Newbury Sound have today reported that the leader of the council believes that we are in a better position than other local authorities. Graham Jones has also confirmed that the council tax in West Berkshire will be frozen this year.

With the budget coming in as fortnight or so, what will the main talking points be? Tghe Lib Dems and Labour are already highlighting the fact that the long term debt at West Berkshire has almost doubled. Is this happening to balance the books in an election year?

Elected members we won't see standing in May

Rumour has reached Newbury Politics that a number of elected members are set to retire from the District council this May. These include Cllr Adrian Edwards, Cllr Geoff Findlay and Cllr Ellen Crumly. Can you add to the list?

NWN Readers back incinerator

According to a poll in the NWN, 51% of local residents back the incinerator at Chieveley Services. 39% are against it, with 10% saying that they do not care. So why all of the objection from local politicos?

Newbury Liberal Party?

A letter in the local paper today suggests that there is a new party for the Liberal minded in West Berkshire. The Newbury Liberal Party is being established by Stephen Graham of Newbury, and seeks to bring an end to the dominance of "two tired tired political parties who lack energy and credibility".

UKIP plan to field " a number of candidates"

The Newbury branch of political party UKIP are planning to stand candidates in this years local elections, led by general election candidate David Black. The party have been very vocal over recent months, and are hoping to boost party membership in the process.

Incinerator - Quarry planning conditions "in breach"

It was revealed at a meeting concerning the proposed incinerator in Chieveley last night that Grundon are reportedly in breach of the planning consent given to allow the firm to set up a quarry in the area. Grundon were given permission to quarry the site for a period of twelve years, on condition that the site was returned to greenfield or agricultural usage at the end of that period. There is now speculation that the application for an incinerator is to prevent a legal challenge from West Berkshire Council, and to allow extraction of minerals to continue at the site.

As this story develops, what will the political implications be? Why did the council not enforce the original planning conditions, and who gave permission for this site to be used in this way in the first place?

Incinerator - Benyon's hands are "tied"

Members of the public attending a meeting concerning the proposed incinerator in Chieveley last night were left asking whether their MP was supporting their cause or not. Assistant to Richard Benyon MP Michele Di Angeli was present at the meeting, and said that "Mr Benyon supports the residents in their fight, but his hands are tied on this matter".