden

13 May 2025
What to do if you find treasure in your garden

What to do if you find treasure in your garden

13 May 2025

There are countless stories of buried treasure - and West Berkshire can claim a few of them.


A34 slip road safety issues get hearing in Parliament

12 May 2025
A34 slip road safety issues get hearing in Parliament

A34 slip road safety issues get hearing in Parliament

12 May 2025

The issues around the slip roads on the A34 near Newbury get a Parliamentary hearing tomorow (Tuesday).


Safety concerns over staffing numbers on River Thames locks

12 May 2025
Safety concerns over staffing numbers on River Thames locks

Safety concerns over staffing numbers on River Thames locks

12 May 2025

River Thames weir and lockkeepers, including at Goring and Streatley, have begun voting on strike action over safety concerns.


Newbury’s rejected Eagle Quarter plans to get appeal in June

09 May 2025
Newbury’s rejected Eagle Quarter plans to get appeal in June

Newbury’s rejected Eagle Quarter plans to get appeal in June

09 May 2025

A date has been set for the appeal into the rejected Eagle Quarter plans for Newbury.


Petition launched as council approves plan to collect bins every 3 weeks

08 May 2025
Petition launched as council approves plan to collect bins every 3 weeks

Petition launched as council approves plan to collect bins every 3 weeks

08 May 2025

A petition has been launched to stop the council from changing the frequency of bin collections.

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West Berkshire Local Plan is ‘legally sound’ says planning inspector

06 May 2025
West Berkshire Local Plan is ‘legally sound’ says planning inspector

West Berkshire Local Plan is ‘legally sound’ says planning inspector

06 May 2025

West Berkshire Council has received the planning inspector's report on the Local Plan Review 2022-2039.

1

Former finance chief gets CEO role at cash strapped council

02 May 2025
Former finance chief gets CEO role at cash strapped council

Former finance chief gets CEO role at cash strapped council

02 May 2025

The new CEO at West Berkshire Council has his first official day in the job today.

2

Police investigate vandalism of Newbury park’s ‘Mega Tower’

30 April 2025
Police investigate vandalism of Newbury park’s ‘Mega Tower’

Police investigate vandalism of Newbury park’s ‘Mega Tower’

30 April 2025

The ‘Mega Tower’ play area in Newbury’s Victoria Park has been vandalised – and the town council has closed it to the public.


Pippa Middleton’s husband’s plans for creche in Bucklebury get thumbs down from roads team at council

24 April 2025
Pippa Middleton’s husband’s plans for creche in Bucklebury get thumbs down from roads team at council

Pippa Middleton’s husband’s plans for creche in Bucklebury get thumbs down from roads team at council

24 April 2025

Pippa Middleton’s husband's plans for a countryside creche in Bucklebury have hit a snag.


Household support grant demand rises in West Berkshire

24 April 2025
Household support grant demand rises in West Berkshire

Household support grant demand rises in West Berkshire

24 April 2025

West Berkshire Council has been awarded £1,224,650 for its Household Support Fund.

1

Here’s what West Berkshire’s MPs have claimed in expenses in their first year

23 April 2025
Here’s what West Berkshire’s MPs have claimed in expenses in their first year

Here’s what West Berkshire’s MPs have claimed in expenses in their first year

23 April 2025

The two West Berkshire MPs have listed their expenses – which are £30,000 apart.

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The context for all these bin changes

21 April 2025
The context for all these bin changes

The context for all these bin changes

21 April 2025

The UK Government has announced several major policy changes which will affect how waste and recycling is managed.


That’s the ticket! Great odds for a prize, which also helps good causes in West Berkshire

17 April 2025
That’s the ticket! Great odds for a prize, which also helps good causes in West Berkshire

That’s the ticket! Great odds for a prize, which also helps good causes in West Berkshire

17 April 2025

West Berkshire Council runs a lottery - which has a 50-1 chance of winning a prize.


Digital survey for help with better accessibility in Berkshire

17 April 2025
Digital survey for help with better accessibility in Berkshire

Digital survey for help with better accessibility in Berkshire

17 April 2025

A survey is running to gauge views on digital infrastructure across Berkshire.


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