Latest headlines

Full list of local restriction tiers by area announced. The link sets out the full list of local restriction tiers by area from Wednesday 2 December 2020. Bracknell Forest, West Berkshire and Wokingham have all been placed in Tier 2. The next review is due 16th December 2020.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): taxis and PHVs Guidance. To help drivers and operators of taxis and private hire vehicles stay safe, prevent the spread of coronavirus, and ensure passengers are well informed the Department for Transport has produced sector-specific guidance for the taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) industry.

Doorstep Scam in Wokingham. We've received reports today of a scam operating in the Wokingham area. 'Workmen' saying they're from council/highways agency approaching elderly residents at their home offering to sell them some gravel they had left over from a job. Gravel is then dumped on their drive and they're asked to pay an inflated rate (in the reported case £7000) for the gravel. With 'workmen' becoming increasing threatening when resident refuses to pay.

Underage Firework and Alcohol Sales in Thatcham. JMG Stores Ltd trading as Crown Mead Stores in Thatcham were convicted after pleading guilty on Friday 20th November 2020 at Reading Magistrates of one offence of selling fireworks and alcohol to a person under the age of eighteen and one offence selling a firework out of the permitted time. At the same hearing  Mr Manmohan Nagpal (a Director of JMG Stores Ltd and Designated Premise Supervisor) was convicted of one count of selling alcohol to an a person under the age of eighteen.

Taxi & Private Hire Drivers: Can you help identify victims of abuse? As key workers on the frontline during this crisis, you are not only providing a critical service to the country to ensure our safety, but you may also be the only other people that victims of abuse have interactions with outside of their home. This means you are in a unique position to help those suffering from abuse, and potentially save lives.

Pass the Parcel? Know your rights with online deliveries. More than four in ten people in the South East of England have had a parcel delivery problem since first March lockdown.

AVIAN INFLUENZA PREVENTION ZONE IMPLEMENTED ACROSS ENGLAND AND WALES. An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone has been declared across the whole of England and a separate one for the whole of Wales, both effective from 5pm on 11 November 2020 and will apply until such times that it is revoked.

Pet / Animal Owners and Workers within the Animal Sector Covid Restrictions Guidelines . Summary of new COVID restrictions (from 5th November) relating to those with pets/animals and those who work in this sector.

Dog Groomers. We have received numerous requests for advice on if residents can take their dogs to be groomed and if dog groomers are allowed to continue trading under current restrictions.

Underage Alcohol Sales In Hungerford. On Friday 16th October Mr Patel from J&P Stores in Hungerford was found guilty, at Reading Magistrates Court, of selling alcohol to our underage volunteer.