I think residents underestimate the influence they have on the development of our town.  One small decision locally stood out for me over the summer: the refusal of flood lights for existing tennis courts in suburban Reading.  Whilst the main reason for refusal was linked to the light directly, the documentation reveals local complaints related to noise were also upheld:

“Youthful high spirits!” Look, I’ve nothing to suggest the correct laws and processes weren’t applied.  Maybe those laws should be reviewed, but my main point here is that we need people to be more community-spirited than the folk at number 23.  Wouldn’t it be great if people directed their energy and influence to making exciting new things happen, rather than constantly protesting against the endeavours of others?  As it happens, this week – Wednesday 5th September – you have a chance (actually a second chance) to do exactly that.  The council is consulting on initials ideas for the regeneration of a swathe of central Reading, including Hosier St, the former civic centre site, and the police station.  I went to the first consultation earlier in the summer.  Continue reading “Have your say on Hosier St Plans” →