April Highlights: Local Voices, Real Pressures, and Looking Ahead

April has been one of those months that really shows the range of issues people across Newbury and West Berkshire are dealing with day to day.

From concerns about our rivers and environment, to rising household bills, road safety, housing, flooding, and so much more, the conversations I’ve been having across Newbury and West Berkshire all point to the same thing: people care deeply about where they live and want to see things working properly.

Westminster Activity

In Westminster this month, I’ve spoken out on the rising cost of living, pressure on household finances, online safety and wellbeing for young people, Universal Credit, and concerns around betting affordability checks and privacy, an issue many residents connected to racing and rural communities have contacted me about.

I’ve also continued to push for Parliament to be able to properly scrutinise Government decisions during major international events and conflicts, because transparency and accountability matter.

Protecting What Matters Locally

The environment has been one of the biggest themes this month, especially the state of our rivers and chalk streams.

I’ve heard from many residents worried about sewage discharges into rivers like the Lambourn, Kennet, and Winterborne. I’ve continued pressing Thames Water for clearer answers and real accountability.

Flooding also remains a major concern. I attended the Lambourn Valley Flood Forum this month and will keep pushing for better flood defence investment for our area.

Safety, Communities and Local Voices

Road safety also continues to be raised regularly with me, particularly around the A34 and equestrian safety on rural roads.

I was proud to support the British Horse Society’s Dead Slow campaign again this year as part of my ongoing work to improve horse and rider safety, something especially important in communities like Lambourn.

I’ve also continued conversations around the pedestrianisation trail in Newbury town centre, making sure residents’ and businesses’ views are being heard as discussions continue. I also held a rural roundtable this month to discuss the pressures facing farming and rural communities across West Berkshire.

Alongside meetings and surgeries, it’s been great to spend time out in the community this month, from the Newbury Youth Hub launch at the Waterside Centre, to visits with Willows Primary School, Medwell Chemist, Berkshire Cats Protection, the Newbury Mosque, and the Kintbury Dog Show.

I visited the adventure golf site in Victoria Park following the shocking vandalism that happened there recently. I also continue to investigate the problems residents are facing with Evri deliveries.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead to May, one issue I expect to focus on more closely is support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). I’ve already been hearing from many local families about their experiences, and I’ll be sharing more about this work soon.

With exam season approaching and Mental Health Awareness Week coming up, it’s also a good reminder to check in on those around us and make sure people feel supported.

As always, if there’s something you’d like to raise, please do get in touch with me and my team. We’re here to help, and hearing from residents helps shape the work I do every day.