Residents in Purley on Thames say they want to stay in West Berkshire in the latest parish survey resisting Reading Borough Council’s expansion plans into eastern parts of the district.
Residents in Purley on Thames say they want to stay in West Berkshire, according to a parish survey resisting Reading Borough Council’s plans to expand into eastern parts of the district.
Tilehurst and Purley is one of three wards Reading Borough Council is proposing to ask the Government to move within its authority – against the wishes of West Berkshire Council.
The Purley Parish Council survey, which is still open, so far shows well over 80 per cent of respondents favoured staying in West Berkshire or moving to a new Ridgeway Council. Most respondents, 86.7 per cent, were from Purley on Thames itself.
Key issues highlighted include the importance of maintaining Purley’s local identity and rural character as well as council tax, planning and other service delivery.
Justin Pemberton (Lib Dem, Thatcham West), executive member for Local Government Reorganisation at West Berkshire Council, said: “We are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their views on what is an issue of concern for many of our residents.
“The results show a clear preference for remaining in West Berkshire – and demonstrates the importance of our work standing up for our residents in the east of the district.
“We will continue to support our residents and again call for Reading Borough Council to listen to residents and abandon their ill-conceived an unwanted proposal.”
Jane Langford, who represents Tilehurst and Purley ward at West Berkshire Council, added: “The results of the survey are clear, the large majority of residents of Purley do not wish to join Reading Borough Council.
“These views accord with the views I am hearing on the doorsteps of Purley.
“One Member of the public said that ‘Reading struggle to look after the areas they currently have’.
“This supports the general view that Purley and Tilehurst residents expect and deserve better value for their money and do not want their representation weakened.”
Graham Rolfe, chairman of Purley on Thames Parish Council, said: “Purley on Thames Parish Council have been conducting a survey to determine how our parishioners feel about the two proposals to reorganise the district council which Purley on Thames forms part of.
“Based on 341 responses so far, there is a clear majority, with 88 per cent of parishioners expressing a preference to remain within West Berkshire Council.
“The survey remains open, and the parish council will continue to monitor responses as the process develops.”
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
