Thatcham to discuss impact of latest cuts tonight (Tuesday)

Town Council to discuss library, wardens and buses

THATCHAM Town Council is to hold another extraordinary meeting on how cuts will affect the town.

As part of its cuts to services, West Berkshire Council had proposed to close Thatcham Library and cease funding the neighbourhood wardens and the 104 bus service.

Councillors met in February to discuss the impact of the cuts but with a lack of information councillors decided they could not justify a further precept rise.

Since then, the council has received £1.4m of transitional funding from the Government to soften the blow to local councils.

The district council has now said it will use the Government funds to keep the town library open on a temporary basis.

It has also agreed to extend funding for the wardens and to alter the 104 bus service.

Thatcham town councillors will discuss the latest financial ramifications next week.

Town council leader Richard Crumly (Con, Thatcham Central) said the town council would be looking at ways to save the services or deliver them in a different way.

Councillors approved a two per cent precept hike in February and asked whether another rise was possible, Mr Crumly said that the deadline had now passed.

“I think we have got to be more creative in how these services are delivered rather than sticking it on the precept,” he said.

The meeting will be held in the town council offices in Brownsfield Road at 6.30pm on Tuesday, March 29.