Theale to Vote on Joining Greater Reading Council

A referendum on the possibility of Theale joining a Greater Reading council has been announced.

Theale is set to hold a referendum on whether to join a Greater Reading council or stay part of West Berkshire Council.

This comes as local government reform is in motion, with Oxfordshire County Council being abolished.

Theale has the choice to remain with West Berkshire Council, which is merging with South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse to form Ridgeway Council, or to join Reading Borough Council.

Councillor Alan Macro, who serves Theale on West Berkshire Council, is positive about the poll, stating it allows residents to express their views democratically regarding Reading’s push for expansion into Theale.

He added: “It will be conducted by West Berkshire Council's Electoral Services, so no one will be able to claim that it was biased.”

The vote will take place on Thursday, November 6, from 4pm to 9pm. Residents usually voting at John Cumber Hall should cast their votes there, while those who vote at the village hall should head to the Peter Gooch Room in the adjacent Pavilion.

Only registered voters in Theale can participate.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter