Residents in Theale are being polled about whether they should stay in West Berkshire or head to Reading instead.
It is in response to Reading council’s overt wish to land grab the eastern areas of West Berkshire in the forthcoming proposals to reshape council structures in England.
Reading Borough Council wants permission from the government to let it swallow up five villages on its western fringes.
People in Calcot, Tilehurst, Purley-on-Thames, Pangbourne and Theale currently have their bins emptied, schools run and potholes filled by West Berkshire Council.
West Berkshire Council has described the move as ‘hostile’.
It all started back in the spring when West Berkshire Council announced – out of the blue – that it was looking to join forces with the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire to create a new bigger, combined council.
That may change though as the two councils jockey for both position and power as part of a wider shake-up of local government.
Around 70 people attended the parish council meeting last week asking for a poll regarding the Local Government Review and Reading Borough Council’s proposal to change the boundary line.
Once the date of the poll is set it will be communicated to residents via the parish noticeboard (outside the Co-op), as well as on the parish council website and Facebook page.
“The poll provides an opportunity for Theale residents to vote and express their views on whether the parish should remain within the West Berkshire boundary or become part of Reading,” says the parish notice.
“While the final decision will rest with the Secretary of State, the Parish Poll serves as an important way for residents to formally have their say on this issue. Your vote matters — please take part and make your voice heard.”
It’s likely to take several years before the local government review settles into any shape.
