OPINION: Letters to the editor of the Newbury Weekly News
I hope Peace Garden will really be peaceful
Your article about the Peace Garden in the NWN states that it is going to be a place where people will be able to walk and relax.
A Peace Garden to me also conjures up peace, tranquillity and a place to reflect.
I was somewhat confused when I looked at the artist’s impression which showed a child on a scooter.
I have no objections with children on scooters, it is an excellent way to exercise, but in the appropriate places, Victoria Park and the skateboard park.
I hope that this garden will really become a peaceful place to spend some time.
Sheila Evans
Newbury
So pleased to see a road salter in village
Whilst on my constitutional walk around the village of Chaddleworth today (Saturday, January 4) I was heartened by the presence of a West Berks Council salter in our village.
This is the first time in many a year that this has happened and I would like to thank West Berks Council/the driver/and anyone else responsible for this.
When the Tories were in charge we suffered nothing but cuts to services.
I am not a Lib Dem but applaud this welcome return to sensibility.
My view on tax, whether it be council tax or Income Tax, is that I am happy to pay it whatever the level so we can all have the services that we need to survive and be comfortable.
I would like to put an end to selfishness.
Grahame Murphy
Botmoor Way, Chaddleworth
Council should fit barriers to stop bikes
During illness my garden strayed into River Walk.
I received a ‘blunt instrument’ from West Berks Council telling me I had 14 days to remedy the ‘danger’.
I complied and, foolishly, went for a stroll.
A young lady on a kiddie e-scooter, approached silently from behind and zoomed past, with no room for elderly meander.
In passing: when WBC changed River Walk to River Racetrack, they failed to fit barriers where it disgorges bikes and e-scooters (double mounted) into Walton Way; a dangerous oversight of some years.
Clearance means I can now use my gate, but shall not do so.
The racetrack is too dangerous.
Barrie Singleton
River Walk, Shaw
John Rankin staff are simply remarkable
As a former parent of children at John Rankin School I can only say my children had the happiest of times there.
I then worked there for over 20 years until my retirement.
Many parents don’t have a clue about the blood, sweat and tears behind ensuring their children are happy and safe every day and that has never changed in all those years.
The staff are remarkable and they’re not doing it for the money.
I think some parents need to stop and think and be a bit more supportive, particularly in light of past events.
Be grateful you have a kind, caring head who does everything for the sake of the children, whether you agree with things or not your children are in a happy place with compassionate staff looking out for them.
It’s never too late to learn – so let’s be a bit kinder in 2025 and realise how lucky we all are really.
Former staff member and grateful parent
Well done for Over 80s’ Parcel Fund
As the mayor of Newbury, I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone involved in the Over 80s’ Parcel Fund.
Your continued dedication and generosity in supporting our senior community is truly commendable.
Your efforts make a significant difference, and I’m proud to see such compassion within our town.
Thank you for your hard work and kindness.
Andy Moore
Mayor of Newbury
Tories did not follow their own framework
I read councillor Foot’s letter with interest (Newbury Weekly News, December 26).
To the best of my knowledge Newbury Community Football Group did not exist before the Conservatives took an interest in the Faraday Road ground.
The National Planning Policy Framework says: “Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless” … “the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better proven in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location”.
I do not blame councillor Mackinnon for anything that went on prior to 2019, but in 2021 the Conservatives decided that a 278-seater stand was equivalent or better in provision to a 500-seater stand (which also had room for a 100 standing).
If the Conservatives had obeyed the rules their own party set out (whilst in Government) I doubt that the controversy would have resonated with voters and NCFG would have been formed.
My advice to Mr Mackinnon and any other Conservatives is that if they are or were unhappy with Conservative policies, pay your £25 to Mr Farage and join Reform.
Ian Hall
Ashampstead
