Shaping the Future of Newbury Town Centre

I am pleased that West Berkshire Council have listened to the feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors on the current pedestrianisation arrangements in Newbury town centre, which will now come to an end in its current form in September. 

I have been pressing the Council on these issues directly, including raising them in meetings, letters, and conversations with the Council, after receiving significant concerns from constituents and local businesses about access, traffic flow, and the impact on the vitality of the town centre. 

I am glad that these concerns have been taken seriously, and are being reflected in the Council’s next steps. This is a positive example of local voices helping to shape local decision-making. 

The consultation results speak for themselves: 75% of respondents do not support the scheme in its current form. That is a clear signal that the town centre masterplan must be reshaped so it reflects the needs of the whole community. 

While we all want a thriving town centre, it is important that any approach works in practice as well as in principle. The feedback received, including a clear majority expressing opposition to the scheme in its current form, underlines why it is right that the Council is now reviewing how this is taken forward. 

This is not about being for or against change. It is about getting the balance right between supporting a vibrant, welcoming town centre and ensuring it remains accessible and workable for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. From my conversations with local business owners, community groups, and constituents, it’s clear that this is not an all-or-nothing debate. 

I will continue to engage closely with the Council as this review progresses to ensure the next phase is transparent, evidence-led, and properly reflects the views of the community. 

Newbury town centre works best when it works for everyone, and it is right that local voices continue to shape what happens next.