Parish poll shows Theale residents committed to West Berkshire

Residents in Theale have voted overwhelmingly in favour of staying within the administrative area of West Berkshire Council in a parish poll held yesterday (Thursday).

In response to a question asking whether they wished for the parish of Theale to stay within the West Berkshire Council boundary 95% of voters (534 people) answered yes. The poll was held in response to a proposal for a new 'Ridgeway Council' covering West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse - and a move in response from Reading Council claiming eastern parts of the district should become part of a greater Reading.

Speaking after the result the Leader of West Berkshire Council, Councillor Jeff Brooks, said:

"This is a landslide result which shows very clearly what many people in Theale have already told us - that they want to remain a part of West Berkshire. I am grateful to residents for giving their consideration to this important issue and for taking the time to turn out and cast their vote. I am also grateful to the Parish Council for investing in this and to Councillor Alan Macro for supporting it.

 

"I am confident that the other Parish areas that Reading Borough has unnecessarily tried to annex - including Tilehurst, Holybrook, Calcot, Purley on Thames, Pangbourne, Tidmarsh and Sulham - will have stated their preference to continue to receive their Council services from West Berkshire Council and, potentially, a new Ridgeway Council."

 

"The proposal for a new Ridgeway Council is a strong one and we believe is the best option for our residents. It will create a council which is big enough to cope, but small enough to care - making sure we are fit for the future whilst preserving the character and communities we hold dear."

The proposal for a new Ridgeway Council has been put forward in response to a programme of Local Government Reorganisation being undertaken by the Government. More information about the proposal is available at www.twocouncils.org.

The result of the Theale Parish Poll is published here: westberks.gov.uk/theale-parish-poll