The Ready for Ridgeway Roadshow hits the road in West Berkshire this week
We're ready for Ridgeway - are you? Your chance to chat with us about the proposals.
Communities are being invited to come out and join the conversation about proposals for a new council in their area.
A series of drop-in events are taking place at cafes, libraries and town and village halls across the area over the next few weeks to discuss 'Ridgeway Council' a proposed new unitary authority that would cover the council areas of West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.
Councillors and officers will be on hand to discuss the proposals, and hear from residents about their thoughts and opinions on their local councils, and what could be improved.
Ridgeway Council is one half of a proposal that will be submitted to the government later this year for two new unitary councils for the Oxfordshire and West Berkshire area. The proposed two councils are:
- Oxford and Shires Council: made up of the existing council areas of Cherwell, West Oxfordshire and Oxford City
- Ridgeway Council: made up of the existing council areas of West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse
Feedback provided at the drop-in sessions will help develop the two unitary council proposal and ensure it is fully informed by the public. An online survey has also been launched to allow residents to give their views on councils and local service delivery, which is open for six weeks until 16 July.
The 'Ready for Ridgeway' Roadshow events are taking place at the following locations and times:
West Berkshire events
- Beansheaf Community Centre, Calcot, Wednesday 18 June, 11am - 3pm
- Newbury Library, Thursday 19 June, 11am - 3pm
- Hungerford Library, Wednesday 25 June, 11am - 2pm·
You'll also find us out and about and ready for a chat - look out out for the West Berkshire Council gazebo
- Northbrook Street, Newbury, Saturday 28 June, 11.00am - 3.00pm
- Thatcham market, Friday 20 June, 10.00am - 2.00pm
To hear about any other events we may add to the schedule and receive updates on the proposals for a new Ridgeway Council direct to your inbox please subscribe to our newsletter.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse events
If you work or visit South Oxfordshire or the Vale of White Horse you can also pop into one of the events being held below.
- Coffee Aroma, Abingdon, Friday 13 June 1.30pm - 4.30pm
- Berro Lounge, Orchard Shopping Centre, Didcot, Tuesday 17 June 10.30am - 1.30pm
- St Mary-le-More Church, Wallingford, Thursday 19 June 1.30pm - 4.30pm
- The Beacon, Wantage, Wednesday 25 June, 1pm - 4pm
- Old Crown Coach Inn, Faringdon, Friday 27 June, 10.30am - 1.30pm
- Henley-on-Thames Town Hall, Tuesday 1 July, 2.30pm - 5.30pm
- Thame Town Hall, Friday 4 July, 10.30am - 1.30pm
A full list of events including those in West Oxfordshire and Cherwell districts can be found here: twocouncils.org/get-involved
The proposal for the two new unitary councils is in response to the government's plans for councils to reorganise and join up so they cover areas of around 500,000 people. Having two councils in Oxfordshire would mean the councils are large enough to meet the government's size criteria and be financially viable, but small enough to be tailored to the needs of the individual areas they cover.
West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, and the Vale of White Horse already share deep historical, economic, and geographic ties, symbolised by the working title of our proposed new council, named after the famous 5,000-year-old footpath that travels through the heart of the council areas. By building on these shared connections, 'Ridgeway Council' will provide a strong and effective foundation for the future.
Both new councils would deliver better services while retaining a close link to local communities. The proposal aims to create strong, financially stable councils that provide high-quality, cost-effective, and locally driven services.
While the councils would be new, there would be strong continuity of services for residents, with the existing social care provision at West Berkshire Council and Oxfordshire County Council continuing as part of the new councils. This would ensure that those in need continue to receive their support without costly disaggregation of their services, which the government wants to avoid.
Residents can also find out more and share their thoughts by taking part in the online survey by visiting: twocouncils.org
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