OPINION: Letters to the editor of the Newbury Weekly News
We must watch Eagle Quarter like hawks
Along with many others I was delighted to hear that the Eagle Quarter developers had been defeated yet again.
They won’t give up so easily, not being concerned with the views of ordinary people but with possible profits to be made.
I hope the present tenants of the Kennet Centre, eg Grape Tree/Savers/The Works/Card Factory/the jewellers etc etc, will continue to thrive as they seem to be doing.
We must all watch the Eagle Quarter like hawks!
Joy Nelson
Hampton Road, Newbury
Well done WBC for rejecting Eagle Quarter
The Kennet Centre does need a facelift, but eight storeys was never going to fly.
Well done to the WBC for turning this down.
It would have ruined Newbury.
Malcolm Weatherhead
Newbury
More leisure activities in the Kennet Centre
So Lochailort are planning a further appeal against the refusal to allow their plan.
The blatant disregard for guidance on social housing, parking and other aspects would give the green light to any future development to expect similar concessions.
The council has made the right decision, and should maintain their position.
One of the aspects of the plan is to accommodate a large number of shops.
Are they aware of the number of vacant shops that currently exist in Northbrook Street?
These are unlikely to be occupied soon, bearing in mind the ability for shoppers to buy an increasing number of items online.
The Kennet Centre was doomed when first Sainsbury’s, then Debenhams, left this development.
The success of the new shopping centre was assured by persuading Debenhams to re-locate, and John Lewis to join.
The arrival of Primark will ensure that the newer shopping development will continue to be more popular than any offer on the site of the old Kennet Centre.
Why not build on the existence of the nearby cinema, and encourage further leisure activities to be introduced to this site?
Philip Williams
Well Street, Burghclere
Town must evolve, but not be destroyed
Thom Byrne makes some cogent points in his letter published last week: ‘Town must evolve or it will lose its vitality.’
Thinking people, even those ‘retirees’ he rather slightingly suggests are opposed en bloc to redevelopment of the Kennet Centre, understand that a town necessarily must evolve and appeal to all ages and demographics.
However, the balance between growth and reasonable organic development is a very fine one, and Newbury is poised perilously on the cusp.
A development on the scale of the latest rejected Kennet Centre redevelopment will destroy exactly that balance, ambiance and sense of community that so many of us, of whatever age, value so highly.
Lin Wilkinson
Arthur Road, Newbury
How has council got money for gardens?
The council has built rain gardens in Faraday Road.
The council is building a peace garden in the Wharf.
Now it has announced it is to build a Tudor garden at Shaw House.
I am beginning to wonder if the new CEO isn’t Alan Titchmarsh.
Surely if they can get the money for these vanity projects they can get the money for buildings for doctors surgeries.
John Gotelee
London Road, Newbury
Rose planting ceremony for St Bart’s teachers
St Bartholomew’s school enjoys a rich history which understandably it is keen to celebrate.
Much of its success over the years is founded on long-serving staff who have given most, or all of their teaching careers to generations of fortune young men and women.
2024 sadly saw five of these teachers pass away – Elizabeth Hughes, Phil Gray, Eric Danvers, John Wright and John King.
As a tribute to these stalwarts the school is holding a rose planting ceremony in their Heritage Garden in memory of the wonderful service and loyalty all have given.
This ceremony will take place at 3.30pm on Friday, January 31, and the school wants to extend a welcome to any former staff, former pupils, and parents who wish to attend and express their gratitude and respect for the teachers who served our community so splendidly.
Mike Hart
Former member of St Bartholomew’s staff
Park Way bridge should be two-way
Here’s a photograph of the old Emergency Bridge erected during the Second World War to provide an alternative route for traffic over the Kennet and Avon Canal.
It was used for nearly 60 years and provided an alternative route for southbound traffic to avoid Northbrook Street.
It was replaced in 2001 by a council who couldn’t be persuaded to make it a two-way bridge.
Now it is only used by buses, taxis and bicycles.
It’s very sad that the wrong decision was taken.
A two-way bridge would make a terrific difference to traffic flow in the town, particularly when the A34 is closed.
So many wrong decisions taken by the Lib Dem councillors in the early 2000s.
They are not doing much better now by trying to extend pedestrianisation until midnight and wasting £500,000 dithering over the café in Victoria Park.
Political bias? I don’t think so.
I can be just as critical of the Conservative councillors who were kicked out in 2023.
Dare I mention the football club?
Brian Burgess
Andover Road, Newbury
