Lost Villages to Rejoin Berkshire in 2028

The news that the 'lost' towns and villages will be reunited with Berkshire for the first time in decades has been met with optimism.

The ceremonial county once stretched from Windsor in the east to Faringdon in the west, covering Abingdon, Didcot and Wantage, plus the Uffington White Horse. In 1974 those areas were moved into Oxfordshire.

Now, more than 50 years on, the government has approved a shake-up of local government in Oxfordshire that allows creation of a new Ridgeway Council made up of West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. The announcement deciding the abolition of Oxfordshire County Council and its districts was made on Thursday, July 16.

The government backed a three-council model: Ridgeway, Greater Oxford and Northern Oxfordshire. Reading's bid to annex Tilehurst was rejected.

Greater Oxford will stretch as far south as the Abbey village of Dorchester, taking 25 parishes from South Oxfordshire, nine from the Vale of White Horse and 15 parishes of Cherwell north of the city.

Jeff Brooks, leader of West Berkshire Council, said: "We acknowledge that this decision will see some wards move from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse to become part of a new Greater Oxford council.

"This is undoubtedly a disappointment for our partner councils as they would not have wanted to lose those wards.

"Nevertheless, the new Ridgeway Council does create an exciting opportunity to build on the many strengths of West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and VOFWH.

"Together, we can create a council that is ambitious for its communities, attractive to investment and well placed to deliver excellent outcomes for residents for many years to come."

Reading council had proposed an amendment to acquire Tilehurst and Calcot, but Steve Reed, the Labour secretary for local government, rejected that plan. Cllr Brooks said he was "pleased that the government had listened to residents" by rejecting that change.

He added: "Local people have consistently told us how strongly they identify with West Berkshire and how important it is to remain part of the district. We are grateful that their voices have been heard.

"This decision provides certainty and reassurance for communities in Tilehurst and allows us to focus fully on the opportunities ahead. Residents can look forward to remaining part of West Berkshire while benefiting from everything the new Ridgeway Council will have to offer. Our focus now is on making this transition a success and ensuring residents continue to receive the high-quality services they expect and deserve."

The new councils will be created in 2028.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter