At the Annual Meeting on 6 May, Woodley Town Council formally elected Cllr David Bragg as Town Mayor and Cllr Darren Smith as Deputy Mayor for the year ahead.
Mayor Bragg has selected Promise Inclusion as his charity of the year, supporting individuals with learning disabilities and their families.
If youâd like to invite the Mayor or Deputy Mayor to your event, please complete the request form on our website.
There is a partial path closure around the lake near Woodford Park Leisure Centre on Tuesday 6th May, 9am-4pm. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete the works.
The play area at Woodford Park Leisure Centre will be closed for tree works and minor repairs and cleaning on Tuesday 6th May and Thursday 8th May, 8.30am-4pm. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete the works.
The works are scheduled to take place from 2nd May to 29th May 2025, between 9:30am and 4:00pm. In addition, overnight road closures will be in effect from 30th May to 3rd June, between 7:00pm and 6:00am.
The Council is installing the new Puffin crossing to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians in the area.
An overnight diversion will be in place during nightime closures.
Please check the One.Network website for live updates and any revised timings. You can also contact Wokingham Borough Council directly for further information: 0118 9746000.
The Committee considered a detailed report by theatre consultants Blue Horizon Ventures (BHV), who were commissioned to assess the refurbishment potential and develop a forward-looking programme strategy. Julian Russell, co-author of the report which was funded by the UK Governmentâs Shared Prosperity Fund, provided an overview of the findings via a virtual presentation.
Council officers endorsed the recommendations of BHV, including the development of a comprehensive business plan and a refreshed programming strategy to increase the theatreâs usage, which currently stands at approximately 25%.
The Council has agreed to re-engage BHV to lead the next phase of the project. Their responsibilities will include preparing the business plan for the theatre and the wider Oakwood Centre, as well as defining the technical upgrade specifications and supporting the tendering process.
During discussions, Members sought reassurance regarding the financial viability of similar-sized venues. The BHV report confirmed the potential for sustainable operation, with successful local examples such as South Street Arts Centre in Reading. It was also noted that without investment, the theatre risks falling into disuse, underscoring the importance of the refurbishment.
âFor over 20 years the Alan Cornish Theatre has been a valued part of the community, and this investment represents an exciting opportunity to enhance its role for current and future generations. By improving the facilities and expanding its programme, weâre ensuring the theatre becomes a vibrant and accessible cultural space for all,â said Matthew Filmore, Deputy Town Clerk.
A final business plan and detailed proposals for the technical upgrades is projected to be presented to the Committee for consideration at its September meeting. At the same time, officers will investigate additional external grant opportunities to support the projectâs delivery.
Woodley Town Council looks forward to redeveloping the Alan Cornish Theatre as a hub for creativity, community, and cultural engagement.
At an official opening ceremony on Monday 15 April, hosted by Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Juliet Anderson, the two new developments were unveiled.
The newly planted Coronation Orchard Garden is a thoughtfully designed green space created to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. Situated within an existing area of Woodford Park, the garden has been transformed into a peaceful, welcoming retreat for the community to enjoy year-round.
The orchard is fully accessible and features edible herb gardens and fruit trees, which will be available for the public to pick from as they grow and mature. This project reflects both a celebration of the King Charles III, the community, and a commitment to environmental regeneration and wellbeing.
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Woodley Town Council, a brand-new History Wall has been installed in the Oakwood Centre, offering a fascinating journey through Woodleyâs rich and evolving history. From its early days as a âclearing in the woodsâ â the origin of the townâs name â to the vibrant, thriving community we know today, the History Wall presents key milestones in both Woodley and the Town Councilâs development.
The Council extends sincere thanks to the u3a Woodley team for their dedicated research in gathering historical facts and to local artist Francesca Lane, whose hand-drawn illustrations bring the story of Woodley to life, making the History Wall not only educational but also a striking piece of public art.
The unveiling of both the Coronation Orchard Garden and the History Wall was well-attended by a host of local dignitaries and community representatives. Guests included Woodley & Earley MP Yuan Yang, past and present Woodley Town Councillors, and Woodley Town Crier Tony Roper. Also in attendance were representatives from community groups who regularly work in partnership with the Council, including Woodley Carnival, Friends of Woodford Park, Woodley Bowling Club, and WASP (Woodley Adopt A Street Project).
The u3a Woodley team were also in attendance alongside artist Francesca Lane.
The u3a team were delighted to see their research brought to life, while Francesca was overjoyed to finally see her illustrations creating the story of Woodley.
During the unveiling, Woodley Town Mayor, Councillor Juliet Anderson, addressed attendees and expressed her enthusiasm for the lasting impact both projects will have on the local community, stating:
âIâm very much looking forward to seeing the people of Woodley enjoy the Coronation Orchard Garden as a place of enjoyment and sustainability, and to see residents and visitors alike explore the History Wall and discover the story of our wonderful town. My sincere thanks go to the Town Council team, the u3a Woodley group, and Francesca Lane for their dedication, creativity, and collaboration in bringing these projects to life.â
Residents are encouraged to visit both the Coronation Orchard Garden and the History Wall, and to learn more about Woodleyâs history by visiting the Councilâs History Page.
Wokingham Borough Council is aiming to improve the boroughâs routes to make walking and cycling the natural choice for local journeys – and parts of longer ones where possible.
Increasing cycling and walking can help tackle some of societyâs most challenging issues â improving air quality, combating climate change, improving peopleâs health and wellbeing, addressing inequality and tackling congestion on roads.Â
With the increasing cost of fuel, walking and cycling is likely to become a more attractive option so the Council wants to make sure it is providing facilities that are safe, comfortable and inclusive for everyone.
As part of the Governmentâs Active Travel Fund tranches 2 and 3, the Council has secured funding to improve the cycling and walking connection between Woodley town centre and the Reading borough boundary at Palmer Park.
This is one of the key routes which have been identified in its emerging Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, a borough-wide strategic document.
This will be funded by the Department for Transport via Active Travel England.
The link between Woodley and Reading will create a safe, inclusive and direct access to Woodley town centre while connecting it to several schools and leisure facilities.
This will be completed in phases, connecting the precinct to Palmer Park via Woodlands Avenue, Church Road, Palmerstone Road and Culver Lane.
Wokingham Borough Council is planning for work to start at Palmer Park and progress towards Woodley. Take a look at the detailed plans and a summary of the route.
The Council is still finalising parts of the plans with Reading Borough Council, as the route connects into its area, and will update once these details are confirmed.
The Council has consulted residents several times and removed less popular aspects of the original proposals, like making part of Woodlands Avenue one-way.
Changes for the final designs include:
You can read more about it on the Council’s Engage Platform.
Each year, the Town Council considers its proposed budget for the coming year and assesses the funding that will be required to deliver its services. It is estimated that the Councilâs total expenditure in 2025/26 will be ÂĢ2,368,501. This will be funded from anticipated income of around ÂĢ1,064,190 from the Councilâs income generating activities, ÂĢ138,552 from the Councilâs general reserve, and ÂĢ1,165,759 from the precept levy on Wokingham Borough Council.
This equates to a charge of ÂĢ106.69 per year for a band D property in Woodley, to deliver the Town Councilâs services. This remains the same from the 2024/25 precept level.
Income from Woodford Park Leisure Centre, the Oakwood Centre and the community halls has been strong through the year, and we continue to invest in our facilities and services to ensure they remain high quality value for residents.
Woodley Town Council Leader, Cllr Keith Baker said: âI am so pleased that we have managed to freeze the Town Council Tax at last yearâs levels. It was a difficult decision to go for a zero increase with all the pressures of cost of living including things like the increased National Insurance but on balance we supported being on the side of residents, especially as they will have to pay the maximum Borough Council Tax increase next year. This means that we will have reduced our Town Council tax by an overall total of 7% since 2013 when the control of the council changed. For the last 13 years Woodley Town Council always had the highest Town / Parish Council Tax but not anymore. My thanks go to the officers and councillors who over that 13-year period who have worked tirelessly to close the gap with our neighbouring Councils.â
A duck feed dispenser is now available at Woodford Park Lake. It is located at the beginning of the boardwalk.
The feeder takes contactless payments (no cash) and costs ÂĢ1 per use. No cash is ever taken or stored. Feed dispenses into the tray that the user can then scoop out. This reduces littering or wasting containers and bags that are often not recyclable. It is operational from 7am to 10pm each day.
It dispenses small quantities of healthy seed (60 grams per use) that is suitable for the diet of ducks and other wildfowl, reducing the amount of foreign feed such as bread, which can make them unwell as it does not contain the right nutrition or calories they need to grow and keep warm. Unlike bread and other food brought from home which often sinks to the bottom of the lake, the healthy seed floats. This also gives the waterfowl enough time to eat it.
The set amount of dispensed feed controls the amount that is fed to the ducks and wildfowl. Excess rotting food can lead to silt build-up in the ecosystem, pollutes waterways, and increases algae growth, which can attract vermin and create prime conditions for disease outbreaks that can threaten biodiversity and wildfowl.
The sustainable solar powered feeder is in line with our climate commitment, as each one is made from recycled plastics, equivalent to 20,000 plastic bottles. The feeder also reduces plastic litter waste because the feed is dispensed to hand.Â
It has been provided for free and is fully maintained by The Feed Ducks Initiative. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated back to us to invest in our parks and green spaces.
If there are any issues with the feeder, please let us know.
An initiative that aims to help residents to move to renewable energy and save money on their energy bills is returning following a successful start last year.
Big Community Switch, run by iChoosr in association with Wokingham Borough Council, helps residents switch energy suppliers and move to a renewable electricity tariff. It uses the bargaining power of a large group to help secure lower prices, with all of the energy companies involved offering renewable electricity.Â
Registration is open from Monday 17 February and closes Thursday 1 May. To register and learn more, visit the ââWokingham Borough page on the Big Community Switch website.Â
Please share your views on Wokingham Borough Councilâs strategy, which will set out the actions to protect biodiversity in local areas, reduce the impact of climate change and boost the benefits of local nature.
The Council is working with its partners across Berkshire, and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is leading the project.
Berkshire has a beautifully diverse landscape and feedback from residents, landowners and communities will help to create the right strategy to assist nature recovery across our county.
Leave your comments and add your pins to the Local Habitat Map for Berkshire by Monday 24 March. You can access the Survey HERE.
Wokingham Borough Council would like to hear how you access and use pharmacy services in Wokingham borough to help it develop services in the future.Â
Your views will help inform its Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA), which will look at health needs in the borough, the level and accessibility of pharmacy services, and how these will be maintained and developed in the future.
The questionnaire should take no longer than five minutes to complete. The information you provide is confidential. Please be honest with your answers so the Council can accurately assess areas where pharmacies are already fulfilling your needs well and areas that need improvement.
WBC has asked Soar Beyond Limited to help it with this process and provide expertise on the assessment.
Tell the Council what you think by completing the online survey.
ÂĐ Woodley Town Council 2025
