Reading Council seeks to keep all of Tilehurst in Berkshire
Consultation opens on Oxfordshire proposals that could reshape local boundaries
Reading Council is robustly presenting its case to keep the entirety of Tilehurst in Berkshire amidst ongoing discussions concerning Oxfordshire’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) proposals.
The Government has initiated a seven-week consultation beginning today (5th February) on Oxfordshire's three proposed reorganisation options.
Two of these proposals may result in the dissolution of West Berkshire Council, leading its residents into a larger ‘Ridgeway’ council.
Reading Borough Council argues that moving the West Berkshire wards of Tilehurst Birch Copse, Tilehurst and Purley, and Tilehurst South and Holybrook back into Reading aligns better with the government's criteria that LGR proposals should consider "sensible economic geography."
These wards, once divided for historical agricultural reasons, now sit within an expanding urban area of Reading, with residents feeling a strong connection to the town.
Reading Borough Council plans to submit its proposal to the consultation with the hope that the Secretary of State will choose to modify the proposals to reflect the local geography and economy more accurately.
The council is actively encouraging residents, businesses, and organizations to engage with the Oxfordshire LGR consultation.
Feedback can be shared via the consultation portal: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/oxfordshire/
Councillor Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council, emphasized the disconnect between Tilehurst residents and the proposal for a larger, predominantly rural Ridgeway council:
"We have now had confirmation of the Government’s position; that neither West Berkshire Council nor Reading Borough Council were invited to submit bids as part of this phase of Local Government Reorganisation, which is something we have emphasised from the outset.”
Terry continued, noting residents' preference for local decision-making:
"It is important to emphasise that West Berkshire would cease to exist if proposals for a new ‘Ridgeway’ council are agreed. Residents of these three wards would find themselves on the outer fringes of a significantly larger and predominantly rural new Council where their needs would not necessarily align with those of the rest of their new area."
Last autumn, Reading Council conducted detailed public consultations and surveys to strengthen its proposal.
These efforts included collecting data on residents’ use of local facilities and services.
Tilehurst residents frequently use Reading’s amenities like the Hexagon Theatre, Rivermead Leisure Centre, and local parks, with significant survey feedback showing a preference for remaining within Reading’s governance.
The consultation will continue until Thursday, 26th March, offering a platform for public input on these significant boundary and governance considerations.