News

Following a record increase in undergraduate applications to the University of Reading in 2012, overall applications are up almost 5% on last year compared to the sector average of 3.5%.

The University is performing strongly, following an overall increase in applications of 10% in 2012, and is consistently seeing increases in applications despite the recent changes in higher education funding and fees.

By 15 January 2013, the University of Reading had received over 20,000 applications for places on undergraduate courses at a rate of almost seven applications per place. More than 18,000 home and EU students have applied to Reading, along with more than 2,000 international students.

Those students who put Reading as their firm choice and apply for accommodation by 1 August will be guaranteed a single study bedroom in University Halls. Four new halls have opened on the main University Whiteknights campus in the last two years. www.reading.ac.uk

Residents living around Bath Road Reservoir are being invited to respond to a consultation by Reading Borough Council on planning conditions imposed when permission was granted that aim to keep disruption to a minimum during the construction of 78 new homes on the site.

The Council’s Planning Committee resolved to grant permission on October 17 last year for 68 homes and 10 more in the pump house and Grade II-listed water tower. Full planning permission was granted on December 10.

The Council has now received two applications for approval of details in respect of these conditions and on Thursday this week a planning consultation letter was sent out to 150 households in the area. The letter pointed residents towards the applications and accompanying documents, including the CMS, online at http://planning.reading.gov.uk, using the application reference 13/00098/APPCON & 13/00089/APPCON. Documents can also be seen at the Civic Centre between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Residents can write in with their comments to Justin Turvey, Planning South and West Team, Civic Centre, Reading, RG1 7AE.

Berkshire’s six local authorities have joined forces in a week long campaign to help local children find new families during Berkshire Fostering and Adoption Week (11-17 February 2013).

Reading Borough Council, Slough Borough Council, West Berkshire Council, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council, Wokingham Borough Council and Bracknell Forest Council are holding information events, throughout the week, providing an ideal opportunity for local people to find out what is involved and ask any questions they may have. The six councils are encouraging people to think about how they can make a difference to children and young people’s lives. The organisers are also focusing on social media – specifically Facebook and Twitter, to raise awareness and dispel the myths around fostering and adoption.

You can find out more via social media, visit www.reading.gov.uk/fostering or all 0118 937 3440.

Following the wettest year on record in England, the ground and rivers across The Thames Valley are full to the brim.

The volume of rain predicted over the next few days is likely to lead to flooding and drainage-related problems for some of our customers, and this means our response times may be slower than normal.

Who to contact for assistance:
Roadside gullies: If roadside gullies are blocked and water cannot enter them, contact your local council.

River flooding: Contact the Environment Agency on their 24-hour Floodline 0845 988118.

Sandbags: If a property is in danger of flooding contact your local council for sand bags.

www.thameswater.co.uk

Thames Water have reported that customers in Reading may be experiencing no water or low water pressure in the following postcode areas RG2, RG5, RG6, RG7, RG10, RG40 and RG41, due to a burst main at our Fobney Water Treatment Works, off Rose Kiln Lane.

Thames Water can be contacted at Clearwater Court Vastern Rd, Reading, West Berkshire RG1 8DB
0845 920 0888