Woodley Residents Rally Against Car Park Charges

More than 100 people rallied at Ashenbury Park in Woodley on Saturday, August 8 to protest the proposed introduction of a £2.50 all-day car-park charge by Wokingham Borough Council.

Ashenbury Park spreads across nearly 50 acres at the eastern edge of Woodley. Photos show dog walkers and residents gathering that morning to show their opposition.

Councillor David Bragg, the former mayor of Woodley, said: "I think it went very well, there were many more people, if I’m honest, than I expected.

"But it is really important to know that this is a resident-led campaign. The residents are working hard to get this all sorted.

Mrs Michelle said: "It was very encouraging, I was quite surprised, we had a good turnout, more than what we expected, especially as it was only advertised on social media.

"We’re seriously concerned about how Ashenbury Park could become an events venue, like Dinton Pastures.

A Facebook group called ‘Friends of Ashenbury’ was set up on Saturday evening and had 111 requests to join by midday on Sunday, August 9.

Residents are being asked to take part in a traffic regulation order (TRO) consultation on the Engage Wokingham website covering off-street parking changes, including the £2.50 proposal. The closing date for representations is Wednesday, September 9.

Cllr Bragg, a Conservative representative for Loddon ward on the borough council, said: "I’d like people to know it’s very important for people to use ‘object’ when making their comments."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter