West Berkshire Council is committed to encouraging active travel by introducing more walking and cycling opportunities throughout the district.

The council is taking action to help the public safely make walking or cycling trips part of their daily travel choices. Please click on the following link for further details Have Your Say Today – West Berks AT Schemes – Commonplace  or scan the QR code below, to learn more about the scheme and provide feedback on the measures put in place. Some schemes are not yet defined so this is a great opportunity to make your feelings known at the early planning stages.

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WBC is opening a Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) site at the Hungerford Rugby Club in Priory Road from Monday (22 February) offering tests to key workers and others (see below) unless they are already in a testing programme.
 
So, those to whom testing is offered include key workers, carers, and business service providers such as tradespeople entering people’s houses on a regular basis.
 
The offer does not include:

• Those with existing access to workplace testing through employers;
• Those with existing access to home testing (teachers, care homes, NHS, etc);
• Those aged 80 and over;
• Those aged 65 to 79 unless they are a key worker/carer;
• Those aged 18 and under (will be tested via schools).

 
Please note that:

• The test is only available to those who do not have Covid-19 symptoms;
• Someone who has had the Covid-19 vaccine can still have a test as the vaccine does not stop them from being able to spread the virus, although it does significantly reduce the risk;
• A negative test does not replace the hands, space, face regulations and is only valid for a specified period of time;
• This is not a ‘test and release’ option.  All of the usual rules need to apply but it can offer some reassurance that the person tested is not infected at that point in time;
• For the most effective outcome tests should be booked at least three days apart.

 
If you are eligible,  please book a test at Hungerford Rugby Club or one of WBC’s other sites using the link below.
www.westberks.gov.uk/lft

 
The CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) is asking for people to take part in a star count.

Star Count is now open for submissions!
Doing a count is simple - whether you live in town or country, just look to the night sky on a clear night from tonight until 14 February and tell us how many stars you can see within the constellation of Orion.
It's an activity you can do at home and a great way to connect to nature during lockdown. Will you take part?
Click the button below to find out everything you need to know.

All you need to know

We think that everyone deserves the opportunity to view a pristine night sky, filled with stars, and dark skies are a defining characteristic of our countryside.
But sadly, light pollution means most people in England can’t see many stars at all, especially if you live in or near a big town or city.
Less than 3% of people that took part last year enjoyed ‘truly dark skies’.
Star Count helps us find out where is best and worst for seeing the stars, and by showing on a map where light pollution is most serious, we can work with local councils and others to tackle it.
So, your count could help others to enjoy the stars in the future!

Yes, I'll take part

Here are 5 simple steps you can follow to take part in Star Count
1. Try to pick a clear night for your count, and wait until after 7pm so the sky is really dark. Please do your Star Count from home only. This could be your garden, balcony, doorstep or bedroom window.
2. Turn off all the lights in your home and let your eyes adjust (the longer you wait, the better).
3. Look south (the way satellite dishes point) and find the Orion constellation, with its four corners and three-star 'belt’.
4. Count the number of stars you can see within the rectangle made by the four corner stars. Don’t count the corner stars, but you can count the three stars in the middle – the belt.
5. Make a note of the number of stars seen with the naked eye (not with telescopes or binoculars) and then submit your count on our website.

Share your experiences (and any photos) with others on social media using #StarCount.
We hope you enjoy taking a moment to stare up at the stars and ponder the beauty of the night sky.
Happy stargazing!
Best wishes,
Emma
Emma Marrington
Dark skies campaigner
PS Please don’t travel to do a Star Count. We’d like you to take part from home only.

Here's an image to help you find Orion.

​Our community testing programme (Lateral Flow Testing) will begin on Monday,
8 February for critical and key workers, who will be contacted directly for appointments.
​Community testing helps identify people who may be infected with Covid-19 but don't have any symptoms, referred to as 'asymptomatic.'
Anyone testing positive will be requested to self-isolate to help stop the spread of the virus. See details
If you own a business in West Berkshire and wish to obtain Lateral Flow Device tests for yourself and your employees, you must register directly with the Government. Find out more

Free mental health course for adults
Recovery in Mind teaches adults the '5 Ways to Wellbeing.' The free online sessions teach how to think more positively, learn ways to overcome anxiety, develop skills in self-compassion and more during Lockdown and beyond.  
The course is available to adults 18 years and over living in West Berkshire, and a GP referral is not required. To find out more and register for this month, visit www.recoveryinmind.org
Additional resources for mental health support
You can find a list of information and help available for people struggling with mental health and anxiety on the West Berkshire Council website
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