Back in the day: We delve into our archives to see what was going on 10 years ago, 25 years ago and 50 years ago this week
If you have any photos or memories you would like to share with us, please email us at newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk
10 years ago – June 18, 2015
Urban village
Another prime town centre site in Newbury is on the verge of high-rise redevelopment.
Developers and West Berkshire Council want to turn the 5.5-acre site between Newbury rail station and Market Street into an ‘urban village’ and provide a new gateway to the town.
Developer Grainger is appealing to the public to help “shape” proposals for a new “urban village”– plans it describes as “a residential-led, mixed-use neighbourhood with greatly improved pedestrian links”.
In 2013, West Berkshire Council was criticised by property experts and residents for giving away its land, worth £3.9m, to developers for nothing.
Opponents of the project said the land give-away was too high a price to pay for the latest installment of Newbury Vision – the council’s over-arching development brief for the town.
The major redevelopment was originally touted in 2006 and draft plans were first displayed in January of this year, with an estimated price tag of around £50m.
According to Grainger, the development will accommodate at least 200 homes, along with small units for commercial and retail uses and extra parking for users of Newbury rail station, together with station improvements.
25 years ago – June 15, 2000
Picture perfect
Volunteers across West Berkshire gathered at Camp Hopson furniture centre to have their picture taken for a giant poster campaign encouraging people to help out in their communities.
The manager of the Volunteer Bureau, Garry Poulson, organised the panoramic photo, which involved volunteers from 12 groups representing a cross section of voluntary organisations across the region.
“I wanted to create a living poster to coincide with national Volunteers’ Week,” said Mr Poulson.
Among those who took part were volunteers from the Community Furniture Project, Corporate Community Involvement, Riding for the Disabled, Cats Protection League, Greenham Common Trust, West Berkshire Youth Clubs, West Berkshire MENCAP, Fair Close Day Centre, Fir Tree Primary School, Save the Children, the Handybus and the Scouting and Guiding movement.
50 years ago – June 12, 1975
Rail requests
Newbury’s MP, Mr Michael McNair-Wilson, has written to the chairman of the British Railways Board to ask whether the new high-speed London to Bristol train service will disrupt current scheduled London services.
He also inquired whether level crossings would need to be closed for longer periods to ensure safety, and if so, whether British Rail had any plans to construct over-bridges.
These concerns were raised during a recent meeting of the Newbury Rail Passengers’ Association, which Mr McNair-Wilson attended.
At the meeting, British Rail chairman Mr Richard Marsh also heard requests from passengers for a later return train from London, as it was felt that the last train at 11:15 p.m. was too early for theatre-goers and others enjoying an evening out.
Mr. McNair-Wilson also raised the need for an extra morning train to London between the current 7:40 and 8:40 a.m. departures, and the improvement of buffet car services.
