Carters Stream Fair is to change the name of one of its attractions from “freak show” to Original Incredibles after an objection from Reading Borough Council.
It is believed that the Council judged the term potentially offensive.
Carters, however, defended the “freak show”, saying that the attraction was aimed at families and emphasising that the form of entertainment was popularly used in Victorian funfairs.
The new name will only be used while the fair is in town, on 8 and 9 October 2005.
For the Evening Post article, click here.
Click here to read the BBC story.
Matt Brady on September 29th 2005 in Culture, Local Government
According to a study by management consultancy Hay Group, the average Reading home is now 10 times more expensive than the average local salary. This puts it on a par with other “pricey town” Harrogate.
More expensive properties are found in Oxford, Bath and London, at 11 times salary. Leading, however, is Richmond (18x), followed by Guildford (13x) and Epsom (12x).
And the cheapest? Wales, where the average property costs 3.5x the local wage.
Click here to read the press release.
Click here to read a similar article previously published on this blog, “Property search? Search properly with OnOneMap”.
Matt Brady on September 25th 2005 in Business
A campaign code-named Safer Streets was launched by Thames Valley Police on 23 September 2005 to confront rising violent crime across the Thames Valley.
According to Thames Valley Police, violent crime accounts for 21% of total crime across the Force, and Safer Streets is intended to allow people to live more safely and enjoy the nightlife.
The crackdown, targeting individuals aged 15-35 over a 6 month period, will have a “three-pronged attack” (it’s devilishly simple, you see):
1. Operation ‘Hangover’ (I’m not making this up)
2. Tackling robberies of young people
3. Tackling the rise in the number of young people with replica guns (because that’s bang out of order).
Click here to read more.
Matt Brady on September 25th 2005 in Culture, Local Government
Reading Borough Council is to consult local people in November 2005 on proposed changes to the Inner Distribution Road (IDR).
The consultation will involve a number of exhibitions in Caversham, South Reading, Tilehurst, Southcote, East Reading and the Town Centre.
The proposed benefits include:
an improvement of traffic flow
giving public transport more priority
cycling, walking and environmental improvements
an extensive tree planting programme
removal of the IDR flyover at the Oracle roundabout
The Council said that these changes would be implemented by 2008.
Interesting news from the Council, but the benefits do seem vague. Removing the flyover - a major eyesore - is a a concrete (!) proposal that may win support, however. We need more green and less grey in Reading town centre.
Click here to read the Council’s press release - including a picture of how the Oracle roundabout would look without the flyover.
Matt Brady on September 23rd 2005 in Local Government
Reading Borough Council is coordinating a series of 11 walks in Reading as part of National Walking Week (18-25 September 2005).
The walks are very short, of 1-3 miles, but take in places such as Prospect Park, Palmer Park and Lousehill Copse. Furthermore, activities such as picnics and Family Treasure Hunts are also included.
Click here to read more about the ‘We love Walking Campaign’.
Matt Brady on September 21st 2005 in Local Government
Network Rail said Reading Station, as well as Leicester and Guildford stations, is targeted for improvements.
The rail infrastructure company is to invest up to GB£ 4bn over the next decade on upgrades - with Euston, Victoria and Waterloo at the head of the queue.
This is excellent news for Reading Station. Vital to the town, the station needs a facelift. Ten years, however, seems a long time to wait for this essential modernisation.
Click here to read the story reported by the BBC.
Matt Brady on September 19th 2005 in Business
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