West Berkshire Council

28/08/2026

Using the long weekend to have a clear out? Our Household Waste Recycling Centres at Newtown Road and Padworth will be open from 9am to 6pm, Saturday through to Monday. You can find out what can be recycled at each centre on our website.

If your recycling, food waste, black bin or garden waste collection falls on Bank Holiday Monday, collections will take place as normal, so please put your bins and recycling out by 6am on your usual collection day.

Not sure what to put out on your next collection? Check using our Bin Day Finder (link in comments).

28/08/2026

There's still time to join in with the Summer Reading Challenge at our West Berkshire Libraries, with over 1600 children taking part so far!

Children aged 4-11 years can visit their local library to sign up and read up to six library books by 15 September. We're are also running a mini-challenge for pre-school children and one for older children and grown-ups too.

Earlier this month, Councillor Stephanie Steevenson, Chairman of West Berkshire Council, volunteered to sign children up for the Challenge. Cllr Steevenson was delighted to give out certificates, medals and stickers to those who are already half way through the challenge, and some who have already completed it! She also signed herself up for the West Berks Books Challenge whilst she was there.

For more information about any of our summer reading challenges, visit your local library.

28/08/2026

Are you an experienced Child Protection Social Worker who is looking to take the next step in your career?

Lead Child Protection Practitioner is our job of the week, find out more and apply via the link the comments.

28/08/2026

Bags packed and off to Reading Festival - or travelling in the area?

With the festival starting today, Reading Council have provided everything you need to know about Reading Festival in one helpful place.

From staying safe if you're attending to avoiding traffic jams if you're dropping someone off you find out more here ⬇

Reading Festival returns to Reading for the August bank holiday weekend. Find travel and safety advice for festival-goers, guidance for residents and available support throughout the event.

27/08/2026

Congratulations to the thousands of young people across West Berkshire who received their GCSE, A Level, Technical and Vocational qualification results over the last couple of weeks!

Councillor Stephanie Steevenson (Chairman of West Berkshire Council), Councillor Heather Codling (Deputy Leader of West Berkshire Council and Executive Member for Children and Family Services), and Ashley Milum (West Berkshire Council's Service Director for Education and SEND), visited The Willink School & Sixth Form and Trinity School Newbury on results days to congratulate students and staff as they celebrate these significant achievements.

Students will now be considering their next steps, whether that’s sixth form, college, apprenticeships, training, university or employment. For those exploring alternative options, advice and guidance are available through schools, colleges and the National Careers Service

27/08/2026

Our new Autumn/Winter What's On guide has arrived!

It's packed with family events, exhibitions, theatre, history talks, festive activities and much more at Shaw House and West Berkshire Museum.

Pick up a free copy from your local West Berkshire Libraries, Everyone Active leisure centre, Shaw House , West Berkshire Museum or our council offices.

26/08/2026

Healthy smiles are on the summer activity list! Children at selected West Berkshire Holiday, Activity and Food programmes are learning how to care for their teeth with Community Dental Services UK through a new pilot scheme combining fun, games and practical tips. Plus, each child receives a free toothbrushing pack to take home. 😁

Last week, Cllr Patrick Clark visited a Funtastic Kids West Berks session at St Joseph's Primary School to see the activities in action. The project forms part of our wider work to help children develop healthy habits for life.

Read more via the link in the comments 👇

26/08/2026

Lovely to see these photos from Hungerford Day Centre's annual BBQ last week!

25/08/2026

Visitors of all ages dropped in to Newbury Library on Saturday for the 21st Anniversary of the Newbury Mosaic to spot the section they helped create and share memories of the project.

Families explored displays about the mosaic's creation, while children enjoyed activity worksheets inspired by the artwork. Artist Paul Forsey, who designed the mosaic, was also on hand to meet visitors and reminisce about the project.

25/08/2026

Over the last two weeks, our highways teams have repaired 22 potholes, cleaned 853 gullies and fixed 18 street lights across West Berkshire.

While pothole numbers are often lower during the summer months, our teams continue to carry out essential maintenance to keep the network in good condition. Regular gully cleaning helps reduce the risk of flooding, while street lighting repairs help keep roads and footpaths safe for everyone.

Alongside this work, we're continuing to deliver improvements through this year's Highways Improvement Plan.