Pothole fixing down. Fly tipping up.

New figures reveal the West Berkshire is a district of ups and downs.

On the up – fly tipping – where incidents have gone up from 248 to 285 for the same quarter last year.

But going down are potholes – or rather repairs of them.

The number of orders for permanent potholes completed has fallen from 318 this time last year to 62.

Despite the rising cost of living (9.1 per cent nationally in the year to June 2022), local economy measures show that more people visited Newbury town centre compared to the same period last year, with footfall increasing by six per cent.

Also on the up – there has been a 26 per cent increase in parking tickets sold in WBC managed car parks – 276,083 of them. It didn’t say how many actual parking fines were issued.

Volunteers emerge as an increasing force.

The number of volunteer hours dedicated to countryside activities has leapt from 855 to 1,871 in the last year. The number of volunteers across culture and library services has increased from 249 to 343.

The report on council performance says the major focus for the district has continued to be on recovery and renewal while responding and adapting to emerging economic and social challenges.