Government Rejects Greater Reading Expansion Proposal

A bid to create a 'Greater Reading' by expanding the town westwards has failed after the government rejected an amendment to local reorganisation plans.

Labour-run Reading Borough Council had wanted to incorporate Tilehurst Parish and Calcot as part of changes tied to the reorganisation of local government in Oxfordshire, when the county council, city council and five districts will be abolished in 2028.

At that time the area will be split into Greater Oxford Council, Northern Oxfordshire Council and a 'Ridgeway' to the south. 'Ridgeway' has been controversial because West Berkshire will join South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse, which are all controlled by the Liberal Democrats, despite West Berkshire already having unitary powers.

Reading asked for the West Berkshire wards Tilehurst Birch Copse, Tilehurst & Purley, and Tilehurst South & Holybrook to be moved into Greater Reading. An independent survey the council commissioned found 34-37 per cent of those western residents used Reading's leisure centres, and also visited Tilehurst Library, roads and parks in Reading Borough.

Steve Reed, the Labour Secretary of State for local government, has denied the amendment.

Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council, said the council is disappointed, believes the western boundary no longer reflects how people live and will consider its position. She added: "Reading has a hugely powerful economy and is an economic driver for the region and economy nationally. We believe our outlook mirrors the government's own ambitions for economic growth to be driven by our towns and cities and Reading should be at the forefront of any future decisions on reorganisation in Berkshire."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter